Sandro Mamukelashvili has not yet made his official NBA debut in a Los Angeles Lakers jersey, but the newest chapter of his career already appears to be off to a meaningful start.
During a golf-course interview with ESPN’s Deondre Hawkins, Mamukelashvili opened up about the Lakers’ recent visit to Slovenia, the home country of superstar guard Luka Dončić.
“First of all, shoutout to Luka,” Mamukelashvili said, praising both Dončić and the way the experience was arranged. He noted that the organization handled the trip impressively, giving the group a chance to see memorable locations while also calling Ljubljana a “really, really nice city.”
Beyond the sightseeing, Mamukelashvili said the Slovenia trip served a bigger purpose for a Lakers roster featuring several new faces. Spending that time together, he explained, helped the group connect quickly and made the team feel more familiar than expected.
Mamukelashvili came away encouraged by the chemistry forming inside the Lakers locker room, saying the energy around the team has only made him more excited for the upcoming NBA season.
Aside from the trip, Mamukelashvili and his Lakers teammates have been spotted golfing throughout the offseason. He was asked who is the team’s second-best golfer after Austin Reaves.
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“I’ve been hearing a lot about Bronny [James],” Mamukelashvili said. “They say he’s really, really good, and that he actually plays a lot. … So I’m kind of looking forward to seeing the Luka, Austin, Bronny tournament.”
The new Lakers forward was one of the key depth pieces Rob Pelinka, the team’s president of basketball operations, made over the offseason. Mamukelashvili will join the team as a sixth-year veteran after bouncing around the league with the Bucks, Spurs and Raptors.
Mamukelashvili is a year removed from a career high, averaging 11.2 points per game, as well as 4.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists.
While the Lakers are enjoying their time off the basketball court, the NBA season is rapidly approaching. The team is expected to report for training camp on Sept. 29.
The 2026-2027 season is a pivotal year for the Lakers, who are transitioning to new ownership for the second season in a row.
They are also about to enter a new era of Lakers basketball that features the team fully embracing Dončić as the main guy after LeBron James’ departure during the offseason.