Mathias Lessort

Mathias Lessort (born November 29, 1995) is a French professional basketball player for Panathinaikos of the Greek Basket League and the EuroLeague. Standing at 2.06 m (6 ft 9 in), he primarily plays at the center position, but can also play as a power forward. Lessort is known for his athleticism, rebounding, and defensive capabilities.

Early Life and Career

Lessort was born in Fort-de-France, Martinique, a French overseas department. He began his professional career in France, joining the Élan Chalon youth academy. He made his professional debut with Chalon during the 2014–15 LNB Pro A season.

Professional Career

Lessort quickly established himself as a promising talent in the French league. After two seasons with Élan Chalon, he moved to Nanterre 92 for the 2016–17 season. With Nanterre, he won both the French Cup and the FIBA Europe Cup, earning significant recognition.

His strong performances attracted international attention, leading to a move to Germany with Brose Bamberg for the 2017–18 season, where he made his EuroLeague debut. He then returned to France to play for AS Monaco in the 2018–19 season, competing in the EuroCup.

Lessort continued his journey through top European leagues, playing for Unicaja Málaga in Spain during the 2019–20 season and AS Monaco again for a part of the 2020–21 season. In September 2021, he joined the Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv, making an impact in the EuroLeague.

In October 2021, Lessort signed with Partizan Belgrade, where he quickly became a fan favorite and a key player. He played a crucial role in Partizan's success, including their run to the EuroLeague playoffs and winning the ABA League championship in the 2022–23 season. His energetic play and leadership were pivotal for the Serbian club.

In 2023, Lessort signed with Panathinaikos, a Greek powerhouse. He continued to be a dominant force in the EuroLeague, helping Panathinaikos win the EuroLeague championship in his first season with the team (2023-24). He was also named to the All-EuroLeague First Team for the 2023–24 season.

NBA Draft Rights

Lessort was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 50th overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft. His draft rights were later traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in 2018. However, he has not played in the NBA to date, opting to continue his career in Europe.

National Team Career

Lessort is a member of the French national basketball team. He has represented France in various international competitions, including the FIBA Basketball World Cup and the Olympic Games. He was part of the French squad that won a silver medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

Playing Style

Lessort is known for his high motor, intensity, and physical play. He is an excellent rebounder on both ends of the court, an impactful defender, and a strong finisher around the rim. His athleticism allows him to run the floor well and be a factor in pick-and-roll situations. He also brings significant energy and leadership to his teams.