Rob Pelinka, the general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers, is likely to focus on acquiring a rim-running center this summer. He aims to pair Luka Dončić with a lob threat for the upcoming season. According to a recent trade proposal by Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz, Mitchell Robinson has been suggested as a potential target. Robinson would bring excellent rim protection, shot-blocking, and serve as a lob threat, especially in the dunker spot and pick-and-roll situations.
Swartz’s trade proposal looks like this:
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Mitchell Robinson
New York Knicks Receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, 2025 second-round pick, 2026 first-round pick swap rights
Swartz explained, “The Lakers don’t need an All-Star center, but rather someone with size who can protect the rim and be a vertical lob threat for Luka Dončić and LeBron James to find.” He added, “Robinson, 27, is a true 7-footer who knows his role and plays it well. He does a good job of cleaning the offensive glass and has blocked 2.7 shots per 36 minutes in his seven-year career.”
Robinson would fill the void initially intended for Mark Williams and immediately enhance the Lakers’ frontcourt, helping position Dončić for future success.
Lakers Should Be Cautious About Robinson’s Injury History
Despite Robinson’s potential, he has faced significant injury struggles throughout his career, including missing most of the 2024-25 season due to recovery from surgery. While these injury concerns may make New York more willing to negotiate, the Lakers’ front office will need to carefully evaluate them. Nonetheless, when healthy, Robinson has proven to be a reliable big man, excelling as a defensive cornerstone for Tom Thibodeau’s squad and currently making an impact in the postseason. If the Lakers manage to secure their long-term big man, it could help Rob Pelinka identify other areas for improvement this summer.
Lakers May Need to Consider Moving On from LeBron
With rumors swirling around a potential summer overhaul, discussions have emerged about whether LeBron James should retire or continue his career with another team. Michael Rapaport, during a recent appearance on The Skip Bayless Show, expressed his view on why it might be time for the Lakers to part ways with the aging star.
Rapaport said, “It worked in bits. Obviously, it didn’t work enough. I think it’s time to move on. I think he sucks the joy out of that team. It would be in their best interest, unless they’re able to get some other pieces, to let him go or move on from him. There were some stretches where he was a top-five player, some stretches where he was a top-10 player. They looked bad in the playoffs… I think he is a vibe killer.”
LeBron has a player option for the next season, meaning he can choose to return for another year with the Lakers, potentially earning $52.6 million. His decision will likely play a major role in how the Lakers approach roster improvements. Even at 40 years old, LeBron remains one of the top-20 players in the NBA.
