According to Fadeaway World, this deal would provide the Lakers with “their most glaring postseason need.”
“This deal would give the Lakers a center who addresses their most glaring postseason need: size and interior presence… During their first-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Lakers’ lack of a genuine shot-blocking center left them completely outmatched, forcing coach J.J. Redick to use small-ball lineups that couldn’t stand up.
“Mitchell Robinson, despite his injury history, fits the Lakers’ needs. Robinson, a real 7-footer, has built a career around guarding the rim and catching lobs, two abilities that are ideal for a squad that includes LeBron James and Luka Doncic,” Vishwesha Kumar said.
Should Lakers be concerned about Mitchell Robinson?
Robinson has injury problems, but has played well for the New York Knicks in recent years.
If the Los Angeles Lakers watch him play against the Boston Celtics in the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, they will see what Robinson is capable of on both ends.
Sure, the Celtics are fouling him on purpose, and he’s missing free throws, but that’s only because he’s been so good. Robinson, whose stats may not reflect his effect, is dominating the boards, averaging at least seven rebounds in each of the first five games.
Will Rob Pelinka Give the Lakers What They Need?
In previous years, Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka has failed to provide the team with the necessary resources.
Sure, he made that big move for Doncic, but there was a lot more he could have done, which has frustrated many Lakers fans.
However, when addressing with the media, he stated that he recognizes Los Angeles’ need for a center to compete at the highest level, indicating that Pelinka understands what his club truly need.
“It would be great to have a center that was a vertical threat, a lob threat, and someone who could protect the interior defensively,” Pelinka said, according to Jovan Buha of The Athletic.
“I believe those would be crucial. However, there are several different types of centers that can be quite effective in the league. There are also spread centers, which can defend the rim. We will look into those as well. So, while I don’t want to limit the archetype, we know we need a huge man.
It’s far easier said than done determining what the Lakers require, but there’s an entire offseason to figure it out. Whether it’s through the draft, free agency, or a deal like this for Robinson of the New York Knicks, there appears to be a desire for more, which is never a bad thing.
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