The Los Angeles Lakers are exploring veteran center options this offseason, with New York Knicks big man Mitchell Robinson and Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III among the players drawing interest, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
Fischer reported on Saturday that the Lakers could emerge as suitors for both Robinson and Williams, although both players are reportedly open to remaining with their current teams. The Lakers’ interest comes after a 53-29 regular season and Pacific Division title ended with a second-round sweep against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Los Angeles entered the offseason with a clear need for more frontcourt depth and defensive versatility. Deandre Ayton provided strong offensive efficiency in his first full season with the Lakers, averaging 12.5 points and 8.0 rebounds while starting all 72 games he played, but the roster lacked another proven interior defender behind him.
Robinson, 28, is expected to enter unrestricted free agency after completing the four-year, $60 million contract he signed with New York in 2022. The Knicks center played a major role during their run to the 2026 NBA Finals, averaging 5.7 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 19.6 minutes per game across 60 appearances.
The Lakers also have interest in Williams, who becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer after finishing the season with Portland. The 28-year-old center averaged 6.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 59 games while shooting 70.8% from the field.
Williams’ defensive reputation comes from his peak years with Boston. In 2021-22, he averaged 10.0 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game while earning All-Defensive Second Team recognition. Injuries limited his availability in later seasons, but his ability to protect the rim and finish around the basket remains valuable.
The Lakers’ pursuit of a center aligns with Luka Doncic’s reported preference for improving the frontcourt. While Doncic has not been involved in recruiting players or directing roster decisions, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that the All-NBA guard has communicated that finding a high-level center is a priority.
Los Angeles has also monitored younger options, including Detroit’s Jalen Duren and Utah’s Walker Kessler, but those paths could be more complicated. Duren is expected to command a significant offer sheet as a restricted free agent, while Kessler remains tied to Utah’s decision-making process.
Robinson and Williams represent a different approach: proven veterans who could immediately strengthen the Lakers’ rebounding, rim protection and defensive flexibility. The challenge for Los Angeles will be whether either player becomes available at a contract level that fits the team’s broader roster plans.
