The Los Angeles Lakers appear to have a clear path to chase veteran center Mitchell Robinson when NBA free agency opens on Tuesday, June 30.
New York Post reporter Stefan Bondy wrote on June 26, 2026, that the New York Knicks are “unlikely” to re-sign Robinson, an unrestricted free agent who has spent all eight of his NBA seasons with the franchise. Bondy noted that team owner James Dolan does not want to cross the league’s second tax apron, making it difficult for New York to retain its bench core.
Robinson, 28, averaged 50 regular-season games per year before appearing in 78 contests—including playoffs—during the Knicks’ 2025-26 championship run. Known for elite rebounding and rim protection, the 7-footer has also struggled with durability and free-throw shooting (career 50.8%). Opponents have frequently employed “Hack-a-Shaq” tactics to force him off the floor.
The Lakers have been linked to Robinson since the 2018 draft, when they selected Mo Wagner instead of the Western Kentucky prospect. With the center spot identified as a priority after a serviceable but unspectacular pairing of Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes, Los Angeles now possesses more salary-cap room than any other NBA team.
League sources have indicated that Luka Doncic has asked the Lakers’ front office to add an “A-list” center this summer. While Robinson may not fit the top-tier label, his availability positions him as a potential fallback if Los Angeles cannot secure a bigger name via trade or restricted free agency.
Free agency negotiations are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. ET on June 30, leaving the Lakers a limited window to determine whether Robinson’s defensive upside outweighs his health and shooting concerns.
Source: LakersNation.com
