Los Angeles Lakers forward Sandro Mamukelashvili described teammate Luka Doncic as likely the greatest offensive player in basketball history during the franchise’s annual Media Day ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season. Mamukelashvili, who signed a four-year, $52 million contract with the team in free agency, emphasized the Slovenian guard’s exceptional court vision and playmaking gravity as the centerpiece of the overhauled Los Angeles roster.
A Shift in Los Angeles Following LeBron James’s Departure
The 2026-27 campaign marks a monumental transition for the Los Angeles Lakers following the departure of LeBron James. This summer, the four-time NBA champion opted to begin a new chapter with the Philadelphia 76ers on a minimum contract. With James’s massive salary slot clearing off the books, the front office established a clear strategic roadmap: build the roster entirely around Doncic.
To execute this pivot, the front office orchestrated a busy offseason. The club parted ways with veterans such as Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura, and Luke Kennard. In their place, the team signed free agents Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, Kevon Looney, Matisse Thybulle, and Mamukelashvili. Management also secured center Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz via a sign-and-trade and acquired guard Jaden Hardy from the Washington Wizards in a deal involving Deandre Ayton.
Mamukelashvili Praises Doncic’s Generous Playmaking Style
Speaking to reporters at the team’s facility, Mamukelashvili did not hold back when assessing his new teammate’s abilities on the floor. The 6-foot-10 forward highlighted how Doncic’s passing IQ benefits floor-spacers like himself.
“Probable that Doncic is the best offensive player in history, I would say, and certainly the best in the league right now,” Mamukelashvili said during Media Day. “He has exceptional basketball intelligence. So I think, being in the right place, he’s bound to find you. He is very generous and also a great person off the court, so I’m really looking forward to playing with him and, hopefully, making a lot of corner threes.”
The Georgian interior presence arrives in Southern California after appearing in 80 regular-season games for the Toronto Raptors. During that campaign, Mamukelashvili averaged 11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per contest while shooting 38.9 percent from beyond the arc.
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