Lakers evaluate Sandro Mamukelashvili as backup for Walker Kessler
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 12, 2026, 12:16 AM
Last updated Sep 12, 2026

The Los Angeles Lakers are assessing internal options to address frontcourt depth behind center Walker Kessler. With limited trade assets and few viable free agents remaining, the team is considering 6’9" forward Sandro Mamukelashvili to fill the backup center role. Mamukelashvili signed a four-year, $52 million contract with the organization this off-season following a campaign with the Toronto Raptors where he averaged 11.2 points and shot 39 percent from beyond the arc. While Kevon Looney remains on the roster, team reports suggest he will likely serve in a situational capacity rather than as the primary reserve. The team remains thin at power forward, which may force Mamukelashvili to split minutes between two positions throughout the upcoming season.
- •Sandro Mamukelashvili joined the Lakers on a four-year, $52 million deal.
- •The team holds limited trade assets to acquire immediate frontcourt reinforcements.
- •Kevon Looney is expected to play a situational role for the roster.
- •Mamukelashvili shot 39 percent from 3-point range last season.
- 12:16 AMYahoo Sports — Lakers Expected to Turn to 6’9″ Elite 3-Point Shooter to Back Up Walker Kessler
"There is nothing secret about what the Los Angeles Lakers have to do next. They landed rising star big man Walker Kessler to be Luka Doncic’s long-term frontcourt runningmate, but the Lakers do not have a traditional big man to turn to it Kessler misses time. Even if Kessler, who appeared in just five games for […] The post Lakers Expected to Turn to 6’9″ Elite 3-Point Shooter to Back Up Walker Kessler appeared first on HEAVY.
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