{"id":121693,"date":"2025-02-03T13:00:47","date_gmt":"2025-02-03T18:00:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=121693"},"modified":"2025-02-03T13:00:47","modified_gmt":"2025-02-03T18:00:47","slug":"lakers-mitchell-robinson-anthony-davis-trade","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/02\/03\/lakers-mitchell-robinson-anthony-davis-trade\/","title":{"rendered":"Lakers Eyeing This Shot-Blocking Center Following Davis Trade"},"content":{"rendered":"

Even though the <\/span>Lakers acquired a young superstar<\/span><\/a> in <\/span>Luka Doncic<\/span><\/a>, fans are growing concerned over the team\u2019s rim protection now that <\/span>Anthony Davis<\/span><\/a> is gone. With three days until the deadline is up, new reporting confirms the Lakers\u2019 center chase continues, and the team is looking to add a defensive-minded big man from the East.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lakers Eyeing This Shot-Blocking Center Following Davis Trade<\/b><\/h2>\n

Kevin O\u2019Connor: LA Looking at Mitchell Robinson<\/b><\/h3>\n

During a recent episode of his podcast, <\/span>NBA writer Kevin O\u2019Connor<\/span><\/a> said the Lakers are targeting Knicks center <\/span>Mitchell Robinson<\/span><\/a> as the deadline inches closer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span>\u201cLeague sources say the Lakers are looking for a big man and Mitchell Robinson from the New York Knicks is one of the bigs they are targeting. That\u2019s what I\u2019m hearing in the aftermath so far, after that absolutely nuts Lakers-Mavericks-Jazz trade that happened in the wee hours on Saturday into Sunday.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

LA\u2019s need for a center is glaring following the blockbuster move, with many faulting the Lakers for giving up their best defender even though they received an elite guard in return. With a catalyst for the post-LeBron now secured, the team\u2019s focus rightfully shifts to acquiring a center and shoring up the defense Davis commanded the last six seasons.<\/span><\/p>\n

Robinson’s Potential Fit, Concerns with the Lakers<\/b><\/h3>\n

Robinson<\/span><\/a> is a solid choice to fill Davis\u2019s shoes at center. The 7\u20190\u201d, 240-pound big man holds career averages of eight points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game on 70% shooting from the field. He was New York\u2019s best rim protector last season, and <\/span>New York\u2019s defense<\/span><\/a> has felt his absence this year. For a Lakers team that desperately needs a formidable presence in the paint, Robinson\u2014who is also 26 years old\u2014could be their guy.<\/span><\/p>\n