The Los Angeles Lakers came into this offseason knowing they needed to upgrade their center position. The team identified Walker Kessler as their top priority and traded a lot of draft capital to the Utah Jazz in order to bring him in via sign-and-trade.
The Lakers did what was necessary to bring in their top target, but they also had their eyes elsewhere if they weren’t able to acquire Kessler. Chief among their backup plans was reportedly to pursue former New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson, who would ultimately sign with the Boston Celtics this summer, via Dan Woike of The Athletic:
“While Los Angeles believes in Kessler and he was either near or at the absolute top of Doncic’s wish list, scarcity undoubtedly played a role in the cost the Lakers had to pay. Had it not been Kessler, the Lakers, according to team and league sources, would’ve likely tried to sign free agent center Mitchell Robinson, who left the New York Knicks to sign a three-year, $47.4 million deal with Boston.”
Going after Robinson would’ve certainly made sense as he checks a number of the same boxes that Kessler does. Robinson isn’t quite the rim protector that Kessler is, but is arguably an even better offensive rebounder who became beloved in New York for his ability to create extra possessions. He has averaged more than four offensive rebounds in four of the last five seasons and was absolutely crucial on the Knicks’ run to the NBA Championship this past season.
But Mitchell also has a pretty lengthy injury history and has missed significant time in past seasons due to foot and ankle surgeries. He has also had two separate surgeries on his right hand, including late in the 2026 postseason for a fractured bone.
In the end, the Lakers got the player both the front office and superstar guard Luka Doncic wanted in Kessler. But it certainly would’ve been interesting to see if they would’ve outbid the Celtics for Robinson if they chose to go down that path.
Lakers still eyeing reinforcements at center position
In addition to the trade for Kessler, the Lakers also added veteran center Kevon Looney this offseason. But considering both have had some recent injury concerns, and fellow addition Sandro Mamukelashvili is a bit undersized to play center for any extended period, the front office is reportedly still on the lookout for reinforcements up front.
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