Lakers newcomer learns to trust franchise’s belief in him

MILWAUKEE — The Lakers have been getting more from Sandro Mamukelashvili recently than simply his highest-scoring games since joining the franchise over the summer.

The 23 points he scored in Monday’s win over the Hawks and Wednesday’s victory over the Bucks were necessary during games they were either without or lost key players during the games.

Sandro Mamukelashvili of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against the Detroit Pistons on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. NBAE via Getty Images

But what the Lakers hope can be taken from those games beyond Mamukelashvili’s scoring output was his offensive approach.

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“High performance — a few of the key components to that is belief, focus and freedom,” coach JJ Redick said. “And I want him to understand how much his teammates, his coaches, myself, we believe in him.”

Sandro Mamukelashvili (54) of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. NBAE via Getty Images

The sixth-year forward feels that belief from his current teammates during his first season with the Lakers.

It’s a catalyst of Mamukelashvili having the performance he’s had recently where he’s been active in looking for ways he can contribute offensively.

“I want to be aggressive from the jump,” he said. “I know these guys trust me, I know Coach trusts me. He wants me to be me. He wants to just let me play how I’m used to playing. So, it just kind of like eases my mind, doesn’t make me think that much.”

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That’s how the Lakers want him to operate.

Redick referred to Mamukelashvili being an “over-thinker” during training camp — which the Lakers coach could relate to.

Which is why Redick’s made it an emphasis to help the 27-year-old realize they want him to play more freely.

“The big thing for him is understanding that he has a lot of freedom,” Redick said. “Luka [Doncic], [Austin Reaves] — that doesn’t need to be said — they have freedom within the structure of our offense. Mamu also has a lot of freedom.”

Sandro Mamukelashvili of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against the…

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Publish date : 2026-11-13 02:22:00

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