The Lakers aren’t wasting any time reshaping their frontcourt.
Just minutes after agreeing to acquire Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade with the Jazz, Los Angeles reached a four-year, $52 million agreement with free-agent forward/center Sandro Mamukelashvili, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The contract reportedly is fully guaranteed and includes a player option for the fourth season.
Mamukelashvili, 27, is coming off a breakout season with the Raptors after betting on himself in free agency. He declined a $2.8 million player option to hit the open market and is now rewarded with the largest contract of his NBA career.
He appeared in 80 games last season, averaging 11.2 points and 4.9 rebounds while shooting 52.3 percent from the field and 38.9 percent from beyond the arc. His production even earned him votes for Sixth Man of the Year.
According to TSN’s Josh Lewenberg, Mamukelashvili hoped to remain in Toronto, but the Lakers’ offer proved too strong to match.
The signing continues a dramatic makeover in Los Angeles following LeBron James‘ decision to leave in free agency.
With Kessler expected to take over at center, Mamukelashvili could step into a significant role in the Lakers’ frontcourt, whether as a starting power forward or a versatile reserve capable of playing both frontcourt positions.
Hoops Wire will have more on the Lakers’ busy offseason as it develops.
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