The Los Angeles Lakers are evaluating New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson and Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III as potential additions when NBA free agency begins on June 30, league sources told reporter Jake Fischer.
The front office is looking for a rim-protecting partner for star guard Luka Doncic after a 2025-26 season in which Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes shared minutes in the middle. While both current Lakers big men filled gaps, team officials reportedly prefer a more defense-oriented archetype to complement Doncic.
Injury histories temper interest
Robinson and Williams match the desired profile as athletic shot-blockers who thrive on pick-and-roll lobs, and their contracts are expected to fit within Los Angeles’ cap structure. However, durability remains a significant concern.
• Robinson has appeared in more than 65 games only twice in eight seasons, including three campaigns of 31 games or fewer. The 28-year-old averaged 19.6 minutes during the 2025-26 regular season and 13.9 minutes in the playoffs for the NBA-champion Knicks.
• Williams has topped 60 games just once in eight years and has had five seasons with 35 games or fewer. His most available year came five seasons ago, when he logged 61 games at 29.6 minutes and earned Second-Team All-Defense honors.
Both centers are said to be open to remaining with their current clubs, leaving the Lakers to weigh the medical risk against potential on-court benefits.
Other unrestricted targets
If Los Angeles clears cap space, additional unrestricted free agents under consideration include Tobias Harris, Norman Powell, Anfernee Simons, Coby White, Quentin Grimes, Dean Wade and Landry Shamet, according to the report.
The Lakers have one week to finalize priorities before the market officially opens.
Source: Lakers Nation
