Can the Knicks give the Lakers exactly what they need in a Mitchell Robinson trade?

NBA fans are just three days away from the Feb. 6 trade deadline, a period that has already delivered shocking moves and intriguing storylines. After the Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a blockbuster trade to acquire Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Anthony Davis and additional pieces, their roster remains in need of significant upgrades if they hope to contend for a championship in the LeBron James era.

General manager Rob Pelinka doesn’t appear to be done making moves, and the New York Knicks could be the final piece to help the Lakers with one simple trade.

According to Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor, “A top trade target for the Los Angeles Lakers is New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson.” The 26-year-old big man has been sidelined since April 2024 due to a foot injury sustained during the Knicks’ first-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers. Initial reports suggested Robinson could return as early as December, but his absence has left Knicks fans frustrated and created a significant gap in their lineup.

Despite his lengthy injury history, Robinson’s defensive impact is undeniable. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 5.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, and shot 57.5 percent from the field in 24.8 minutes per game. While he has never played more than 75 games in a single season, his elite rim protection and rebounding could be exactly what the Lakers need.

After moving Anthony Davis, head coach JJ Redick is left with limited options at the center position. While Redick has leaned toward a small-ball approach, adding Robinson would provide the Lakers with a true defensive anchor in the paint. His 7-foot frame and 7-foot-4 wingspan could be a game-changer for a team currently ranked 21st in defensive rating. Additionally, Robinson’s ability to set screens and finish off pick-and-roll plays would complement LeBron James and Luka Dončić perfectly.

Do the Knicks benefit from trading Mitchell Robinson to the Lakers?

The Knicks — currently the third seed in the Eastern Conference, just 2.5 games behind the Boston Celtics — may benefit from trading Robinson before the deadline. They’ve managed to thrive without him, ranking second in offensive rating and fifth in net rating, but offloading Robinson could allow them to add more depth.

A potential deal could involve Jaxson Hayes as a replacement big man, along with another piece to balance the financials. If the Knicks could make that second piece someone like Rui Hachimura or Jarred Vanderbilt, it could be a huge addition for the second unit. Given the Knicks' strong season, president Leon Rose could look to capitalize on Robinson’s value and pull off another strategic deadline move.