Four Reasons Why Mamu Should Be The Lakers Starting Power Forward! While most analysts assume Quentin Grimes will secure the starting small forward spot, a fierce four-way battle has emerged for the opening day starting power forward position. The competition features 3&D specialist Ziaire Williams, the versatile Jake LaRavia, floor-spacing big man Sandro Mamukelashvili, and defensive stalwart Matisse Thybulle. With tonight’s home game against the Nuggets marking the final preseason test, JJ Redick is expected to deploy his opening-day rotation. This lineup will feature the Lakers’ core trio of Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler, rounded out by the highly anticipated unveiling of the team’s new starting small and power forwards. Barring a huge surprise, whoever starts tonight’s final preseason game will be the Lakers’ starting power forward. JJ Redick’s selection for the starting forward spots will clarify his tactical priorities for the season. If he prioritizes continuity, Jake LaRavia is the logical choice; if he seeks an offensive spark, Sandro Mamukelashvili is the clear answer; alternatively, Ziaire Williams or Matisse Thybulle offer the defensive stability needed to anchor the starting lineup. While all four candidates have delivered impressive performances throughout training camp and the preseason, Sandro Mamukelashvili stands out as the ideal fit to anchor the frontcourt alongside Walker Kessler in a twin-towers configuration. Here are the four major reasons why Mamu deserves to be the Lakers’ starting power forward on opening day. 1. Power Forward Is Mamu’s Best Position On The Lakers While Sandro Mamukelashvili has primarily played center throughout his career — logging 76% of his minutes there, including 93% with the Raptors last season — his ideal role with the Lakers is at power forward, where his subpar defense can be protected by an elite defensive center. By sliding him to the four, the team can maximize his versatility alongside an elite defensive anchor like Walker Kessler or pair him with a shot-blocking backup center to maintain the team’s lineup’s defensive integrity. 2. Mamu & Kessler Give Lakers ‘Twin Towers’ Starting Lineup The 6'10", 240 lb frame of Sandro Mamukelashvili paired with the 7'2", 245 lb presence of Walker Kessler creates a formidable “Twin Towers” frontcourt for the Lakers. This combination offers the physical size and strength necessary to dominate the paint and control the glass. Their skill sets are perfectly complementary: Mamukelashvili provides the critical floor spacing required to open up driving lanes for his teammates, while Kessler supplies the elite rim protection needed to anchor the defense and provide reliable cover for his frontcourt partner. 3. Starting Lineup Needs Mamu’s Volume 3-Point Shooting Sandro Mamukelashvili offers the ideal blend of high-volume, high-percentage three-point shooting, providing the necessary floor spacing to maximize the playmaking of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Beyond his impressive 38.9% clip from beyond the arc last season, his remarkable 58.8% preseason performance — sinking 10 of 17 attempts — proves he is the most reliable perimeter threat to anchor the starting line% up. None of the other four candidates possesses Mamu’s combination of size and shooting. 4. Mamu Has Fifth Best Contract And Earns Starter Pay As the team’s fifth-highest-paid player and one of only five on long-term contracts, Sandro Mamukelashvili has clearly separated himself from the pack with an exceptional training camp and preseason. Opting to start Ziaire Williams, Matisse Thybulle — both on minimum deals — or Jake LaRavia, who is playing on an expiring contract, would not only overlook Mamu’s superior performance but could potentially disrupt the team’s chemistry and long-term camaraderie. lakertom.medium.com/four-rea…

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MINIMUM SALARY MATISSE & ZIAIRE STARTING! LONG-TERM DEAL MAMU & QUENTIN OFF BENCH While not as surprising as an all-white starting lineup, starting a pair of players on prove-it minimum deals over a pair of players signed to long-term deals is surprising at the least and signals a clear strategic decision to surround Luka and Austin with the the Lakers three best defenders. Grimes could still start but without Sexton, he would be our only bench playmaker, which is partly why he's not starting. Hell of an opportunity for Matisse Thybulle to show how good he could be now that he's healthy and for Ziaire Williams to show he can be a legitimate starter on a championship contender. REDICK GOES D E F E N S E - F I R S T ! ! !

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