Los Angeles Lakers: Thomas Robinson Worth A Look

The Los Angeles Lakers have recently made a habit out of signing former lottery picks from other teams that have flamed out in their previous stops. Wesley Johnson, Ed Davis, Kendall Marshall, and Xavier Henry have been a few of the names that the Lakers have taken a flier on, and they have worked out for the most part to varying degrees of success.

Thomas Robinson was the fifth pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. He’s played for three NBA teams in as many years, and just agreed to a buyout with his fourth team before playing a single minute for them. He’s certainly got talent, but he’s failed to translate that into professional success thus far.

So, should the Los Angeles Lakers be considering Thomas Robinson?

More from Los Angeles Lakers

The position Robinson plays, power forward, is currently a full one for the Lakers. Carlos Boozer, Tarik Black, and Ed Davis all get significant run at that position right now. Jordan Hill can play there as well, and Ryan Kelly is probably best at power forward despite Byron Scott‘s insistence of placing him at small forward. Julius Randle will return next year, when any Thomas Robinson contribution would have meaningful impact, further clouding the situation.

However, Boozer will likely be moving on next season, and it’s no guarantee Davis returns to the team either. Thomas Robinson does many of the same things that Black can do, though he’s probably a better (and more expensive) prospect due to his athleticism and skill advantages. Most anywhere Robinson goes, his future likely lies as an energy big off the bench, and there’s little chance he’d start over Randle.

Jan 31, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Thomas Robinson (41) dunks during the second quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

The numbers aren’t great for Thomas Robinson — 4.6 points and 4.4 rebounds per game over his career. The problem for the young forward is that he’s not been able to establish any sort of stability in his career, and as a result the knock on him has been his lack of consistency.

Robinson failed to see regular playing time for a Portland Trail Blazers team that craved impact off the bench, but he also played the same position as their best player. He couldn’t become a building block for a struggling Sacramento franchise, but he was traded mid-way through his rookie year. It seems as though opportunity has been a fleeting concept for Thomas Robinson.

What the Lakers can offer Thomas Robinson is opportunity. If they truly intend to build a playoff team next year, adding a young bench piece with Robinson’s potential could be a key move. With Carlos Boozer, Ed Davis, Tarik Black, and Jordan Hill all possibly moving on from the team in the offseason, there could be a real role for him in the future. They have a track record of taking these down-on-their-luck lottery busts and making them into solid rotation players.

What Thomas Robinson can offer the Lakers is the intensity and energy that every team desires off the bench. He also provides a good option should Ed Davis’ asking price prove too steep, Jordan Hill’s contract be deemed necessary for a trade, or Tarik Black’s performance proven unworthy of a second campaign.

In the end, Robinson is a talented player, who needs stability and opportunity. As a growing organization, the Lakers should be able to provide both, and should certainly consider Thomas Robinson.

Next: Buyout For Jeremy Lin?

More from Hoops Habit

Home/Los Angeles Lakers