The Los Angeles Lakers are setting their sights on a new priority: securing an elite big man to complement Luka Doncic as a lob threat. This strategic move seems to have taken precedence over even extending LeBron James' contract, a decision that's turning heads across the NBA landscape.
Recent whispers around the league, including insights from NBA insider Jake L. Fischer on The Stein Line, suggest that the Lakers are eyeing Mitchell Robinson to fill this pivotal role.
Brett Siegel, another well-connected NBA insider, has also reported that the Lakers are preparing to offer Robinson a long-term deal, likely hovering around the mid-level exception figures. This move signals the Lakers' intent to bolster their roster with a player who can bring a unique defensive presence to the court.
Mitchell Robinson, standing tall at seven feet, is fresh off a championship victory with the New York Knicks in 2026. As he enters free agency, his stats from the 2025-26 season are noteworthy: 5.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game, with an impressive 72.3% shooting from the field. These numbers underscore his role as a defensive powerhouse and a reliable contributor in the paint.
However, not everyone is convinced Robinson is the perfect fit for the Lakers' ambitions. Rich Paul, LeBron James' agent, shared his thoughts with Max Kellerman on their podcast, expressing skepticism about Robinson's compatibility with Doncic's playing style. Paul highlighted that while Robinson excels in securing extra possessions and protecting the rim, he lacks the offensive versatility seen in centers like Dereck Lively II or Daniel Gafford, who have thrived alongside Doncic.
Kellerman also pointed out potential injury concerns with Robinson, adding another layer to the discussion. While Robinson's defensive prowess is undeniable, both Paul and Kellerman question whether his offensive game can make him a starting-caliber center for the Lakers.
As the Lakers weigh their options, it's worth noting that Deandre Ayton, who recently joined the roster following the 2026 NBA Draft, has a crucial decision to make regarding his $8.1 million player option. Should Ayton decide to opt-in, the Lakers might explore trade opportunities to find a more fitting partner for Doncic, potentially bypassing Robinson in the process.
With the Knicks unlikely to retain Robinson, he is set to explore offers from other teams. Yet, the Lakers seem in no rush to make a hasty decision. They are carefully considering their options, recognizing that while Robinson is a big name in free agency, he may not be the ultimate solution to their quest for an elite big man to complement Doncic.
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Kolek still has the kind of passing feel that can keep him in the conversation, but the path to steady playing time looks narrower now than it did before Alvarados return. The Knicks can try to get creative by using Kolek in more of a combo role, though that would come with its own ripple effects elsewhere on the roster. If the front office eventually looks for ways to balance the group, Kolek could wind up in the kind of trade conversation that often involves draft assets or bigger roster needs, which is why this latest move feels bigger than one backup guard signing. [Read more 🡒]