New NBA rumor claims New York Knicks vet being targeted by Los Angeles Lakers to replace Anthony Davis

An interesting new NBA rumor claims the Los Angeles Lakers have eyes for a specific New York Knicks veteran to replace Anthony Davis.

There has been no bigger story in the league over the last few days than the Dallas Mavericks’ shocking decision to move on from top star Luka Doncic. On Saturday night, the team traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers in a historic deal that only netted the Mavs Anthony Davis and one future first-round pick.

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The trade has been the top topic in the basketball world ever since as fans and NBA pundits speculate on the reasons behind the stunning trade. However, while the move landed the Lakers a player who is the heir apparent to Lebron James and can be the face of the franchise for the next decade, it leaves a major void in the lineup.

Before acquiring Doncic, LA was linked to trade rumors for a center to carry the frontcourt load with Davis. Now they desperately need one just to improve what is now a very weak frontline following the trade. And that is where the New York Knicks come in.

“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,” The Ringer NBA insider Kevin O’Connor reported this week.

  • Mitchell Robinson stats (Career): 24.5 MPG, 8.0 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 0.6 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.9 BPG

If a trade is made between the two franchises, what would New York get back in return that would make it worth their while?

What would the New York Knicks want in return from Los Angeles Lakers in Mitchell Robinson trade?

new york knicks
Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Knicks would love to keep Mitchell Robinson. However, the six-year veteran has proven to be an injury waiting to happen throughout his career. That is why he is available in a trade, and part of why they might be open to swapping oft-injured players.

In return for Robinson, New York might ask for talented defender Jarred Vanderbilt. The forward can guard multiple positions and would offer them a solid backup plan if OG Anunoby’s recent injury ends up being a season-long problem.

  • Mitchell Robinson contract: Four years, $60 million

They could also look to add either Rui Hachimura or Christian Wood to bolster their frontcourt bench depth. Head coach Tom Thibodeau doesn’t have a lot of confidence in Jericho Sims or Ariel Hukporti. He may prefer either of the aforementioned veterans instead as backup options to Karl-Anthony Towns in the second half.

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