Journeyman power forward Thomas Robinson was the last person the Los Angeles Lakers signed before training camp, and many assumed he wouldn’t make it past the preseason. The former fifth overall pick had already bounced around numerous teams, and the Lakers deep frontcourt made it difficult to see Robinson sticking around.
Robinson, however, impressed during the preseason with his relentlessness and energy, ultimately making the roster. Now with a number of injuries to the Lakers’ bigs, Robinson has found himself in the rotation and playing extremely well.
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On Jan. 10, Robinson’s non-guaranteed deal becomes fully guaranteed, and Mark Medina of the OC Register believes that the odds are in Robinson’s favor of sticking around through that date:
The odds appear high he will stick considering his production and Nance’s absence. Though Nance has recently worked out on a weight-bearing treadmill, the Lakers expect him to miss four more weeks.
Robinson noted that he isn’t paying attention to that date, however, focusing strictly on the court:
“I just control when my name gets called, and then I go play. That’s all I got to do.” he said. “I’m coming in early, leaving late and being supportive of my team. As far as the decisions the front office makes, I have no control over that.”
Nance’s injury is unfortunate for the Lakers, but the uncertainty of his return would definitely make it more likely that Robinson sticks around. He has played so well in fact, that many are wondering if he shouldn’t take Tarik Black’s rotation spot.
At this time it would seem pretty surprising if the Lakers let Robinson go. He fits in with the locker room and has produced when given minutes on the court. Even though he was an unknown commodity coming into the year, he is now a valuable piece of the team and has earned his spot on this roster.