The Lakers managed to plug a few holes at the trade deadline, but one position that has faced heavy scrutiny is at center. While Deandre Ayton has been a polarizing starter and Jaxson Hayes has admirably re-adjusted to a backup role, the team’s needs for athleticism and rim protection remain vital as they hand the reins over from LeBron James to Luka Doncic.
Reflecting on the year that’s passed since Doncic’s Lakers debut, ESPN’s Kevin Pelton offered several plausible targets LA could pursue in free agency, including two familiar names the organization previously targeted.
Defensive-Minded Bigs Viewed as ‘Realistic Possibilities’ for Lakers
Kevin Pelton on Lakers and Free Agent Fives
While evaluating how the Lakers could build a championship-contending team around Doncic—in similar fashion to the 2023 Dallas Mavericks—Kevin Pelton highlighted how Doncic thrived alongside two athletic bigs in Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II. As for how LA could fill that void, Pelton wrote:
“The unrestricted free agent market seems most likely to yield a center, with Mitchell Robinson of the New York Knicks and Robert Williams III of the Portland Trail Blazers realistic possibilities.”
Both athletic bigs with impressive defense, Mitchell Robinson and Robert Williams III could fill key deficiencies for the Lakers should they choose the purple in gold in free agency—potential solutions that come with one notable asterisk: injuries.
Mitchell Robinson
The 7-foot Robinson is averaging 4.8 points, 8.9 rebounds, 1.1 blocks and 1.0 assist per game while shooting 69% from the field. After undergoing two ankle surgeries in 2024, and missing a majority of last season as a result, the 27-year-old has been a relatively reliable defender and rebounder this year (even though he is out for tonight’s game against the Pacers).
In one of his more impressive games against the Denver Nuggets on Feb. 4, Robinson finished with ten points, eight rebounds, a steal and a block. He was aggressive in his drives to the rim and managed, at least for one possession, to lock up Jamal Murray on the perimeter.
A true center who holds his own against elite fives while thriving next to All-Star playmakers, a healthy Robinson could significantly impact the Lakers’ second unit.
THE WORLD NEEDS TO KNOW HOW GOOD MITCHELL ROBINSON IS.
I AM TIRED OF HIM BEING UNDERRATED.
THIS IS A 7 FOOTER MOVING LIKE THIS ON DEFENSE.@23savage____ pic.twitter.com/i3EQVfU55n
— Mitchell Robinson Lover (@_nydyl) February 5, 2026
Robert Williams
Despite some limitations as a 6’9” center, Williams III has given the Trail Blazers a crucial boost on both ends. In 37 games (one start), he has put up 6.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.4 blocks.
Williams has also stretched his offensive game toward the perimeter, nailing seven of his 16 three-point attempts this season, good for 43.8%. His most recent outing—eight points, six rebounds, two assists and a block against the Philadelphia 76ers—also featured consecutive left corner threes. That mark made him 4/4 from deep in his last three games.
Similar to Robinson, Williams has been a reliable two-way player for the Blazers’ bench when he’s at full strength, giving the group a unique look when the 7’2” Donovan Clingan sits. He’s a player who embodies the adage “heart over height” and could finally give the Lakers a reliable option should they decide to go for a small-ball lineup.
Health as a Key Caveat
While both centers could fit the bill around Doncic and could shore up the Lakers’ defense, their respective injury histories should alarm a team still struggling to get to full strength.
If Robinson and Williams can get through the rest of the season scot-free, then LA should at least consider them as viable upgrades over Hayes, who—despite his decent fit and chemistry with the current group—leaves plenty to be desired as a rebounder and rim protector.
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