Los Angeles Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka told reporters during his end-of-the-season press conference that he will attempt to acquire a center this summer. Pelinka acquired Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets in February, but the trade was rescinded after Williams failed his physical with the Lakers.
Los Angeles needs a lob threat and shot blocker alongside Luka Doncic and LeBron James, which is why Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report thinks Pelinka should acquire a $60 million center this offseason.
Swartz proposed that the Lakers trade Jarred Vanderbilt, a 2025 second-round pick and 2026 first-round pick swap rights to the New York Knicks for Mitchell Robinson this summer.
“The Lakers don’t need an All-Star center, but rather just someone with size who can protect the rim and be a vertical lob threat for Doncic and James to find,” Swartz wrote. “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.”
If this trade Swartz proposed happened, Lakers head coach JJ Redick could start Doncic, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, James and Robinson next season.
Robinson, 27, only appeared in 17 games for the Knicks this season due to a left ankle injury. The big man averaged 5.1 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.1 blocks while shooting 66.1% from the field and 68.4% from the free-throw line.
The Lakers lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2025 playoffs in five games, while the Knicks beat the Detroit Pistons in six games and are currently up 1-0 on the Boston Celtics in the second round.
Robinson has spent his entire career with the Knicks. He has career averages of 7.8 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks. The Western Kentucky product will make $12.9 million next season in the final year of the four-year, $60 million contract he signed with New York in 2022.
Related: NBA Trade Idea Reunites Luka Doncic With Former Teammate on Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka told reporters during his end-of-the-season press conference that he will attempt to acquire a center this summer. Pelinka acquired Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets in February, but the trade was rescinded after Williams failed his physical with the Lakers.
Los Angeles needs a lob threat and shot blocker alongside Luka Doncic and LeBron James, which is why Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report thinks Pelinka should acquire a $60 million center this offseason.
Swartz proposed that the Lakers trade Jarred Vanderbilt, a 2025 second-round pick and 2026 first-round pick swap rights to the New York Knicks for Mitchell Robinson this summer.
“The Lakers don’t need an All-Star center, but rather just someone with size who can protect the rim and be a vertical lob threat for Doncic and James to find,” Swartz wrote. “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.”
If this trade Swartz proposed happened, Lakers head coach JJ Redick could start Doncic, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, James and Robinson next season.
Robinson, 27, only appeared in 17 games for the Knicks this season due to a left ankle injury. The big man averaged 5.1 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.1 blocks while shooting 66.1% from the field and 68.4% from the free-throw line.
The Lakers lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2025 playoffs in five games, while the Knicks beat the Detroit Pistons in six games and are currently up 1-0 on the Boston Celtics in the second round.
Robinson has spent his entire career with the Knicks. He has career averages of 7.8 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks. The Western Kentucky product will make $12.9 million next season in the final year of the four-year, $60 million contract he signed with New York in 2022.
Related: NBA Trade Idea Reunites Luka Doncic With Former Teammate on Lakers
