{"id":177312,"date":"2026-02-10T12:24:29","date_gmt":"2026-02-10T17:24:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=177312"},"modified":"2026-02-10T20:53:13","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T01:53:13","slug":"defensive-minded-bigs-realistic-possibilities-lakers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/02\/10\/defensive-minded-bigs-realistic-possibilities-lakers\/","title":{"rendered":"Defensive-Minded Bigs Viewed as ‘Realistic Possibilities’ for Lakers"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Lakers managed to plug a few holes at the trade deadline, but one position that has faced heavy scrutiny is at center. While <\/span>Deandre Ayton<\/span><\/a> has been a polarizing starter and <\/span>Jaxson Hayes<\/span><\/a> has admirably re-adjusted to a backup role, the team\u2019s needs for athleticism and rim protection remain vital as they hand the reins over from <\/span>LeBron James<\/span><\/a> to <\/span>Luka Doncic<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reflecting on the year that\u2019s passed since Doncic\u2019s Lakers debut, ESPN\u2019s Kevin Pelton offered several plausible targets LA could pursue in free agency, including two familiar names the organization previously targeted.<\/span><\/p>\n

Defensive-Minded Bigs Viewed as ‘Realistic Possibilities’ for Lakers<\/h2>\n

Kevin Pelton on Lakers and Free Agent Fives<\/h3>\n

While evaluating how the Lakers could build a championship-contending team around Doncic\u2014in similar fashion to the 2023 Dallas Mavericks\u2014Kevin Pelton highlighted how Doncic thrived alongside two athletic bigs in Daniel Gafford<\/a> and Dereck Lively II<\/a>. As for how LA could fill that void, Pelton wrote<\/a>:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe unrestricted free agent market seems most likely to yield a center, with <\/span>Mitchell Robinson<\/span><\/a> of the <\/span>New York Knicks<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Robert Williams III<\/span><\/a> of the <\/span>Portland Trail Blazers<\/span><\/a> realistic possibilities.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Both athletic bigs with impressive defense, <\/span>Mitchell Robinson<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Robert Williams III<\/span><\/a> could fill key deficiencies for the Lakers should they choose the purple in gold in free agency\u2014potential solutions that come with one notable asterisk: injuries.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Feb
Feb 4, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) dunks in the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Mitchell Robinson<\/h4>\n

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 <\/span>two ankle surgeries<\/span><\/a> 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\u2019s game against the Pacers).<\/span><\/p>\n

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 <\/span>aggressive in his drives to the rim<\/span><\/a> and managed, at least for one possession, to <\/span>lock up<\/span><\/a> Jamal Murray<\/span><\/a> on the perimeter.<\/span><\/p>\n

A true center who <\/span>holds his own against elite fives<\/span><\/a> while thriving next to All-Star playmakers, a healthy Robinson could significantly impact the Lakers\u2019 second unit.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

THE WORLD NEEDS TO KNOW HOW GOOD MITCHELL ROBINSON IS.<\/p>\n

I AM TIRED OF HIM BEING UNDERRATED.<\/p>\n

THIS IS A 7 FOOTER MOVING LIKE THIS ON DEFENSE.@23savage____<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/i3EQVfU55n<\/a><\/p>\n

— Mitchell Robinson Lover (@_nydyl) February 5, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n