Lakers Set to Land Towering “True 7-Footer” in Bold Trade Proposal — Mitchell Robinson Could Be the Missing Piece to Unlock Luka & LeBron’s Championship Push 🏀🔥
The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly exploring a bold move that could finally solve one of their most pressing roster issues — the lack of a dominant, rim-protecting big man. In a new trade proposal by Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz, the Lakers are linked to Mitchell Robinson, the New York Knicks’ athletic 7-foot center, in a deal that could reshape the team’s defensive identity and elevate its championship hopes.
🔁 Proposed Trade Details:
Los Angeles Lakers receive: Mitchell Robinson
New York Knicks receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, 2025 second-round pick, and 2026 first-round pick swap rights
Why the Lakers Are Targeting Mitchell Robinson
Following a disappointing 4-1 first-round playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves — where the lack of a true center was glaring — Lakers GM Rob Pelinka is expected to prioritize adding size and interior defense to the roster. The experimental small-ball lineups, featuring Dorian Finney-Smith at the five, proved ineffective, especially against dominant big men like Rudy Gobert, who torched the Lakers with 27 points and 24 rebounds in Game 5.
Enter Mitchell Robinson, a 27-year-old rim-running big man known for his shot blocking, elite rebounding, and vertical spacing. As Swartz noted in his proposal:
“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 Luka Doncic and LeBron James to find.”
Robinson, who has averaged 2.7 blocks per 36 minutes over his seven-year career, would bring much-needed size and toughness to a Lakers roster that has lacked interior presence since the departure of players like Dwight Howard.
How Robinson Complements Luka & LeBron
Robinson’s potential fit with the Lakers goes beyond stats. His ability to set hard screens, clean the offensive glass, and finish lobs in the pick-and-roll would be a dream pairing with Luka Doncic, whom the Lakers acquired to lead their offense. With LeBron James still orchestrating plays and Austin Reaves emerging as a versatile perimeter threat, Robinson could quietly become a critical glue piece.
His presence would also allow Anthony Davis to spend more time at his preferred power forward position, preserving his health and maximizing his impact on both ends of the floor.
Injury Concerns & Caution Ahead
Of course, Robinson’s injury history is a valid concern. He missed a significant portion of the 2024–25 season due to surgery, and durability has been a consistent issue throughout his career. That said, the Knicks’ willingness to part with him — despite his postseason resurgence — likely stems from those concerns, creating an opening for the Lakers to strike a low-risk, high-reward deal.
The Lakers’ medical staff and front office will certainly weigh those risks, but if Robinson can stay healthy, the potential payoff could be huge.
Bigger Picture: A Summer of Change in L.A.
This offseason promises to be one of the most pivotal in recent Lakers history. Alongside rumors of this trade, there is also growing speculation about LeBron James’ future. With a player option worth $52.6 million, the 40-year-old superstar could either opt in for another run or explore other opportunities — even retirement has been floated.
Meanwhile, voices like Michael Rapaport, appearing on The Skip Bayless Show, have argued that it’s time for the franchise to move on:
“I think he sucks the joy out of that team. Unless they get some other pieces, it’s best to let him go,” Rapaport said bluntly.
Regardless of LeBron’s decision, the addition of a “true 7-footer” like Mitchell Robinson signals the Lakers’ commitment to revamping their roster with defense and physicality — qualities they’ve sorely missed.
What Comes Next?
The trade is still theoretical at this stage, but buzz is building. With the NBA Draft and free agency period looming, Rob Pelinka and the Lakers’ front office will be looking to finalize key moves early — especially with Doncic’s integration into the roster being a top priority.
If this deal materializes, the Lakers could finally have the big man they need to anchor their defense, ignite the transition game, and set the tone for a serious title run in 2026.
Stay tuned for more as this developing story unfolds.
