Lakers Becoming Ideal Free Agent Home For Popular Knicks Name https://t.co/zy3BuNQaqJ via @heavysan— LakerTom (@LakerTom) March 15, 2026
Lakers Becoming Ideal Free Agent Home For Popular Knicks Name
by 
March 15, 2026 1 Comment
Reader Interactions
Comments
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
FROM ABOVE ARTICLE:
The Los Angeles Lakers will apparently look at free agent center Mitchell Robinson during free agency. General Manager Rob Pelinka is expected to be aggressive on the free agent market with the contracts of LeBron James and multiple other players coming off the books to open cap space. Austin Reaves getting a massive extension is the top priority, but the Lakers will have enough money to add a few more rotation players.
Robinson is entering free agency after his contract with the New York Knicks ends. Fansided’s Maxwell Ogden said the following about the Lakers’ interest in Robinson:
“As the Los Angeles Lakers survey the 2026 free agency market for the ideal center, Mitchell Robinson will inevitably surface on their radar. He’s an explosive athlete with elite defensive range, unrivaled offensive rebounding proficiency, and the perfect skill set to thrive as the lob threat Luka Doncic needs.”
DeAndre Ayton has been a general disappointment for the Lakers after they added him last offseason with the hopes of finding their future center. Despite having youth and athleticism on his side, Ayton has struggled to provide consistency. Robinson stands out as one of the best free agent options at the center with an affordable price tag.
Why Mitchell Robinson Makes Perfect Sense
The Lakers lack a defensive big man to grab rebounds and present a threat to opposing star centers. Robinson is a flawed offensive center and one of the worst free throw shooters in the NBA, but no one will argue against him providing defensive toughness.
The source article cited that Robinson stands out as the kind of center who typically thrives with Doncic. Comparisons are there for Robinson to fit a similar role to Daniel Gafford or Dereck Lively on the Dallas Mavericks when Luka led the franchise to the NBA Finals just two seasons ago.
Reaves and Doncic need a center who can do the dirty work and make up for their flaws. Other options will be available, but Robinson will be quite affordable due to coming off injury concerns and having a lower ceiling. Time will tell if they find a better value or if they will offer Robinson the best deal.
Negative Side To Signing Mitchell Robinson
The affordable price tag for Robinson will come with his other flaws since he’s not a perfect player. Robinson has been the worst free throw shooter in the league over the past few seasons and is currently shooting 39.5% from the free throw line this year.
Injury concerns will also scare Lakers fans since Robinson missed 65 games last season and has dealt with some injuries this season. New York only plays Robinson 20 minutes per game, so the Lakers starting him would require more playing time.
Another center would be necessary to split minutes in close games when Robinson is struggling or getting intentionally fouled. Ayton currently has a player option to return one more season, and current reserve Jaxson Hayes will also be a free agent. Robinson would be a strong addition to the roster, but a trusted reserve is important as well.