Lakers Newcomer Sandro Mamukelashvili Continues to Shine in FIBA World Cup Qualifiers

The veteran forward continues to turn heads with his on-court performance playing for Georgia overseas.

Apr 29, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Sandro Mamukelashvili (54) celebrates his three-point basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the third quarter of game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The new-look Los Angeles Lakers are still over a month away from officially sharing the basketball floor together for the first time, with the team’s first game of the NBA preseason set to take place on Oct. 5 against the Sacramento Kings at the Golden 1 Center.

Even though Lakers basketball won’t be played for some time, veteran newcomer Sandro Mamukelashvili, who recently signed a four-year, $52 million deal with Los Angeles, is currently playing for his country, Georgia, in the FIBA World Cup qualifiers.

Sandro Mamukelashvili Continues to Play Well During FIBA World Cup Qualifiers

On Monday, Mamukelashvili helped Georgia pull off an impressive comeback win against Portugal, erasing a double-digit deficit, where he had another strong performance.

Mamukelashvili finished with 22 points, six rebounds and four assists, highlighted by a buzzer-beating three-pointer, which was arguably the best play of the game.

Sandro Mamukelashvili ends the first half with a TOUGH buzzer beater 😮‍💨

(Via: @FIBAWC) pic.twitter.com/Ev7urHeTGx

— LakersMuse (@LALMuse) August 31, 2026

The Lakers newcomer has been making quite an impression during his time playing overseas, as he’s been consistently putting up numbers for Georgia.

The 27-year-old has helped Georgia win all three games they’ve played thus far, getting the best of Israel, Montenegro and Portugal.

Sandro Mamukelashvili played a CRUCIAL part in Georgia’s undefeated summer 🔥

W vs. Israel: 20 PTS - 6 REB - 6 AST ✅
W vs. Montenegro: 17 PTS - 7 REB - 6 AST ✅
W vs. Portugal: 22 PTS - 6 REB - 4 AST ✅

Huge wins for Georgia as they look to qualify for FIBA WC 2027 👀 pic.twitter.com/bevrxrylqk

— LakersMuse (@LALMuse) August 31, 2026

In November, the FIBA World Cup qualifiers will get back underway, but Mamukelashvili will be sporting purple and gold at that time with the 2026-27 NBA season in full swing.

Sandro Mamukelashvili Uses Kobe Bryant’s Mamba Mentality for Motivation

Apr 10, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) acknowledges the fans during the game between the Rockets and the Lakers at the Toyota Center. Bryant plays in the last road game and second to last game of his NBA career. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports

Along with potentially being a solid addition to the Lakers’ revamped roster, Mamukelashvili will have no problem winning over fans of the storied NBA franchise, as he is a big proponent of Kobe Bryant’s Mamba Mentality.

Mamukelashvili recently revealed that he has a “Mamu mentality tattoo” because he loved the mindset of the Lakers legend.

“I got a Mamu mentality tattoo,” Mamukelashvili said. “I just love his mindset. Growing up, I used to always say Mamu mentality. It's a little far from each other, but we get it close. … I was motivated. I was trying to find a way to get to where I am and find my way into the league. And I understood it won't be an easy journey, but I just got to keep my head down and keep moving.”

Once Lakers training camp gets underway later this month, Mamukelashvili will have his work cut out for him, as he’ll be in contention to be the team’s starting power forward.

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