The Los Angeles Lakers have set their sights on New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson as the NBA trade deadline approaches, according to multiple reports from league insiders. With the Lakers still reeling from the blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Luka Dončić, the franchise is urgently seeking a replacement big man to anchor their frontcourt. Meanwhile, Knicks guard Landry Shamet continues to make his case for a larger role after delivering a 23-point performance in New York's recent victory over Los Angeles, adding another layer of intrigue to the cross-coast rivalry.
Inside the Lakers' Pursuit of Mitchell Robinson
According to Yahoo Sports' NBA insider Kevin O'Connor, the Lakers have identified Mitchell Robinson as a primary target in their search for interior help. "League sources say the Lakers are looking for a big man and Mitchell Robinson from the New York Knicks is one of the bigs they are targeting," O'Connor reported on his podcast. This revelation comes just days after the Lakers completed a historic three-team trade that brought Dončić to Los Angeles but cost them Davis, leaving Jaxson Hayes as the only true center under a standard contract.
Robinson, 26, has been sidelined with injury but received encouraging updates from Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau ahead of the teams' matchup last weekend. Thibodeau told reporters that Robinson is "pretty close" to being cleared for full-contact practices, potentially increasing his trade value as the deadline nears. The 7-foot center is earning $14.3 million this season and would provide the Lakers with much-needed rim protection and offensive rebounding.
From Luka Trade to Deadline: The Robinson Timeline
The sequence of events that brought the Lakers to this point began with the shocking Luka Dončić trade on February 1, 2026. Just hours after the Lakers faced the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, news broke that Los Angeles had acquired the Slovenian superstar in exchange for Anthony Davis and multiple draft picks. The move immediately created a void at center that the front office must fill before the February 5 trade deadline.
On February 2, Thibodeau provided the optimistic update on Robinson's rehabilitation. The following day, O'Connor's report surfaced linking the Lakers to Robinson, confirming speculation that had been building among league observers. The Knicks then defeated the Lakers 112-100 on February 1, with Landry Shamet's 23-point outburst highlighting New York's depth at guard—a position the Lakers might also consider addressing.
Why Robinson Fits the Lakers' Championship Puzzle
From a tactical perspective, Robinson represents an ideal fit for the Lakers' current construction. His elite offensive rebounding (he's consistently among the league leaders in offensive rebound percentage) would create second-chance opportunities for Dončić and LeBron James, while his shot-blocking presence would mitigate the defensive limitations of other Lakers frontcourt players. However, Robinson's injury history—he's missed significant time in recent seasons—creates substantial risk for a Lakers team that cannot afford another expensive player spending more time in street clothes than on the court.
Financially, a trade would be challenging to construct. Robinson's $14.3 million salary doesn't match easily with Lakers players outside of Austin Reaves or Dorian Finney-Smith, both of whom Los Angeles would be reluctant to move. The Lakers could package multiple mid-level salaries like Jarred Vanderbilt ($10.7 million), Christian Wood, and Gabe Vincent, but such a collection might not appeal to a Knicks team that views Robinson as a key defensive piece when healthy.
Meanwhile, Landry Shamet's situation presents an interesting subplot. The 28-year-old guard signed a one-year deal with the Knicks in September 2025 after testing free agency, and his recent scoring outburst against the Lakers demonstrated the shooting prowess that made him a valuable rotation player earlier in his career. With Shamet, Mitchell Robinson, and Jordan Clarkson all pending free agents this summer, the Knicks face decisions about which players fit their long-term vision.
Where Trade Talks Stand With 72 Hours to Go
As of February 2, 2026, the Lakers and Knicks have not engaged in substantive trade discussions regarding Robinson, according to sources close to both organizations. However, with the trade deadline just days away, the pressure is mounting on Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka to address the team's glaring need at center. The Knicks, currently positioned as playoff contenders in the Eastern Conference, must decide whether to retain Robinson for a potential postseason run or capitalize on his value before he potentially leaves in free agency.
Other teams have also expressed interest in Robinson, including the Portland Trail Blazers and Washington Wizards, though neither has emerged as a serious suitor. The Lakers' primary competition for Robinson's services might simply be the Knicks' own desire to keep him, particularly given their championship aspirations this season.
Three Possible Outcomes Before the Deadline
The most likely outcome remains Robinson staying with the Knicks through the deadline, given the logistical challenges of constructing a fair trade and New York's need for his defensive presence. However, if the Lakers become desperate enough to include a future first-round pick—a asset they've been reluctant to part with—the calculus could change dramatically. Alternatively, Los Angeles might pivot to other available centers like Jonas Valančiūnas or Daniel Theis, both of whom have been mentioned in trade rumors.
For Landry Shamet, the remainder of the season represents an opportunity to prove he deserves a multi-year contract, either from the Knicks or another franchise. His performance against the Lakers showcased his ability to thrive in big moments, and continued strong play could make him a valuable trade chip or rotation piece for a playoff team.
Key Takeaways From the Lakers-Knicks Trade Drama
- The Lakers are actively pursuing Knicks center Mitchell Robinson to address their need for size after trading Anthony Davis
- NBA insider Kevin O'Connor confirmed Robinson is a target, though trade logistics present significant hurdles
- Robinson is nearing a return from injury, potentially increasing his value before the February 5 trade deadline
- Landry Shamet's 23-point performance against the Lakers highlights his value to the Knicks as a pending free agent
- Both teams face crucial decisions as the trade deadline approaches, with implications for their playoff aspirations
