New Lakers Forward Sandro Mamukelashvili Praises Team Bonding in Slovenia, Teases Bronny James' Golf Skills

New Los Angeles Lakers forward Sandro Mamukelashvili is already making his mark on the organization despite not yet appearing in an official game for the historic franchise. The 25-year-old big man has been actively participating in team activities that showcase the Lakers' focus on chemistry building as they approach a crucial 2026-2027 season marked by organizational changes and roster transitions.

Slovenia Trip Strengthens New-Look Roster

The Lakers' recent team-building excursion to Slovenia, home country of their new franchise cornerstone Luka Dončić, provided valuable bonding opportunities for the revamped squad. Mamukelashvili offered detailed observations about the trip during a golf course interview with ESPN's Deondre Hawkins. The forward praised the organization's meticulous planning of the international experience, stating

"First of all, shoutout to Luka. I think the organization was amazing, the way they planned everything. They showed us a lot of great places, and Ljubljana is a really, really nice city."

The Slovenia visit proved particularly timely as the Lakers integrate numerous new players following an offseason of roster turnover. Mamukelashvili emphasized how smoothly the group came together during the trip, noting

"Plus, it was great for the new team. It was a bunch of new guys on the team, and you know, all of us being together, it didn't even feel like it was a lot of new guys."

This natural chemistry development has left the forward optimistic about the season ahead based on the collective energy he witnessed among teammates.

Offseason Golf Outings Reveal Team Dynamics

Beyond the international trip, the Lakers have been frequently gathering on golf courses during the offseason. When asked to evaluate the team's golf hierarchy behind known enthusiast Austin Reaves, Mamukelashvili pointed to an emerging talent - rookie Bronny James.

"I've been hearing a lot about Bronny [James]. They say he's really, really good, and that he actually plays a lot,"

Mamukelashvili revealed, suggesting the younger James could challenge for golf supremacy among teammates.

The forward even envisioned an entertaining potential matchup, stating

"So I'm kind of looking forward to seeing the Luka, Austin, Bronny tournament."

These casual interactions provide valuable opportunities for relationship building outside the pressures of basketball, helping establish camaraderie that could translate to on-court success.

Mamukelashvili's Path to Los Angeles

Mamukelashvili arrives in Los Angeles as a sixth-year NBA veteran looking to establish himself after previous stops with the Milwaukee Bucks, San Antonio Spurs, and Toronto Raptors. The forward is coming off his most productive NBA season yet, having averaged career highs of 11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game during the 2025-2026 campaign.

Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka specifically targeted Mamukelashvili as a versatile depth piece who could provide meaningful contributions off the bench. His skill set as a floor-spacing big man with secondary playmaking ability makes him an intriguing fit for the Lakers' retooled roster centered around Dončić.

Franchise Transition in Progress

The 2026-2027 season represents a significant transitional period for the Lakers organization. The team is entering its second consecutive season under new ownership while simultaneously moving forward without franchise icon LeBron James, who departed during the offseason. With Dončić now firmly established as the focal point of the roster, the Lakers are carefully constructing a new identity around their Slovenian superstar.

This context makes team-building initiatives like the Slovenia trip particularly meaningful. By immersing players in Dončić's home country and culture, the organization is reinforcing their commitment to their new leader while fostering connections that could enhance on-court chemistry. The trip also served as an important introduction to Dončić's background for new teammates joining the franchise.

Camp Approaches as Season Looms

With the Lakers enjoying their final weeks of offseason activities, the NBA calendar continues its steady progression toward the new season. The team is scheduled to report for training camp on September 29, marking the official start of preparations for what promises to be one of the most intriguing Lakers seasons in recent memory.

For Mamukelashvili and other new additions, camp will provide their first opportunity to integrate into head coach JJ Redick's system while competing for rotation minutes. The foundation built during offseason bonding experiences could prove valuable as the team looks to establish early momentum when games begin.

Chemistry Building as Organizational Priority

Mamukelashvili's insights reveal the Lakers' organizational emphasis on chemistry development during this transitional period. The substantial investment in an overseas bonding trip demonstrates their understanding that team cohesion requires intentional effort before competitive pressures intensify. By creating shared experiences and memories prior to training camp, the Lakers aim to accelerate the natural process of team building.

The organic integration of rookie Bronny James through golf outings and other casual interactions suggests the organization is successfully managing his transition to the NBA spotlight. As the Lakers handle this era of significant change, establishing these interpersonal connections may prove just as crucial as any strategic adjustments on the court in determining their success this season.