dpOne of the biggest standouts of the preseason for the Los Angeles Lakers has been Sandro Mamukelashvili. The forward has shown off his all-around game and ability to create both on and off the ball, providing some excellent moments and earning the praise and trust of his teammates.
One player who has already spoken very highly of Mamukelashvili is guard Austin Reaves, who praised his basketball IQ and ability to make good decisions with the ball. And hearing those words from Reaves, in particular, really meant a lot to the big man.
“I think it’s instinct,” Mamukelashvili said of he and Reaves’ connection. “We know our spots, where to run, and then the rest comes kinda with the flow of the game. You know if you beat your guy, see who’s open, and if not, you finish it. I think it’s amazing to hear those words from Austin. I look up to him, even though we’re the same age. He’s a very established, All-Star caliber player and that coming from him means a lot to me. He just makes my life easier.”
Reaves is always talking about playing the right way and Mamukelashvili is someone who does exactly that. Both just know where to be on the court and that allows for them to make the right reads and find each other in different situations.
So far this preseason, Mamukelashvili is averaging 13 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists while shooting 57.1% from the field and 58.8% from 3-point range. His ability to rebound and push the ball in transition adds another dimension to this Lakers offense and he has thrived as a catch-and-shoot player, but has also been great at putting the ball on the floor and getting a bucket or finding a teammate.
Having high IQ players on the court just makes the game easier and Reaves and Mamukelashvili have been able to connect quickly because each understands the game so well. Mamukelashvili is getting more and more comfortable each time he takes the floor for this team and that will only make the Lakers’ offense that much more dangerous.
Sandro Mamukelashvili has a close friendship with Flavor Flav
Mamukelashvili finished with 10 points and seven rebounds in the Lakers’ most recent preseason contest against the Golden State Warriors. Hip-hop icon Flavor Flav was in attendance in Las Vegas for the game, but it wasn’t just to take in the contest as Mamukelashvili and him are actually good friends.
If you love our reporting, choose LakersNation.com as a preferred source on Google.
