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Next Lakers Trade Target Revealed After Luka Doncic Blockbuster

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nathan Dougherty | Last updated Feb 2, 2025 10:46 PM ET

Luka Doncic may just be the start for the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Lakers pulled off one of the most unexpected NBA blockbusters in recent memory when they landed Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks, shipping out Anthony Davis in a three-team deal that also included the Utah Jazz.

The trade created a new need in the frontcourt for the Lakers, but an insider reported that they may already have a new target in mind.

Yahoo Sports reporter Kevin O'Connell reported on Sunday that the Lakers are looking into New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson. The center underwent foot surgery in the offseason and has yet to take the court this season, but head coach Tom Thibodeau said he is close to a return.

“Everything has gone very smoothly in terms of the rehab. So the next step will be the clearance for regular contact,” Thibodeau said. “The controlled contact, you know what’s coming. So you can brace yourself for it.

“So once you get out of that, where you’re just playing and reacting, that will be the next step. He’s pretty close.”

While Robinson could fill some of the immediate void and give the Lakers a strong paint presence and rim protector, Sam Quinn of CBS Sports predicted the team would need to make an even bigger addition sometime in the near future.

"But then, there's the bigger picture here. Doncic needs a co-star," Quinn wrote. "That can be James for now, while Doncic gets acclimated, but someone has to carry that torch after LeBron is gone."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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