The Los Angeles Lakers have just completed one of the most significant trades in NBA history, acquiring Luka Dončić in a move that reshapes the franchise. However, their work is far from finished.
By sending Anthony Davis to Dallas, the Lakers didn’t just lose LeBron James’ co-star—they also lost their defensive backbone, one of the league’s top rim protectors, and the key piece holding their defense together. With Dončić now in the mix, their priority shifts to filling the massive void in the frontcourt.
That’s where Mitchell Robinson comes in.
According to Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor, the Lakers have shown interest in trading for the New York Knicks’ big man. On paper, Robinson is an ideal fit: a 7-foot-1 defensive specialist, elite shot-blocker, and dominant rebounder. He doesn’t need the ball to make an impact—his game revolves around protecting the rim, altering shots, and controlling the glass. At just 26, he also aligns with the Lakers’ new long-term vision alongside Dončić.
However, one significant concern looms: injuries.
Robinson has yet to play this season due to foot surgery, and durability has been a recurring issue throughout his career. Since entering the NBA in 2018, he has played more than 70 games in a season only once. For a Lakers team that moved on from Davis partly due to his availability issues, acquiring another injury-prone big man carries considerable risk.
The Lakers face a difficult decision. They need a defensive anchor, but they also can’t afford to gamble on a center who may not stay healthy. Before trading for Dončić, L.A. had two first-round picks available—now, they’re down to one. With limited assets, they must be extremely strategic in their approach.
This isn’t about giving up on the season—if anything, Dončić’s arrival extends their championship window for the next decade. But the front office won’t make a rash decision or overpay for a short-term solution. Any move before Thursday’s trade deadline will be a calculated one.
The Lakers are going to acquire a center—the only question is who and at what cost.
