Lakers Considered Mitchell Robinson if Walker Kessler Deal Fell Through
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The Los Angeles Lakers targeted Walker Kessler as their primary offseason addition at center, ultimately sending significant draft compensation to the Utah Jazz in a sign-and-trade agreement. Had those talks collapsed, the front office planned to pursue free-agent center Mitchell Robinson, according to team and league sources cited by The Athletic’s Dan Woike.
Robinson, 28, departed the New York Knicks this summer and signed a three-year, $47.4 million contract with the Boston Celtics. The 7-footer offers many of the traits Los Angeles sought in Kessler, including elite offensive rebounding and interior defense. Robinson averaged more than four offensive boards in four of the past five seasons and played a key role in New York’s run to the 2026 NBA championship.
Injuries have been a concern for the Louisiana native. Robinson has undergone multiple foot and ankle surgeries and twice had procedures on his right hand, the most recent coming late in the 2026 postseason to repair a fractured bone.
With Kessler secured, the Lakers also added veteran big man Kevon Looney and signed forward Sandro Mamukelashvili, who can log spot minutes at center. Because Kessler and Looney both carry recent injury histories, the team is expected to keep exploring additional frontcourt options as training camp approaches.
Source: LakersNation.com
