Even though the Lakers acquired a young superstar in Luka Doncic, fans are growing concerned over the team’s rim protection now that Anthony Davis is gone. With three days until the deadline is up, new reporting confirms the Lakers’ center chase continues, and the team is looking to add a defensive-minded big man from the East.
Lakers Eyeing This Shot-Blocking Center Following Davis Trade
Kevin O’Connor: LA Looking at Mitchell Robinson
During a recent episode of his podcast, NBA writer Kevin O’Connor said the Lakers are targeting Knicks center Mitchell Robinson as the deadline inches closer.
““League sources say the Lakers are looking for a big man and Mitchell Robinson from the New York Knicks is one of the bigs they are targeting. That’s what I’m hearing in the aftermath so far, after that absolutely nuts Lakers-Mavericks-Jazz trade that happened in the wee hours on Saturday into Sunday.”
LA’s need for a center is glaring following the blockbuster move, with many faulting the Lakers for giving up their best defender even though they received an elite guard in return. With a catalyst for the post-LeBron now secured, the team’s focus rightfully shifts to acquiring a center and shoring up the defense Davis commanded the last six seasons.
Robinson’s Potential Fit, Concerns with the Lakers
Robinson is a solid choice to fill Davis’s shoes at center. The 7’0”, 240-pound big man holds career averages of eight points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game on 70% shooting from the field. He was New York’s best rim protector last season, and New York’s defense has felt his absence this year. For a Lakers team that desperately needs a formidable presence in the paint, Robinson—who is also 26 years old—could be their guy.
Besides Robinson’s skill set, his current contract situation bodes well for the Lakers. He’s making $14.3 million this season as part of a four-year, $60 million deal signed in 2022. The Lakers still have some assets they could offer the Knicks, most notably Rui Hachimura (making $17M this season) and their 2031 first-round pick. According to The Athletic’s James Edwards III, the Knicks are in need of wing depth ahead of this year’s deadline. That need may be exacerbated if OG Anunoby (foot) misses time with a sprain sustained against the Lakers.
Injuries, ironically, are Robinson’s biggest problem. He hasn’t played more than 72 games in a season so far. He also has yet to make his season debut following ankle surgery last May, but Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau said he’s “pretty close” to doing so. The lone drawback of trading for Robinson is eventually getting into situations like this, something the Lakers are unfortunately familiar with.
Health concerns aside, Robinson can fill a major need for the Lakers defensively, and his ability to score inside suggests he’d thrive in an offense led by LeBron James and Luka Doncic. It’s all about Pelinka taking bold risks for the sake of improvement. Judging by his last deal, he’s willing to do that and more.
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