“He’s Going to Drive That Versatility”: JJ Redick Believes Lakers’ $52M Free Agent Pick Will Make LA Dynamic Next Season

September 26, 2026 · Yahoo Sports

Lakers coach JJ Redick © X: @lakers

Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick has high hopes for one of the team’s key free agent signings this offseason. On Wednesday, during an appearance on ESPN LA 710 Radio, Redick gave Sandro Mamukelashvili a shout-out as one of the team’s most dynamic players.

The third-year coach believes the Lakers’ $52 million free-agent pickup can make them versatile because of his skill set.

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“I think the addition of Mamu gives us a lot of lineup flexibility because of his skill set and who he is as a basketball player,” Redick said. “When we did our free agency call with him, he said something like, ‘Where do you see me in the lineup? What do you view me as?’ And I said, ‘Don’t get into positions right now. I hate positions. I view you as a basketball player.’ Him alone, he’s going to drive a lot of that versatility we have.”

Sandro Mamukelashvili can do a bit of everything, including ball-handling, playmaking, shooting, slashing and rebounding. At 6-foot-9, it’s a luxury to have a player who can do that. He can play small forward, power forward, or center.

The Lakers will likely use him as Walker Kessler’s backup at center. Mamukelashvili could also find minutes alongside Kessler at the four because he can space the floor and give Los Angeles a fighting chance against bigger teams.

Mamukelashvili had a breakout season with the Toronto Raptors last year, averaging 11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists. He shot 52.3% from the field, including 38.9% from 3-point range on 3.7 attempts, while playing 80 games.

Not to say Sandro Mamukelashvili is on LeBron James’ level or that they’re directly comparable. But Mamukelashvili can replicate some of the duties the four-time MVP carried out offensively during his stint as Luka Doncic’s co-star. It’s one of the prime reasons why Los Angeles didn’t hesitate to commit $52 million to him over four years.

Lakers coach JJ Redick was also excited about Walker Kessler

JJ Redick seemed to have had a significant say in the Los Angeles Lakers’ roster acquisitions this summer. Every player Los Angeles added fits his system and philosophies. Redick prefers versatility in his perimeter players and that’s what the likes of Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, Cameron Carr and Sandro Mamukelashvili bring to the table.

As for his traditional centers, Redick prefers big bruising bodies who can guard the rim and alter the opposing team’s shot diet. That’s what he’s getting with Walker Kessler at least this season. On Wednesday, Redick explained in depth the importance of having Kessler as the last line of defense.

“I think Walker’s a perfect fit for Luka and AR,” Redick said. “Just in terms of his rim protection and really being an anchor for our defense, it’s an area we’ve struggled with.”
“I know we have switched a lot 1-5 over the years; that has been by necessity. We look at him as someone we want close to the basket, protecting the rim. He’s been an excellent rebounder throughout his career, both offensively and defensively. And then he’s very capable of playing in the pocket and playing at the rim with lobs. We know both our guys love throwing lobs. We led the league in lob dunks last season.”

Walker Kessler averaged 9.5 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game in four seasons. He’s shot 68.1% from the field over 201 games, and most of his attempts have been around the rim. The Lakers haven’t had a center this consistent with defense and rebounding since Anthony Davis.

Given Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves’ natural weaknesses as perimeter defenders, Los Angeles needed someone like Kessler at the rim to clean things up.