The Lakers will go all out to compete for Mitchell Robinson! Multiple backup targets revealed, with interior reinforcement taking priority over LeBron's future.

Luo's NBA

2026-6-27

On June 27, Beijing time, according to renowned reporter Siegel, the Lakers' top priority this offseason is to upgrade their interior and secure a long-term running mate for Doncic. Although LeBron James' situation is widely discussed, for the first time in many years, the franchise has not made keeping LeBron its primary objective. Put simply, extending LeBron's contract is less urgent than adding a quality center.

Siegel noted that it remains unclear how far the LeBron camp and Lakers management have progressed in talks, but one thing is certain: L.A. will not go to any lengths to retain James. The front office has a clear salary figure in mind, and if LeBron demands a larger deal, both sides will have to part ways amicably.

Growing indications suggest that LeBron James will likely leave the Lakers and finish his career elsewhere. Will he team up with Stephen Curry in Golden State? Or reunite with the Heat or Cavaliers? Everything is up in the air, and only LeBron can make the final call.

Siegel reports that as long as they retain the full mid-level exception, the Warriors are confident they can compete for LeBron should he depart the Lakers . Golden State has once again extended an olive branch to the King, and this represents their best opportunity yet—provided James is willing to take a significant pay cut.

Once free agency opens, the Lakers will aggressively pursue Mitchell Robinson . His ability to roll to the rim and protect the paint is exactly what the team needs. However, there is a concern: Robinson has been injury-prone, averaging less than 20 minutes per game over the past two seasons.

Sources indicate that while the Lakers admire Jalen Duren, there is almost no chance of acquiring the young big man. The Lakers' backup targets also include: Robert Williams, Walker Kessler, and Myles Turner.

Robert Williams is an unrestricted free agent, and signing him would consume a portion of the mid-level exception. Kessler is a restricted free agent, and the Jazz will do everything to keep him; the player himself hopes to finalize a multi-year extension with the team. The Lakers have tried multiple times to trade for Kessler but are once again unlikely to succeed.

Turner has long been a target for the Lakers. The stretch big man signed a four-year, $108 million deal with the Bucks last offseason but has produced his worst campaign in recent years, averaging just 11.9 points and 5.3 rebounds while shooting 38.3% from three.

After Giannis Antetokounmpo left for Miami, the Bucks began a major overhaul, looking to shed all large long-term contracts. Turner is available for trade at any time. There is no indication yet that the Lakers are willing to take on that contract, but if L.A. wants to move Vanderbilt or Ayton, Turner remains a viable option.

The Lakers have strong interest in Naz Reid, but the Hornets just completed the Ball trade and have no immediate plans to trade him. By the way: Charlotte is preparing to ship out Miles Bridges, making him the next player to be put on the block.

The Lakers have limited options for interior upgrades. In free agency, aside from Robinson and Williams, the only minimum-salary fallback is Nikola Vucevic. On the trade market, Jarrett Allen and Daniel Gafford are the most impactful center targets available.

Before the draft, the Mavericks were willing to send out Gafford in exchange for a top-20 pick. It remains unclear whether Dallas will trade him this summer or wait until the midseason trade deadline.

Austin Reaves has already finalized a $185 million max extension with the Lakers. The team's next most important task is securing a long-term frontcourt partner.