Should the Lakers Go After a Knicks Defensive Specialist in 2026 Free Agency?
The New York Knicks are still celebrating their championship victory. However, other NBA teams are already planning to weaken their roster. For the Los Angeles Lakers, the main focus in free agency must be securing a solid interior presence to strengthen a defense that has changed significantly since Anthony Davis' departure. Although high-profile perimeter players will be popular stories, free agent Mitchell Robinson is precisely the strategic addition LA should target.
With Luka Dončić leading the offense, the Lakers are a historic scoring threat. Yet, the frontcourt rotation puts a heavy load on Deandre Ayton, who is the only top-tier inside player. Robinson will likely be a highly desired free agent, even by his own team this offseason. While Ayton is talented, relying on him as the team's only rim protector and main physical presence over an 82-game season risks significant defensive declines when he rests. The 28-year-old, who expertly anchored New York's top interior defense, provides a specific remedy. He grabbed an impressive eight rebounds in only 20 minutes per game during the regular season.
Including Robinson in the rotation offers head coach JJ Redick significant tactical options. The LA coach can lead a tough, defense-focused second unit or line up the Florida native with Ayton in heavy. Moves like this could be important for countering the Western Conference’s physically strong big men. Additionally, the seven-foot center’s proven ability to create extra possessions addresses a major Lakers weakness on the offensive boards, providing more second-chance opportunities for Luka.
Getting the 28-year-old center from Manhattan will demand bold financial moves. Reports show the Knicks' management is eager to re-sign Robinson, even if it means exceeding the luxury tax limit. Nevertheless, since Robinson is primarily seen as a defensive specialist, his market value will be no joke. Estimates indicate it is near the Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception range.
If the Lakers manage to reduce secondary salary obligations with minor offseason trades, they can then fully access the MLE. Given the strict limits imposed by the current collective bargaining rules, dedicating resources to a risky third star is a harmful strategy. Instead, investing that mid-tier budget into a top-tier, high-impact player like Robinson is a wiser use of resources. LA doesn't require a refined post scorer to limit Dončić's shots; instead, they need a strong rim protector. The 2018 second-round pick’s exceptional vertical leap as a lob target, along with his resilience in setting screens, provides the Lakers with a proven interior presence essential for their championship pursuit.
