New York Knicks Mitchell Robinson
(Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Lakers had their sights on Mitchell Robinson, but they passed on the big man and left the door open for the New York Knicks.

Mitchell Robinson is one piece of an exciting group of rookies on the New York Knicks. Robinson was once thought to be a potential lottery pick. But after leaving Western Kentucky University in favor of draft preparation, Robinson fell all the way to the second round.

That being said, the Los Angeles Lakers thought about taking Robinson with the 25th pick, but ultimately decided on Moritz Wagner instead.

Robinson doesn’t seem to have any ill will towards the Lakers for passing on him because he says he’s happy in New York.

“I didn’t know for sure [if they would’ve drafted me],’’ Robinson told Marc Berman of the New York Post after practice at UCLA on Thursday. “It would’ve been good but I feel I’m in a way better situation now than if I’d been over there.’’

Robinson has to like where he’s at. He has an opportunity to play a major role on a developing team. Head coach David Fizdale isn’t messing around with the G League for Robinson. He’s letting him learn on the fly in the NBA—when he’s healthy, at least.

Robinson has missed the last eight games for the Knicks—all losses. But the 20-year-old is hopeful that he can play on Friday night against Los Angeles.

“If I pass the tests, I could play,’’ Robinson told Berman. “It would be amazing. One of my biggest dreams is to play there. If I can play [Friday], I’ll be happy and I’m going to play hard.’’

Robinson still has a long way to go and the Knicks would love to see him play on Friday night. His athleticism and natural defensive ability are two things the Knicks could use in the worst way.

 
NY/NJ hoops reporter (NBA/NCAA) & sports betting writer for XL Media. Never had the makings of a varsity athlete.