The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly eyeing Mitchell Robinson of the New York Knicks as they search for a center to address their roster's crucial needs. Robinson has struggled with injuries, playing just 17 games this past season due to complications following an offseason ankle surgery, which has led to concerns about his reliability. Despite these issues, his potential availability could benefit the Lakers both in terms of fit and cost, given the Knicks' possible desire to shed salary.

Robinson's contract situation is advantageous for the Lakers, as it descends to $12.9 million in its final year, making a trade feasible involving Gabe Vincent and possibly a young asset. Longtime New York reporter Alan Hahn emphasized that the Lakers need a player like Robinson to fill their center position, indicating that a call to the Knicks about him would be prudent. Given his injury history, however, the Lakers must tread carefully, balancing their limited assets against the risk involved in acquiring Robinson.