With star guard Austin Reaves about to be secured for the next few years on a new $185 million contract, the Los Angeles Lakers have taken care of one of the biggest items on their offseason agenda before the official start of free agency on Tuesday, June 30.
Another big item on that agenda is upgrading at the center position. Current starter Deandre Ayton, who has a player option for next season, may or may not stay with the Lakers, and regardless, the team needs better depth at the position. One of its rumored targets has been Mitchell Robinson of the NBA champion New York Knicks.
One would think the Knicks will do whatever it takes to keep their rotation together and go after back-to-back titles. But per Stefan Bondy of the New York Post, owner James Dolan is not willing to spend money past a certain level, and therefore, Robinson is unlikely to remain in New York.
“Heard it’s unlikely Mitchell Robinson will be back with Knicks next season,” Bondy wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “He’s longest tenured Knick but also an unrestricted free agent. Owner James Dolan said he’s unwilling to pay into second apron so running it back with bench is not feasible.”
Robinson is the type of energetic, defensive-minded 5 the Lakers want and need. He’s likely not a starting-caliber 5, but he would make a terrific backup behind Ayton — or another starter, should L.A. obtain another starting 5.
The 28-year-old Robinson averaged 5.7 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 19.6 minutes a game during the regular season. He has a history of injury problems, but he did appear in 60 regular-season games this year and was available for 18 of New York’s 19 playoff games this spring, as well as all 18 of its postseason games in 2025.
He made $12.95 million this season, so perhaps he could be gettable for the Lakers.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Lakers get potentially good news on one of their center targets
Reporting by Robert Marvi, LeBron Wire / LeBron Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Robert Marvi, LeBron Wire | USA TODAY Network
