Tribute to the Champs: Mathias Lessort

Lessort led Panathinaikos to the championship as its main frontcourt reference

Even though he had proved his value repeatedly, Mathias Lessort faced a critical season in a new environment where the goal was to turn things around and make Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens great again. Far from being intimidated by this challenge, Lessort delivered from the moment he arrived in the Greek capital, posting solid numbers throughout the season and remaining strong in the most critical moments.

His road to becoming a EuroLeague superstar has not been an easy one. Born in Martinique, Lessort started his professional career with French side Chalon-Sur-Saone. He made his Turkish Airlines EuroLeague debut with Crvena Zvezda Belgrade and went to play for Unicaja Malaga of Spain, FC Bayern Munich of Germany and AS Monaco, which he led to the 2020-21 EuroCup championship. Lessort earned All-EuroCup First Team honors that season. After a brief time with Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, Lessort joined Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade and took the chance to grow as a player under legendary Coach Zeljko Obradovic. Less than two years later, Lessort earned 2022-23 All-EuroLeague First Team honors and was soon on his way to leading Panathinaikos.

Lessort did not disappoint. He had a strong regular season, averaging 13.6 points on 62.3% two-point shooting, 6.0 rebounds and 6.2 fouls drawn for a PIR of 19.1. He improved all those numbers in the playoffs, up to 14.6 points on 65.0% two-pointers, 7.6 rebounds and 9.4 fouls drawn for a PIR of 23.0. Lessort struggled from the free throw line during the playoffs (41.2% FT) but improved at the Final Four (60.0% FT). He led Panathinaikos past Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul in the semifinals with a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds. Once in the Championship Game against Real Madrid, Lessort had 17 points, 6 rebounds and 10 fouls drawn for a PIR of 22. Lessort became the first player in over 20 years to get back-to-back All-EuroLeague First Team honors with different teams.

Lessort's great basketball IQ helped him find ways to remain effective against all sorts of opponents, using his post skills and strength down low, but also his athleticism and great speed for a player his size to get easy baskets in transition. At the end of the championship game, Lessort delivered an iconic moment, bursting into tears while holding his child. He also proved once again that when it comes to celebrating and connecting with his fans, Lessort is one of the best, going to the stands to grab a megaphone and sing Panathinaikos songs with the team's fans. Mathias Lessort, one of a kind!