Luka Dončić is poised to become the unquestioned franchise superstar as the Los Angeles Lakers rebuild their roster. On Tuesday, NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer reported that the Lakers could sign Sandro Mamukelashvili and Quentin Grimes to address backcourt depth and frontline reinforcement issues.
What happened?
The Lakers' president of basketball operations, Rob Pelinka, vowed to build a championship-contending roster around Luka Dončić. Following LeBron James' decision not to return to LA, Pelinka can now focus on revamping Dončić's supporting cast.
Why it matters for Luka Dončić
Mamukelashvili, who averaged 11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists for the Toronto Raptors, is a prized free agent. He can jostle with bigs in the paint but also has the touch to punish defenses from deep, making him an ideal fit alongside Dončić.
What comes next?
The 6-foot-9 Mamukelashvili can toggle between the center and power forward spots, allowing him to man the paint for the Lakers or play the 4 alongside Deandre Ayton or Walker Kessler. Quentin Grimes, a 6-foot-5 combo guard, is also a versatile scorer and playmaker who averaged 13.4 ppg, 3.6 rpg, and 3.3 apg this past season.
The Lakers wanted to retain unrestricted free agents Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard, but Smart is reportedly in talks with the Houston Rockets for a three-year, $21 million deal, while Kennard signed a two-year, $13 million contract with the Phoenix Suns. LA's wings and frontcourt are thin due to James' departure and Rui Hachimura receiving serious interest from other teams.
Mamukelashvili shot 38.9% from deep, making him a valuable asset to the Lakers. Grimes struggled from 3-point distance during his 2025-26 campaign with the Philadelphia 76ers but is a 36.6% career shooter from behind 22 feet.
If the report holds true, Mamukelashvili and Grimes could be part of the Lakers as they begin their post-James era and usher in Dončić as the leader. The Lakers are gaining momentum to sign these two players, who fit perfectly alongside Luka Dončić.
The Lakers' offseason target, Walker Kessler, is still being pursued by the team. With Kennard out and Smart likely going to Houston, Grimes will be a desperately needed backcourt piece. The Lakers are looking to revamp their roster and make a push for the championship with Luka Dončić at the helm.
Luka Dončić is set to lead the Lakers into a new era, and with the potential signings of Mamukelashvili and Grimes, the team is looking to make a strong comeback. The Lakers are focused on building a championship-contending roster around Dončić, and these signings could be the key to their success.
The future looks bright for the Lakers with Luka Dončić leading the charge. The team is poised to make a push for the championship, and with the right pieces in place, they could be a formidable force in the NBA.