Following a disappointing playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2025 NBA postseason, the Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for an ambitious roster overhaul. According to a report from Times of India, the purple-and-gold franchise is targeting New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson, who carries a $60 million contract, to bolster their center position and form a formidable trio alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
Urgent Need at the Center Position
Since trading Anthony Davis to acquire Luka Doncic on February 2, 2025, the Lakers have struggled to fill the void at center. Players like Jaxson Hayes and Alex Len have failed to meet expectations, particularly in the playoffs, where Minnesota exploited their defensive weaknesses and lack of rebounding prowess. The 1-3 series loss to the Timberwolves exposed the absence of a reliable center, prompting Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka to take swift action.
Mitchell Robinson, the 26-year-old, 7-foot Knicks center, is seen as an ideal solution. With his elite defensive skills, impressive shot-blocking ability, and mobility in pick-and-roll situations, Robinson could provide the much-needed strength in the Lakers’ frontcourt. In the 2019-20 season, he set an NBA record with a 74.2% field goal percentage on shots near the rim, showcasing his efficiency in the paint. Despite injury setbacks, Robinson remains a valuable asset when healthy.
Why Mitchell Robinson is the Perfect Target
Robinson’s addition would bring several tactical advantages to the Lakers:
Paint Defense: His shot-blocking and rim protection would address the Lakers’ struggles against teams with strong interior presences, such as Minnesota or the Denver Nuggets.
Pick-and-Roll Synergy with Luka Doncic: With his wide catch radius and leaping ability, Robinson is an ideal partner for Doncic’s pinpoint passes, creating easy scoring opportunities.
Rebounding Dominance: The Lakers struggled to control the glass in the playoffs, and Robinson’s presence would significantly improve their rebounding numbers.
However, the trade comes with risks. Robinson’s injury history is a major concern, especially since he has yet to play in the 2024-25 season due to health issues. The Lakers will need to carefully weigh his potential against the risk of inconsistent availability.
How the Trade Could Happen
Acquiring Robinson would require the Lakers to part with significant assets. According to Times of India, a potential trade package could include:
Gabe Vincent or Jarred Vanderbilt: Both players have contracts around $11 million, sufficient to match Robinson’s salary.
Shake Milton: A smaller contract to sweeten the deal, giving the Knicks added roster flexibility.
Draft Capital: The Lakers may need to include future draft picks to convince the Knicks to part with their center.
For the Knicks, trading Robinson could be a tough call, but with their focus on building around Jalen Brunson, they might be open to a deal that brings in players better suited to their long-term strategy.
Vision for the 2025-26 Season
With LeBron James at 40 and Luka Doncic in his prime, the Lakers know their championship window is narrowing. Adding a center like Robinson would create a more balanced roster, easing the burden on their superstar duo. If the trade materializes, the Lakers could reemerge as a legitimate title contender, ready to challenge powerhouses like the Boston Celtics or Denver Nuggets.
While still a rumor, the pursuit of Mitchell Robinson signals the Lakers’ bold ambition to maximize LeBron James’ final years. Fans are now left wondering whether Rob Pelinka can turn this vision into reality.