The Lakers could be in line to land the A-list center they desire in Duren.
The Los Angeles Lakers continue to explore ways to upgrade their frontcourt, and one of the biggest names on their radar appears to be Detroit Pistons restricted free agent Jalen Duren.
According to The Athletic's Sam Amick, Lakers star Luka Dončić is "known to be a fan of Duren's game," a factor that could carry significant weight as the organization looks to build around its new franchise cornerstone.
"Everyone knows the Lakers are on the lookout for an upgrade at the center spot, and Duren would certainly qualify," Amick wrote. "League sources say Lakers star Luka Dončić is known to be a fan of Duren's game, which is a monumental factor for any player who's trying to be welcomed into Crypto.com Arena these days."
The news comes one day after reports that starting center Deandre Ayton is picking up his $8.1 million player option.
Unlike other teams that may be able to offer a sign-and-trade surrounding Ayton, who will have a friendly deal in the new season. And the Lakers have available cap space; Detroit could move Duren into that space if both sides reached an agreement.
Austin Reaves (15) is congratulated by forward LeBron James (23) and guard Luka Doncic (77) after a three-point basket in the second quarter at Crypto.com Arena.Potential Sign and Trade or Not
ESPN's Dave McMenamin later confirmed the Lakers' interest, reporting that Duren has a planned call with L.A. on Tuesday.
However, McMenamin also noted that the Pistons are currently "uninterested in pursuing a sign-and-trade with their All-Star big man," creating a significant hurdle for the Lakers if they hope to land the 22-year-old center.
The Lakers' pursuit comes as no surprise after spending much of the offseason searching for an athletic rim-running center to pair alongside Dončić. General manager Rob Pelinka has made adding size a priority, and Duren fits the mold of the type of player who could thrive playing with one of the NBA's premier playmakers.
Luka Doncic (77) walks across the court during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. Why Duren is a Hot Commodity
Duren is coming off the best season of his young career, averaging 13.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.2 blocks while shooting an efficient 69.2% from the field across 78 games. His combination of elite rebounding, rim protection and lob-finishing ability has made him one of the league's most promising young centers.
At just 22 years old, Duren also aligns with the Lakers' long-term vision around Dončić, giving the franchise a young frontcourt piece who could develop alongside its superstar guard for years to come.
Still, completing a deal won't be easy.
As a restricted free agent, Detroit maintains the right to match any offer sheet Duren signs. With the Pistons reportedly unwilling to entertain a sign-and-trade at this point, L.A. may need to hope Detroit's stance changes or another pathway emerges if it hopes to add one of the top young centers available this offseason.
Even so, the reported interest from both the Lakers and Dončić signals that Duren is firmly on L.A.'s radar as the organization continues searching for the missing piece in the middle.
