New Los Angeles Lakers big man Sandro Mamukelashvili headlines Georgia's preliminary national-team roster for the FIBA World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers alongside EuroLeague star Tornike Shengelia and Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze.
Georgia named a 15-man preliminary squad featuring Marcquise Reed, Rati Andronikashvili, Giorgi Ochkikidze, Duda Sanadze, Giorgi Kobakhidze, Kakhaber Jintcharadze, Aleksandre Phevadze, Mamukelashvili, Shengelia, Beka Burjanadze, George Korsantia, Aleksandre Merkviladze, Giorgi Turdziladze, Willy Isiani and Bitadze.
Mamukelashvili enters the national-team window after completing a significant NBA move earlier this summer.
Mamukelashvili begins new chapter with Lakers
The Lakers officially signed Mamukelashvili in July after the Georgian forward-center spent the 2025-26 season with the Toronto Raptors.
Mamukelashvili agreed to a four-year, $52 million contract with Los Angeles, giving the Lakers another versatile frontcourt option around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
The 27-year-old enjoyed the most productive scoring season of his NBA career in Toronto, averaging 11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game.
His move to Los Angeles came as part of a major Lakers frontcourt reshuffle that also included the acquisition of Walker Kessler.
Georgia also brings Shengelia and Bitadze
Mamukelashvili will be joined by two of Georgia's other biggest names in Shengelia and Bitadze.
Shengelia remains one of the most accomplished Georgian players of his generation after a long EuroLeague career, while Bitadze gives Georgia another established NBA presence in the frontcourt.
Meanwhile, Georgia (3-3) is placed in Group I in the second round and will play Montenegro at home on August 28 and then will meet Portugal on the road on August 31.