As the Lakers tank continues, there’s not much to play for in Los Angeles. Players such as David Nwaba have impressed, whilst others have underwhelmed. It’s clear the team has their eyes set on draft lottery night, as preparations for next season have begun. Luol Deng has been shut down and Timofey Mozgov sits most nights. Head coach Luke Walton has gone young, focusing on Jordan Clarkson, Brandon Ingram and Ivica Zubac. Clarkson and Ingram look set to finish the season strong, where as Zubac will miss the remaining five games through injury. One player who has impressed of late is Thomas Robinson. A four-year veteran, Robinson is really proving his worth as free agency nears.
Thomas Robinson Proving His Worth
The Season So Far
Robinson, 26, hasn’t been a mainstay in the team this campaign. Starting just one game all season, Robinson has played predominately off the bench. This role is nothing new, as the athletic forward has started just 12 times in his career. The season started well for Robinson. Involved on 21 occasions before New Year, Robinson was commonly used by Walton. Averaging 4.3 points and 4.7 rebounds on the season, the former fifth overall pick has found his form in the latter stages of the season.
April Has Been Short yet Sweet for T-Rob
Now this may be a small sample size, but April shows why Robinson should be re-signed. Averaging 14 points and 9.5 rebounds whilst playing 21 minutes per game. Robinson was just one rebound away from back to back double doubles. Both impressive outings came against playoff teams. This may only be two games, but Robinson plays with great effort and fight. Those traits are valuable to a team, especially when they come off the bench.
Free Agency is on the Horizon
Entering the season on a non-guaranteed deal, Robinson had to fight for his spot. It’s fair to say that Lakers fans really didn’t expect much from the NBA journeyman. Having played for five teams before joining the Lakers, Robinson had to fight for 15th spot on the roster. Competing alongside fan favorite Metta World Peace, Robinson would have to battle everyday just to secure his future. In the end, the team kept both World Peace and Robinson. Set to hit free agency this off-season, Robinson has voiced his intent to stay in Los Angeles.
Talking to Mark Medina of the OC Register, Robinson had this to say on is future, “I’m trying to build my family here. I would love to be here for a few years. Just to be somewhere for a while.”
Robinson is a journeyman and it’s clear that the big man has found a place he’d like to call home for the foreseeable future. It’s an uncomfortable world having to find a home in the Association. Clearly Robinson wants to find stability and build off the progress made this season. Hopefully the Lakers brass can see Robinson’s value and decide to keep the talented forward around for a little while longer.
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