Jalen Duren to the Lakers? Luka Doncic is pushing for the Pistons center
The Los Angeles Lakers are ramping up their pursuit of Jalen Duren, with the Pistons center set to meet with the franchise as NBA free agency officially gets underway
NBA free agency is heating up, and one of the most intriguing names on the market is Jalen Duren. The Detroit Pistons center, a restricted free agent, has scheduled meetings with several interested teams on Tuesday, including the Los Angeles Lakers, who are still awaiting clarity on LeBron James’ future.
According to ESPN, the Lakers’ front office has received clear input from Luka Doncic, who wants to play alongside a high-level center next season. Duren is reportedly one of the former Mavericks star’s favorite targets and has climbed to the top of Los Angeles’ wishlist.
Jalen Duren coming off an All-Star season
Fresh off the best season of his career, Jalen Duren earned his first NBA All-Star selection and a spot on the All-NBA Third Team. The big man averaged 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game while shooting an outstanding 65% from the field, helping the Pistons win 60 games and finish atop the Eastern Conference standings.
The Lakers have roughly $52 million in salary cap space, giving them enough flexibility to make a significant offer to the 22-year-old. However, because Duren is a restricted free agent, Detroit would have until July 7 to match any offer sheet he signs.
Everyone knows the Lakers are looking for a center, and Duren would undoubtedly be a high-level addition. Unlike the Kings’ situation, though, the Lakers’ best offer would likely be built around draft picks rather than players included in a trade, while also taking advantage of their available cap space
Sam Amick
Luka Doncic wants Jalen Duren in Los Angeles
The Lakers’ interest is driven not only by Duren’s talent but also by Luka Doncic’s admiration for the young center, whom he reportedly views as the ideal addition to strengthen the frontcourt.
As reported by The Athletic, Sam Amick explained:
League sources also say that Luka Doncic is a big admirer of Duren’s game, a factor that now carries enormous weight for any player considering a move to Crypto.com Arena
Sam Amick
The Kings are also in the mix
The Sacramento Kings have also scheduled a meeting with Duren, but their path appears far more complicated. Sacramento would likely need to acquire the center through a sign-and-trade, a deal that could involve Domantas Sabonis.
For now, however, the Pistons have shown little interest in pursuing that type of transaction and continue to view Duren as a cornerstone of their long-term plans.
According to The Athletic, Duren’s meetings with other teams were also prompted by his disappointment with the early stages of contract extension talks with Detroit.