The Lakers player who can eliminate Spain from the World Cup

Sandro Mamukelashvili continues to show that he arrives at the new project of Los Angeles Lakers in great shape. The Georgian center has taken advantage of the qualifying windows for the FIBA World Cup to lead his national team, which has secured two victories this summer and positioned itself favorably to earn a spot in the championship.

After defeating Montenegro, Georgia managed to win a challenging match against Portugal. The Georgian team was at one point down by double digits, but they responded in time to turn the game around and ultimately prevailed.

Mamukelashvili was one of the standout players with 22 points, six rebounds, and four assists, although with modest shooting percentages: 6 of 18 from the field and 3 of 9 from three-point range. One of his three baskets from beyond the arc, however, had a special value, as he made a spectacular three-pointer at the buzzer.

These two victories allow Georgia to stay in the hunt for the top positions in their World Cup qualifying group. And here appears a particularly relevant fact for Spain: Georgia shares a group with the Spanish national team and can become one of its main obstacles to achieving qualification.

The situation is extremely tight. Ukraine leads the group with 14 points, while Spain and Georgia are tied for second place with 13. Behind them, Portugal, Greece, and Montenegro still have options, all of them with 12 points.

The format further increases the importance of each match, as the top three teams from each group will earn tickets to the World Cup. Therefore, Georgia is not just a team aspiring to qualify: they can play a decisive role in the battle for the positions that grant access to the championship.

The problem for the Georgians will come in the upcoming windows. The qualifying will continue in November, and Mamukelashvili, like other players competing in the NBA, is unlikely to be able to participate in international commitments during the season. Georgia will then have to rely on the rest of their roster to maintain the position they have built this summer.

Mamukelashvili looks forward to his arrival at the Lakers

As he becomes one of the key pieces for Georgia, Mamukelashvili is also starting a new chapter in his professional career after joining the Los Angeles Lakers.

The big man arrives after a season of growth in Toronto and has publicly acknowledged the tremendous excitement he feels about playing for one of the most important franchises in the NBA.

"First of all, as I said, the organization is at a very high level. So many championships, so many great players. I know we play in the Crypto Arena, but I grew up watching them play at the Staples Center. Wearing this purple and gold jersey means a lot to me," the player explained.

Mamukelashvili is aware of the pressure that comes with wearing the Lakers' jersey, but far from shying away from it, he claims to be prepared to take on the challenge.

"I understand that it's the biggest stage, the best organization, and I just have to go out there and be ready. You can't run away from the spotlight. The best thing is to go out every day, have the best fans in the world supporting you, and make sure you're playing with the best players," he stated.

The Georgian believes that his arrival in Los Angeles represents a significant step forward in his career and that his skills fit well with the project.

"I think it's a great step in my career. I fit with what they are doing, I love the coaching staff and what they preach. I believe that playing with superstars like Austin and Luka Doncic will help me improve and become a better player," he added.

For Mamukelashvili, playing for the Lakers also carries a particularly emotional component. He grew up watching Kobe Bryant and other great stars of the franchise, and now he will have the opportunity to wear the same jersey as his idols.

"The Lakers are a well-known name in every household. It's incredible to be here and have this jersey," he concluded.

Before fully focusing on his new challenge in the NBA, Mamukelashvili has sent a clear message with Georgia: Spain will have to keep a close eye on a team that has already proven it can compete with anyone and that is tied with it in the World Cup qualification.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El jugador de los Lakers que puede echar a España del Mundial