In the wake of the unbelievable Luka Dončić for Anthony Davis trade, the Los Angeles Lakers now need a starting center. As it stands, Jaxson Hayes would be their lead man, which is unacceptable for a team that suddenly has real championship expectations. Pairing LeBron James and Dončić, two of the best players to ever lace them up, demands a title team around them.
Although this move was actually a long-term future deal for LA, they still have arguably the greatest player of all time on the roster, who is somehow maintaining a superstar level of play into his 40s. We just saw him torch the red-hot Knicks at Madison Square Garden, hours before finding out his latest legendary teammate was headed to Hollywood. James loves Los Angeles, his son Bronny James is on the team, and he’s committed to the Lakers. It’s time to get a quality center to replace Davis, but who?
LeBron James will not request a trade and will remain a Laker this season, reports @ChrisBHaynes
Sounds like LBJ likes his new teammate pic.twitter.com/V539qNTHeD
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 2, 2025
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Knicks Need Fair Value In Potential Mitchell Robinson Trade To Lakers
Almost instantly upon acquiring Dončić and sending away Davis, the Lakers were rumored to be looking for a starting center. One of, if not their top target, is Knicks big man Mitchell Robinson. The 26-year-old seven-footer is still recovering from foot surgery for an injury he suffered in the playoffs last season. However, all indications are he should be returning to the court in short order after he’s cleared for full contact.
“The next step will be clearance for regular contact… He’s pretty close“
— Tom Thibodeau on Mitchell Robinson pic.twitter.com/dbcjVMoy2W
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) February 2, 2025
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Robinson fits exactly what the Lakers need in their new center. With Dončić, James, and Austin Reaves in their lineup (assuming Reaves survives the deadline), their perimeter defense is incredibly weak. Robinson is one of the league’s best rim protectors and should be able to clean up a lot of messes around the basket. He also brings athleticism and aggressiveness to a team severely lacking in that area, which becomes much more vital in the postseason.
His weaknesses on the offensive side include a lack of touch around the rim, poor hands, and free-throw struggles. However, the Lakers can cover these up with their absurd amount of skill and shot creation. Robinson will also allow JJ Redick to use some great defensive lineups, especially when Reaves and/or Dončić is off the floor. Gabe Vincent, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Dorian Finney-Smith are all solid or better perimeter defenders.
New York Cannot Trade Him For a Bargain
Likely because of his checkered injury history, the Lakers are hoping they can get Robinson in the clearance aisle. No matter how maddening his constant absences are, Leon Rose must get fair value for his talents, if he decides to move him. Yes, Robinson is currently injured. Yes, he has missed large chunks of four of the past five seasons. None of it matters because the Knicks desperately need Robinson’s presence in the lineup, and he’s set to return very soon.
Just like the Lakers, New York also requires a defensive sparkplug. Their situation on that end isn’t nearly as dire, but their defense certainly needs an upgrade to truly contend. Add in the OG Anunoby foot injury, and the Knicks need every defensive stud they can get. In fact, I’d suggest they hit the trade market themselves for more depth and defensive talent, not the opposite.
If the Knicks are going to trade Robinson to LA, or anywhere else, they must get a haul in return. If it’s the Lakers, no draft compensation helps New York in this window, as they don’t have their 2025 first-rounder. New York should use this trade to bolster their depth with talent on both sides of the ball. Multiple of Vanderbilt, Hachimura, and Finney-Smith would need to be sent back to the Big Apple to justify this deal.
Mitchell Robinson is the longest-tenured Knick. He’s arguably their best defensive player and fits the Thibodeau identity perfectly. He’s just what this team needs as the stretch run begins. Despite his injury woes, New York should hang onto him. If they don’t, Rose and company better make sure it’s worth it.
Photo Credit: © Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The post Knicks Need Fair Value In Potential Mitchell Robinson Trade To Lakers appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.