The Los Angeles Lakers are rumored to be interested (subscription required) in Mitchell Robinson, but Game 3 of the NBA Finals proved why the fit next to Luka Doncic is problematic. The seven-footer is an elite rebounder and rim protector, but he only played seven minutes in the Knicks loss to the Spurs. His free-throw shooting woes, issues defending Victor Wembanyama, and overall struggles made Robinson a fringe part of the rotation.
New York had to pull him back when he was about to check in because San Antonio was in the penalty. Knicks head coach Mike Brown knew the Spurs would go to the Hack-a-Shaq strategy to slow down New York’s offense. Robinson is a 36.9 percent free-throw shooter over 149 attempts in the playoffs. He also had issues guarding Wemby, so the Knicks used him sparingly.
The Lakers are looking for their long-term center option next to Luka. Number 77 is one of the best pick-and-roll creators in the world, and Robinson is an elite roll man. They would get several easy buckets each night, but Los Angeles would be gambling on Mitch Rob. If he gets played off the floor against Wemby, that is a problem for the purple and gold.
Mitchell Robinson can’t be Luka Doncic’s center on the Lakers
Robinson has a lengthy injury history that limits his playing time during the regular season. He played 60 games this season, but appeared in 210 over the previous five years before that. That is just 45 games per season over six years. He is currently dealing with a hand injury in the NBA Finals.
Robinson has played just 13.6 minutes per game during the Knicks' playoff run so far. His highest minutes total in a single contest is 19.
Luka wants a pick-and-roll partner on the floor for all 48 minutes. Robinson could be a piece of the puzzle, but the Lakers can’t expect him to play more than 25 minutes per game. They would have to outbid the Knicks with a hefty contract to land Mitch Rob. That seems problematic at best, given his injury history and lack of playing time.
Robinson is New York’s backup behind Karl-Anthony Towns. It is KAT playing over 30 minutes per game and taking on the bulk of the work. Mitch Rob is just a change of pace, and the Lakers can’t expect him to be anything more if they sign him.
The Lakers would quickly take Robinson off the floor if the opposition started fouling intentionally. Luka is arguably the best offensive creator in the world. Los Angeles wants the ball in his hands. They don’t want to risk their season on Robinson’s poor free-throw chops.
The Los Angeles Lakers will be connected to any available center. Mitchell Robinson is a free agent this summer, and the Knicks would have to go into the second apron to keep him in New York. The seven-footer may be on the move, but LA shouldn’t sign him. His poor free-throw shooting and the inability to trust him in the biggest games make him a poor fit next to Luka Doncic.
The NBA Finals gave the Lakers their answer on Mitchell Robinson. It is a no.
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