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Lakers rumors: LA expected to sign Sandro Mamukelashvili, Brian Windhorst says
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- Lakers rumors: LA expected to sign Sandro Mamukelashvili, Brian Windhorst says
Lakers rumors: LA expected to sign Sandro Mamukelashvili, Brian Windhorst says appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Los Angeles Lakers appear to be closing in on one of their top free-agent targets. During ESPN's NBA free agency special, Brian Windhorst said league executives expect forward Sandro Mamukelashvili to land with the Lakers , adding another layer to the team's offseason overhaul following LeBron James ' departure.
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"The league believes Sandro Mamukelashvilli is headed to the Lakers," Windhorst said. "That's what people in the league believe. And he would basically replace Rui Hachimura."
Windhorst's comments come shortly after NBA insider Marc Stein reported that the Lakers had growing interest in signing Mamukelashvili once free agency opened. Stein later added that Philadelphia 76ers wing Quentin Grimes had also emerged as a priority target as Los Angeles looks to reshape its roster around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves .
Mamukelashvili is coming off the best season of his NBA career after emerging as an important member of the Toronto Raptors ' frontcourt rotation. The versatile forward averaged 11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists while shooting 52.3% from the field in 80 regular-season games. Although his role diminished during the Toronto Raptors ' seven-game playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers , he remains one of the more intriguing frontcourt players available in free agency.
If the Lakers ultimately land Mamukelashvili , they would be adding a versatile frontcourt player capable of stretching the floor and providing energy on both ends. Windhorst indicated that league executives view him as Hachimura's likely replacement, signaling another significant change for a Lakers roster that is entering a new era following LeBron James' exit from the team.
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