Sandro Mamukelashvili Rejects European Interest to Sign Four-Year Contract with Los Angeles Lakers
Sandro Mamukelashvili turned down a move to FC Barcelona and a reunion with his close friend Toko Shengelia during the summer 2025 transfer window, instead signing a four-year, $52 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. The 27-year-old forward arrives in Los Angeles as one of ten new faces on a revamped roster, joining a frontcourt anchored by Luka Doncic, Walker Kessler, and Kevon Looney following the departure of LeBron James.
Mamukelashvili considered FC Barcelona before staying in NBA
Before securing his long-term future in the NBA, Mamukelashvili weighed his options as a free agent. In July 2024, after completing his contract with the San Antonio Spurs, the 6-foot-9 forward considered a return to Europe when FC Barcelona pursued him to replace Oscar da Silva, according to Mundo Deportivo. At the time, Mamukelashvili was fighting to cement his status in the NBA after splitting his early professional career between the Milwaukee Bucks, the San Antonio Spurs, and stints in the G-League.
Rather than jumping to the EuroLeague in 2024, Mamukelashvili opted to sign a one-year extension with San Antonio. He carved out a reliable role off the bench, averaging 6.3 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist in 11 minutes per game. His breakout performance came in a game against the New York Knicks, where he scored 34 points in just 19 minutes to set the absolute record for points scored in under 20 minutes of play.
Breakout Season with Toronto Raptors
Mamukelashvili’s stock rose significantly during the 2025–26 NBA season after he signed with the Toronto Raptors in the summer of 2025. Operating as a productive interior player from the bench, he averaged 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists in 22 minutes per contest. He shot 52 percent from the field and 39 percent from beyond the arc on 3.7 three-point attempts per game, helping propel the Raptors back to the NBA playoffs four years later.
Mundo Deportivo reported that Barcelona maintained its interest in bringing the Georgian standout to Catalonia for the 2025–26 campaign, where he could have played alongside national teammate Toko Shengelia. Although Mamukelashvili acknowledged the interest from the Spanish club he supports, his standout production in Toronto kept him firmly rooted across the Atlantic.
Los Angeles Lakers Roster Fit and Contract Terms
Following his successful run in Canada, Mamukelashvili declined a $2.8 million player option for the subsequent season to test unrestricted free agency. The Los Angeles Lakers aggressively pursued the versatile forward, locking him in with a four-year, $52 million deal.
Within the newly constructed Lakers rotation, Mamukelashvili is expected to fill the void at the power forward position left by Rui Hachimura while offering depth behind starting center Walker Kessler and backup Kevon Looney. As a frontcourt player with perimeter shooting capabilities on a team adjusting to life without LeBron James, Mamukelashvili provides floor spacing alongside Luka Doncic.
Why Sandro Mamukelashvili chose NBA over FC Barcelona?
Why did Sandro Mamukelashvili not sign with FC Barcelona in 2024 or 2025?
Mamukelashvili chose to remain in the NBA by signing a one-year renewal with the San Antonio Spurs in 2024 and subsequently joining the Toronto Raptors in 2025, where his strong performance on a $2.8 million player option led to a four-year, $52 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.
What were Sandro Mamukelashvili’s statistics during his breakout season in Toronto?
During the 2025–26 NBA season with the Toronto Raptors, Mamukelashvili averaged 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists in 22 minutes per game, while shooting 52 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range.
What is the value of Sandro Mamukelashvili’s contract with the Los Angeles Lakers?
Sandro Mamukelashvili signed a four-year, $52 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers during the NBA offseason.
What role is Sandro Mamukelashvili expected to play with the Lakers?
Mamukelashvili is slated to fill the power forward role vacated by Rui Hachimura and provide frontcourt depth and perimeter shooting behind centers Walker Kessler and Kevon Looney.
