Los Angeles Lakers Reportedly Eyeing Two Centers as Free Agency Nears
The Los Angeles Lakers know they have work to do if they want to maximize their championship window around Luka Doncic.
With NBA free agency set to begin on June 30, the Lakers are reportedly exploring several options to upgrade their frontcourt. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, two names firmly on Los Angeles’ radar are Mitchell Robinson and Robert Williams III.
Both players offer exactly what the Lakers need on paper. The question is whether either can stay healthy long enough to make a meaningful impact.
Los Angeles Lakers Continue Search for Frontcourt Help
While DeAndre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes provided solid contributions last season, neither appears to be the ideal long-term solution next to superstar Luka Doncic.
The Los Angeles Lakers need a center who can protect the rim, finish lobs, rebound, and thrive without needing the ball in his hands. Robinson and Williams fit that description perfectly.
Both players have built reputations as elite defensive big men capable of changing games around the basket. Their athleticism would make them natural pick-and-roll partners for Doncic, whose playmaking ability consistently elevates the players around him. That’s why the reported interest makes plenty of sense.
Injury Concerns Could Complicate Pursuit
The biggest obstacle isn’t talent. It’s availability. Robinson has struggled to stay on the court throughout his NBA career. In eight seasons, he has topped 65 games just twice and has never averaged more than 27.5 minutes per game.
Even during the Knicks’ championship run, Robinson played a limited role, averaging fewer than 14 minutes per game in the postseason. Williams presents an even greater risk.
The former All-Defensive standout has played more than 60 games only once in his career and has battled injuries nearly every season. While his defensive impact remains undeniable when healthy, teams must weigh whether he can handle the workload of a full season as a starting center.
Why the Fit Makes Sense With Luka Doncic
Despite the injury concerns, it’s easy to understand why Los Angeles is interested. Doncic thrives when surrounded by athletic rim-runners and defensive anchors. Both Robinson and Williams excel in those areas.
Neither player needs plays called for them offensively. Instead, they focus on screening, rebounding, protecting the rim, and finishing easy opportunities created by teammates. Those traits make them ideal complementary pieces rather than players who need touches to stay effective.
Lakers Exploring Multiple Paths in Free Agency
The Lakers are expected to evaluate several options as free agency approaches. Along with potential center targets, Los Angeles has been connected to other veterans who could help improve depth and shooting around Doncic. Still, the center position remains one of the franchise’s most pressing needs.
If the Lakers can land a healthy version of Robinson or Williams, they may find exactly the type of defensive presence needed to strengthen their championship aspirations. The challenge will be determining whether the upside outweighs the considerable injury risk attached to both players.
