As the Los Angeles Lakers dive into the 2026 free agency market, one name that’s bound to catch their eye is Mitchell Robinson. This guy is a dynamo on the court-his defensive prowess and offensive rebounding are top-tier, making him an ideal fit as the lob partner Luka Doncic has been searching for.
But here’s the catch: Robinson’s injury history is a big question mark for the Lakers. They’ll need to weigh the risks before making any moves.
Robinson’s journey in the NBA has been a rollercoaster. He kicked off his career playing 66 games in his rookie season and 61 games the following year.
Then came the setbacks-missing 41 games in 2020-21. However, he bounced back with 72 appearances in 2021-22.
The pattern continued with 59 games in 2022-23, but the next couple of seasons were rocky, missing 51 games in 2023-24 and 65 in 2024-25. This season, he’s played in 49 of the Knicks’ 68 games, hinting at a possible turnaround, but the injury concerns linger.
Despite these setbacks, Robinson’s potential fit with Doncic is undeniable. He’s a defensive powerhouse, a menace on the boards, and an unmatched lob threat.
In 2025-26, Robinson has been delivering solid numbers: 5.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, 4.4 offensive rebounds, 0.9 assists, 1.1 blocks, and 0.8 steals per game-all in just 19.5 minutes per contest. When you stretch those numbers out to per 36 minutes, they jump to 9.8 points, 16.3 rebounds, 8.1 offensive rebounds, 1.7 assists, 2.0 blocks, and 1.5 steals. His rebounding stats per 36 minutes are unmatched in the league, and he’s one of the few players with such impressive block and steal rates.
Looking back, Robinson’s 2022-23 season showed his dominance in offensive rebounding, ranking first among players with at least 50 games. In 2021-22, he was fourth in the same category. His career averages of 5.7 offensive boards and 2.7 blocks per 36 minutes speak volumes about his impact on the court.
Robinson isn’t just about stats; his presence is felt all over the court. He’s got a knack for protecting the rim and disrupting plays, whether it’s blocking shots on the perimeter or dismantling pick and rolls. His ability to set solid screens makes him a valuable offensive asset, leading to easy points above the rim.
The Lakers have a tough decision ahead. Can they bank on Robinson’s health, knowing there’s likely to be stiff competition for his talents in 2026? It’s a gamble, but if Robinson stays healthy, he could be the missing piece in their championship puzzle.