Brief

Lakers preseason recap highlights Kessler debut and Mamukelashvili surge

The Lakers played five preseason games, with Walker Kessler debuting after a long layoff and Sandro Mamukelashvili emerging as a scoring threat.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sun, 18 Oct 2026 05:52:23 GMT

The Los Angeles Lakers wrapped up a five‑game preseason schedule that featured a mix of promising individual performances and growing pains, according to the New York Post.

Walker Kessler, acquired in a sign‑and‑trade that cost the Lakers two first‑round picks and two pick swaps, made his first appearance in a 101‑89 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday. He posted 11 points on 4‑for‑6 shooting, grabbed nine rebounds, recorded a block and a steal, but appeared to be shaking off rust against the Denver Nuggets in a 121‑106 defeat on Friday, where he was outscored 17‑6 by Nikola Jokic.

Kessler praised the "support system" around him, saying the teammates, coaches and front office were "fantastic" and that he viewed the Lakers’ legacy as an opportunity rather than pressure.

In contrast, the Lakers’ offensive ceiling was boosted by Georgian forward Sandro Mamukelashvili, who averaged 13.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists while shooting 55.6% from the field and 54.2% from three‑point range. Coach JJ Redick lauded his quick decision‑making, and teammate Austin Reaves added that good things happen when Mamukelashvili brings the ball up the floor.

Another bright spot was Ziaire Williams, who played only two preseason games due to a left‑foot contusion but shot a perfect 5‑for‑5 from beyond the arc and averaged 13.5 points, showing potential as a lockdown perimeter defender.

The preseason also underscored the Lakers’ ongoing adjustments. LeBron James was out, prompting the team to reset its calendar and integrate new pieces more quickly than in previous years. The "Big 3" of Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and Kessler is still finding cohesion, and the coaching staff emphasized patience as the roster settles.

Key facts

Walker Kessler debuted with 11 points, nine rebounds, one block and one steal in a 101-89 loss to the Warriors. (nypost.com)
Kessler was outscored 17-6 by Nikola Jokic in a 121-106 loss to the Nuggets. (nypost.com)
Sandro Mamukelashvili averaged 13.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists while shooting 55.6% overall and 54.2% from three. (nypost.com)
Ziaire Williams shot 5-for-5 from three‑point range and averaged 13.5 points in two preseason games. (nypost.com)