The Los Angeles Lakers’ front office will face big questions on how to conduct a roster fix without doing too much due to cap constraints.
LeBron James and Rui Hachimura headline two of L.A.’s stars to hit free agency this offseason. Even if the team finds a loophole to shed salary and create breathing room, their flexibility appears limited largely to the mid-level exception.
According to longtime Lakers reporter Jovan Buha, one intriguing name that could fit that profile is New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson.
“There is a chance Mitchel Robinson could be an MLE [mid-level exception] guy,” Buha said. “He might make more than that but you also have to think about the Knicks can pay him more than that but… maybe Mitchel Robinson is a candidate for that.”
The Lakers are in need of interior presence and rim protection but the front office will not want to break the bank. However, as Buha noted, Robinson may command more in the open market.
Robinson’s Situation in New York: Chance for Lakers to Sign?
GettyLuka Doncic has wanted a lob threat to play alongside.
Robinson is in the final year of his four-year contract worth $60 million which he signed in 2022. He will be an unrestricted free agent this summer and is a solid value at the center position.
However, if the Knicks don’t re-sign him, Robinson will be exposed to a market that may hesitate due to durability questions. He has always been a role player rather than a primary option, and often played limited minutes. His 60 games this season are his highest total in four years and he started in only 16 of those.
However, Robinson is still effective when he plays. He averaged 8.8 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, and 0.9 steals per game while he shot at 72.3% from the field with a modest 5.7 points per game in the regular season. He played just under 20 minutes a game making his per-minute contribution high on the pecking order of bigs.
Robinson’s injury history will likely hinder his earning potential on the open market, making a mid-level deal potentially realistic and the Lakers can look to pry him off New York. This is of course dependent on whether the Knicks want to sign him.
L.A.’s Possible Offseason Priorities
GettyLeBron James’ future with the Los Angeles Lakers is coming into focus as NBA personnel at the draft combine share expectations about his next move.
Before the Lakers look for who to add, they will want to know who is staying. Right now, that picture isn’t clear for James and Hachimura among others.
Rob Pelinka and the front office want to bring James back potentially on another short-term deal. His experience is still valued but how much salary will he be willing to shed to stay will be a big question.
Hachimura has carved out a meaningful role for the Lakers and could be a solid player on the free agency market. The Lakers don’t have any suitable affordable replacement lined up if they lose him.
Handing James and Hachimura a new deal will help keep the core. However, any addition that isn’t a free agent will require the Lakers to give up some players.
Austin Reaves is on a player option and there are rumors that the Lakers could entertain offers to land a more championship-worthy star for Luka Doncic.
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