Just hours after finally solving their long-running search for a starting center, the Los Angeles Lakers made sure their frontcourt makeover wasn't finished.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, free agent forward/center Sandro Mamukelashvili has agreed to a four-year, $52 million contract with the Lakers. The deal reportedly includes a player option in the fourth season, giving Los Angeles another versatile big man shortly after acquiring Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz in a blockbuster trade.
Together, the two moves dramatically reshape the Lakers' frontcourt and signal the organization's commitment to surrounding Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves with size, shooting and interior depth heading into the 2026-27 season.
Lakers Add Versatile Frontcourt Piece
Charania reported that Mamukelashvili's four-year contract is fully guaranteed and includes a player option in the final season. While Kessler brings elite rim protection and rebounding, Mamukelashvili offers a completely different skill set.
The 6-foot-9 big man can stretch the floor, handle the basketball and create offense, making him an ideal complementary piece alongside Kessler in the Lakers' revamped rotation.
Mamukelashvili Is Coming Off a Career Year
Mamukelashvili enjoyed the best season of his NBA career with the Toronto Raptors in 2025-26. Appearing in 80 games while serving primarily as a sixth man, he averaged career highs of 11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game while shooting 52.3% from the field and an impressive 38.9% from three-point range.
The former Seton Hall standout also finished among the top 10 in Sixth Man of the Year voting after emerging as one of Toronto's most productive reserves.
Lakers Continue Aggressive Offseason
Los Angeles has wasted little time attacking its biggest roster weakness. After landing Kessler to anchor the paint, adding Mamukelashvili gives the Lakers another frontcourt player capable of spacing the floor while providing quality minutes at either power forward or center.
With two significant additions arriving on the same day, the Lakers have made it clear they aren't content with simply competing in the Western Conference. They're building a roster designed to maximize their stars and make another serious run at an NBA championship.
