“Dončić being just 26 gives the Lakers a far longer timeline to build a championship-contending team, but that doesn’t mean they can slow down and take their time. Dončić told Lakers president Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick in May that he’s not interested in taking the slow approach in building a contender,” CBS Sports’ Jasmyn Wimbish wrote.
This offseason, the Lakers prioritized upgrading the center position. They re-signed Jaxson Hayes and brought in Deandre Ayton, despite Ayton carrying a controversial reputation.
“The word around the league is not good about Deandre Ayton… right now he’s been labeled as a diva, as a cancer in the locker room… he has to change a lot about himself or he will find his career being shortened,” ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins said.
Even with Ayton and Hayes on the roster, the Lakers could bolster the center spot further by exploring a trade for New York Knicks big man Mitchell Robinson.
“That possibility will likely lead New York to exploring the trade market for Robinson and evaluating potential returns. Los Angeles has the salaries to match Robinson’s $12,954,546 expiring salary, as well as the opportunity for consistent playing time,” Lake Show Life’s Maxwell Ogden wrote. “Robinson is a giant of an individual with shocking athleticism and elite production as a defender and offensive rebounder. Standing at 7’0″ and 240 pounds with a 7’4″ wingspan, he’s physically imposing standing still and downright terrifying in how quickly he can leap into the air or close the distance to the perimeter.”
Adding Robinson would benefit Ayton by reducing pressure on him — and it would benefit Dončić by giving him another explosive lob threat, something he has consistently excelled with. This is a move the Lakers should seriously consider, as it may be one that actually moves the needle.