Staff Reporter Du Yijun / Combined Report

　　The Los Angeles Lakers have secured a four-year, $52 million contract to bring in towering big man Sandro Mamukelashvili. In a recent interview, the new addition revealed that Lakers star Luka Doncic reached out to him immediately after the signing, leaving him both flattered and fired up. Mamukelashvili declared his ambition to "shoot one million three-pointers" to prepare for the upcoming season.

　　The 26-year-old Mamukelashvili, known for his elite outside shooting and playmaking ability, is a key piece in the Lakers' offseason frontcourt reinforcement. He shared that Doncic sent a warm message shortly after his arrival.

　　"Luka reached out and said he was glad to have me on the team and couldn't wait to start working together," Mamukelashvili said excitedly. "I told him I was heading straight to the gym to shoot one million threes, making sure I'm in peak form by knocking them down continuously. That's the whole conversation."

　　In the 2025-26 regular season, Mamukelashvili averaged 11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 0.8 steals, shooting 38.9% from beyond the arc. While his numbers aren't flashy, his floor spacing and defensive intensity are seen as key elements that could spark strong chemistry with Doncic.