Image Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Lakers Eye Mitchell Robinson As Potential Frontcourt Boost To Support Luka Doncic And Deandre Ayton

Franchise looks to strengthen roster further

Image Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers could still make another splash this offseason. Despite already adding Deandre Ayton and re-signing Jaxson Hayes, reports have linked the franchise to New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson, a defensive standout with a 7’4” wingspan.

The Lakers shifted their focus after acquiring Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks at the trade deadline. At just 26 years old, Doncic has insisted he does not want a slow rebuild.

“Doncic being just 26 gives the Lakers a far longer timeline to build a championship-contending team, but that doesn’t mean they can slow down and take their time,” CBS Sports’ Jasmyn Wimbish reported. “Doncic told Lakers president Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick in May that he’s not interested in taking the slow approach in building a contender.”

Mitchell Robinson '24-25 playoff offensive rebounding pic.twitter.com/deTbVRcvDp
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Ayton Faces Questions, Robinson Could Help

The team prioritized the center position this offseason, securing Hayes and Ayton. However, Ayton’s reputation has been questioned. ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins stated, “The word around the league is not good about Deandre Ayton, right now he’s been labeled as a diva, as a cancer in the locker room, he has to change a lot about himself or he will find his career being shortened.”

Despite the concerns, the Los Angeles Lakers believe Ayton can succeed with the right structure. Adding Mitchell Robinson would reduce the pressure on Deandre Ayton while strengthening the team’s defensive presence.

Knicks Exploring Options For Mitchell Robinson

Reports suggest the New York Knicks are open to testing the market for Robinson, who is entering the final year of his $12.95 million contract. At 7’0” and 240 pounds, with remarkable leaping ability and defensive instincts, Robinson is the type of player the Los Angeles Lakers are targeting.

His addition would provide Luka Doncic with another explosive lob partner, similar to those he thrived with in Dallas. It would also ease Ayton’s defensive workload, giving the Lakers a balanced frontcourt rotation with Hayes as depth.