Flavor Flav Cheers on Lakers Forward Sandro Mamukelashvili in Preseason Game

During a recent preseason loss to the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers forward Sandro Mamukelashvili received enthusiastic support from an unexpected courtside spectator: rapper Flavor Flav.

Mamukelashvili, who has drawn praise for his preseason play, connected with a pass from Quentin Grimes and executed a one-handed dunk over rookie forward Yaxel Lendeborg in the second quarter. The moment was met with cheers from Flavor Flav, whose real name is William Jonathan Drayton Jr.

The friendship between the Grammy-winning musician and the 6-foot-9 forward dates back to Mamukelashvili's selection in the second round of the 2021 NBA draft. The connection was facilitated through Mamukelashvili's financial advisor, who is acquainted with the Public Enemy co-founder.

Flavor Flav attended one of Mamukelashvili's summer league games shortly after the forward was chosen with the 54th overall pick. Their friendship developed further with outings such as a New York Yankees game and dinner, forming a bond that has lasted for nearly five years.

"It’s always cool to have him," Mamukelashvili said of Flav's presence. "He’s such a great energy giver. Such a great energy [guy]. He always has this positive impact and always, like [Monday], he was so hyped. We were talking for two hours and he was so hyped and he kind of pumped me up. And I knew he was coming to the game so I was really excited."

Flavor Flav expressed his happiness for Mamukelashvili and the Lakers organization. "I’m so happy for him,” Flav stated. “And I’m happy for the Lakers. I feel the Lakers are lucky to have him."

The game itself saw the Warriors defeat the Lakers 101-89 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.