As the Los Angeles Lakers survey the 2026 free agency market for the ideal center, Mitchell Robinson will inevitably surface on their radar. He's an explosive athlete with elite defensive range, unrivaled offensive rebounding proficiency, and the perfect skill set to thrive as the lob threat Luka Doncic needs.
The question that the Lakers will have to answer in regard to potentially negotiating with Robinson is just how much they're willing to risk given his injury history.
Robinson played 66 games as a rookie in 2018-19 and appeared in 61 of the New York Knicks' 66 outings in 2019-20. He missed 41 games in 2020-21, though he quickly bounced back by appearing in 72 outings in 2021-22.
Robinson even went on to appear in 59 games in 2022-23, but the most turbulent stretch of his career would begin shortly thereafter.
Robinson missed 51 games in 2023-24 and another 65 in 2024-25. He's appeared in 49 of the Knicks' 68 outings in 2025-26, which offers a degree of optimism that he can right the ship, but he's one absence away from a fourth season with 20 games missed—in eight seasons played.
For as alarming as that may be, one simply can't ignore how perfect Robinson would be for Doncic as a lob threat, interior defensive anchor, and truly untouchable offensive rebounder.
Mitchell Robinson is the perfect Luka Doncic big—minus the injuries
Robinson has been in fine form in 2025-26, averaging 5.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, 4.4 offensive rebounds, 0.9 assists, 1.1 blocks, and 0.8 steals in 19.5 minutes per game. That's a remarkable level of production in such a short period of time per contest.
That much is proven by the fact that Robinson's averages translate to 9.8 points, 16.3 rebounds, 8.1 offensive rebounds, 1.7 assists, 2.0 blocks, and 1.5 steals per 36 minutes.
Robinson ranks No. 1 in the NBA in rebounds per 36 minutes, offensive rebounds per 36 minutes, and offensive rebounding percentage. He's also one of just three players averaging at least 2.0 blocks and 1.5 steals per 36 minutes—and he's played at least 226 more minutes than the other two.
Though his current production may seem like an extreme example of Robinson's abilities, the 2025-26 season isn't all that far off from his baseline level of performance.
Lakers need an interior anchor and Mitchell Robinson has the tools
During Robinson's last healthy season, 2022-23, he ranked No. 1 amongst players who appeared in at least 50 games in offensive rebounding percentage. He was No. 4 in 2021-22. Furthermore, he boasts career averages of 5.7 offensive boards and 2.7 blocks per 36 minutes.
Beyond the numbers, Robinson isn't just standing around and racking up stats. He has the uncanny ability to not only protect the rim, but overwhelm teams all over the court.
Robinson is just as comfortable blocking jump shots along the perimeter as he is redirecting attempts in the paint. He's also adept at blowing up the pick and roll with his defense, and setting strong screens that lead to easy points above the rim on offense.
The question is: How much faith can the Lakers realistically place in his ability to stay healthy knowing that the market will likely be competitive for Robinson's services in 2026?