![\"Lakers](\"https:\/\/athlonsports.com\/.image\/ar_16:9%2Cc_fill%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_1200\/MjEyNTg1MTkxNjM2NDc3NTY4\/usatsi_22095181.jpg\")
<\/p>\nThe Los Angeles Lakers just pulled off one of the biggest trades in NBA history, landing Luka Don\u010di\u0107 in a franchise-altering move.<\/p>\n
But as seismic as that deal was, their work is far from over.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
By shipping Anthony Davis to Dallas, the Lakers didn’t just lose a co-star for LeBron James-they lost their defensive anchor, a top-five rim protector, and the glue that held their defense together.<\/p>\n
Now, with Don\u010di\u0107 in the fold, the Lakers’ focus shifts to filling the massive hole left in the frontcourt. Enter Mitchell Robinson.<\/p>\n
According to Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor, the Lakers have expressed interest in trading for the New York Knicks’ big man. On paper, Robinson is exactly what they need: a 7-foot-1 defensive force, an elite shot-blocker, and a dominant presence on the boards.<\/p>\n
He’s the kind of player who doesn’t need touches to make an impact-he thrives on protecting the paint, altering shots, and controlling the glass. And at just 26 years old, he fits the Lakers’ new long-term timeline alongside Don\u010di\u0107.<\/p>\n
The Lakers are targeting Mitchell Robinson, per @KevinOConnorNBApic.twitter.com\/9Ykvn9AOUk \u2014 Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 3, 2025 But there’s one major red flag: injuries.<\/p>\n
Robinson hasn’t played a single game this season as he recovers from foot surgery.<\/p>\n
And even before this injury, durability has been a major concern throughout his career. Since entering the league in 2018, he’s played more than 70 games in a season just once.<\/p>\n
For a Lakers team that just moved on from Davis in part due to his availability issues, the idea of bringing in another injury-prone big man comes with risk.<\/p>\n
The Lakers are in a tough spot. They need a defensive anchor, but they’re not in a position to go all-in for a center who might not fit or stay healthy. Before the Don\u010di\u0107 trade, L.A. had two first-round picks available to use in deals-now, they have just one.<\/p>\n
With that limited flexibility, they have to be extremely careful with how they use their remaining assets.<\/p>\n
This isn’t about punting on the season-if anything, adding Don\u010di\u0107 extends their championship window for the next decade.<\/p>\n
But this front office isn’t going to panic and overpay for a short-term fix. If they make a move before Thursday’s trade deadline, it’ll be a calculated one.<\/p>\n
The Lakers are going to trade for a center. The only question is who, and what price they’re willing to pay.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Los Angeles Lakers just pulled off one of the biggest trades in NBA history, landing Luka Don\u010di\u0107 in a franchise-altering move. But as seismic as that… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":31069,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-31068","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nba"],"yoast_head":"\n