The Los Angeles Lakers are making waves yet again this offseason, with their front office showing no signs of slowing down as they reshape the roster around their newest superstar, Luka Dončić. After pulling off a blockbuster trade to bring Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks at the 2025 trade deadline, the Lakers have made it abundantly clear that their mission is to build a championship contender — and to do it fast. Dončić, now 26, has reportedly told Lakers president Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick that he isn’t interested in waiting years for the team to gel. According to CBS Sports’ Jasmyn Wimbish, “Dončić told Lakers president Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick in May that he's not interested in taking the slow approach in building a contender.”
That message has certainly been received. The Lakers’ front office has already been busy, re-signing Jaxson Hayes and acquiring Deandre Ayton to upgrade the center position. But even with these moves, rumors are swirling that the Lakers aren’t done yet. The latest buzz? A potential trade for New York Knicks big man Mitchell Robinson, a 7-foot, 240-pound defensive force with a jaw-dropping 7’4” wingspan.
Mitchell Robinson’s name has been circulating in league circles as the Knicks reportedly explore the trade market for their athletic center, who is entering the final year of his contract — a manageable $12,954,546 expiring deal for the 2025–26 season. Lakers fans are no strangers to big names and bold moves, but what makes Robinson such an intriguing target for Los Angeles?
First, let’s talk about what Robinson brings to the table. As Lake Show Life’s Maxwell Ogden put it, “Robinson is a giant of an individual with shocking athleticism and elite production as a defender and offensive rebounder. Standing at 7'0" and 240 pounds with a 7'4" wingspan, he's physically imposing standing still and downright terrifying in how quickly he can leap into the air or close the distance to the perimeter.” That kind of rim protection and rebounding prowess is exactly what the Lakers have been searching for, especially as they look to support both Ayton and Dončić in their quest for a title.
There’s little doubt that Robinson’s defensive ability would immediately make life easier for Deandre Ayton, whose reputation has come under fire in recent months. ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins didn’t mince words when he said, “The word around the league is not good about Deandre Ayton... right now he's been labeled as a diva, as a cancer in the locker room... he has to change a lot about himself or he will find his career being shortened.” With Ayton facing such scrutiny, bringing in a defensive anchor like Robinson could reduce the pressure on Ayton to be the lone interior enforcer — and perhaps allow him to focus more on his offensive game.
But the potential benefits don’t stop there. For Luka Dončić, who has built his career on dazzling playmaking and lobs to athletic bigs, adding Robinson could be a dream come true. Dončić’s time in Dallas was defined by his ability to turn even the slightest opening into a highlight-reel alley-oop, and Robinson’s elite leaping ability makes him a perfect candidate for those signature plays. As the Lakers look to maximize Dončić’s talents, having another “explosive lob threat,” as multiple reports have described Robinson, could open up the floor and create new offensive wrinkles.
Financially, the move is also realistic. The Lakers have the salaries to match Robinson’s contract, and with his deal set to expire after the upcoming season, there’s flexibility for the front office to maneuver in the future. As Maxwell Ogden noted, “Los Angeles has the salaries to match Robinson's $12,954,546 expiring salary, as well as the opportunity for consistent playing time.” For a team that’s been walking a tightrope with the salary cap, that kind of flexibility is crucial.
It’s no secret that the Lakers’ roster has been in flux since the Dončić trade. The front office has prioritized the center position, re-signing Jaxson Hayes and bringing in Ayton, but there’s a sense that the team is still searching for the right combination. Robinson, with his elite defense and rebounding, could be the missing piece that brings balance to the frontcourt. He would allow Ayton to play to his strengths, give Hayes a more defined rotational role, and — perhaps most importantly — provide Dončić with a partner who can finish above the rim with authority.
Of course, there are risks. Ayton’s reputation, as Perkins pointed out, is a concern. The Lakers are betting that a new environment and a stronger supporting cast can help Ayton find his groove. At the same time, Robinson’s injury history and expiring contract mean that the Lakers would need to be confident in his ability to stay on the floor and contribute right away. But for a franchise that has always thrived on star power and bold moves, the potential upside is hard to ignore.
Looking at the bigger picture, the Lakers’ willingness to pursue Robinson signals a clear intent: they are all-in on building a winner around Dončić, and they’re not afraid to make aggressive moves to get there. The front office’s activity this offseason points to a sense of urgency — one that matches Dončić’s own desire to compete for championships sooner rather than later. As the Lakers continue to explore their options, fans are left to wonder: could Mitchell Robinson be the final piece of the puzzle?
It’s a fascinating time to follow the Lakers. With Dončić at the helm, Ayton looking for redemption, and the potential addition of Robinson on the horizon, the team’s identity is still taking shape. The front office’s calculated risks and willingness to challenge the status quo have set the stage for a compelling season ahead. Whether or not the Robinson trade materializes, one thing is certain: the Lakers are not content to stand pat. As the 2025–26 NBA season approaches, all eyes are on Los Angeles to see if their bold new vision can translate into wins — and maybe, just maybe, another championship banner in the rafters.
