New Lakers Rumors Reveal Links to Mitchell Robinson, Robert Williams III and NBA Draft Plans

Deandre Ayton has a player option for next season on his contract and Jaxson Hayes is scheduled for free agency, which means the Los Angeles Lakers could be looking for some help in the frontcourt this offseason.

With that as the backdrop, NBA insider Jake Fischer reported the Purple and Gold "have been linked to all sorts of veteran big men in the forthcoming free agent market," including Mitchell Robinson and Robert Williams III.

However, Fischer noted Robinson and Williams "are very open to remaining" with the New York Knicks and Portland Trail Blazers, respectively.

Considering Robinson just helped the Knicks win the NBA championship in an important secondary role, he may want to stay put in the Big Apple and continue adding to his legacy with the Eastern Conference team that just won its first championship in 53 years.

Mitchell Robinson with the Dunk

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But the Lakers' need for a big man is no secret, and that could impact their draft approach as well.

"The Lakers at No. 25 are another team rivals are projecting will land on a big man," Fischer reported. "Depending on what happens with teams above them, they might be presented with the opportunity to draft Kentucky big man Jayden Quaintance, who once figured to go much higher but has inspired trepidation among some NBA teams with a slow recovery from a torn ACL in February 2025."

Fischer also listed UConn center Tarris Reed Jr.Fischer as another big man who could be targeted by Los Angeles as it attempts to find a difference-maker at the position.

One source told ESPN's Dave McMenamin Luka Dončić's top "desire" for this offseason "is an A-list center." McMenamin listed Jalen Duren of the Detroit Pistons and Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz as two big men who "would satisfy Dončić's directive."

Ultimately, Dončić is far more effective on the offensive end with an athletic big man who can finish his lobs and take advantage of the openings that come from opposing defenses focusing so much attention on the ball-handler.

A Los Angeles team that was just 20th in the league in defensive rating last season, per NBA.com, could also use someone to protect the rim and match up against some of the elite big men in the Western Conference such as Victor Wembanyama and Nikola Jokić.

Robinson just helped at least contain Wembanyama in the NBA Finals, and Williams was an All-Defensive Second Team selection in 2021-22 when he was a member of the Boston Celtics.

While neither of them may be "A-list" difference-makers that Dončić is reportedly looking for, they would provide important frontcourt depth for a team that needs it if it is going to compete in the Western Conference next season.