The Los Angeles Lakers have been a revelation as of late, riding a five-game winning streak and standing at third in the Western Conference ahead of tonight’s crosstown showdown with the Clippers. The team’s impressive trades have aided in their meteoric rise in the standings, and there’s no doubt that Mark Williams would have elevated their frontcourt post-Anthony Davis .
However, the Lakers could revisit talks surrounding another big man they were interested in at the deadline—if that center’s team is willing to move him after one of their best stretches in franchise history.
Could Lakers Pursue Trade Deadline Target This Summer?
Buha: Lakers “Inquired About” Duren Before Williams
During a postgame live stream after the Lakers’ loss to the Hornets on Feb. 19, The Athletic’s Jovan Buha held a Q&A with fans, and the topic of centers briefly emerged. One viewer wrote that Pistons big man Jalen Duren “would be ideal” for the Lakers but knew “Detroit didn’t want to give him up.”
“They did not, and the Lakers inquired about it,” Buha replied . “However, you never know if things change in the summer.”
Duren, a 6’10”, 250-pound starter, has been a force for the Pistons in his third season. Across 58 games, he has averaged 11.2 points, 10.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.2 blocks on nearly 70% shooting from the field and 69% from the free-throw line.
Could Talks Resume in the Offseason?
No matter how the rest of the season shakes out, it’s clear the Lakers need a reliable two-way big next to LeBron James and Luka Doncic . Jaxson Hayes has made strides since the trade deadline, and the team’s small-ball strategy has proven effective in spurts. However, acquiring a true big should still be a priority this summer, and Duren could be that guy. He’s a physical big who could protect the paint and serve as the perfect lob threat for elite playmakers in Doncic and James.
With Duren making $9 million on an expiring, extension-eligible contract next season, the Lakers have enough assets to kick the tires on a potential deal. However, considering Detroit’s recent success—and Duren’s role in it—it’s unlikely that President of Basketball Operations Trajan Langdon is willing to part ways with the Pistons’ stud center.
Prior to their loss to the Denver Nuggets on Friday, Detroit had boasted an eight-game winning streak. Over that span, Duren averaged 13.5 points, 12.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game on 69% FG and 78% FT. And ever since Feb. 7, he’s led the team in rebounds in all but one of the Pistons’ contests.
There’s no denying the Memphis alum has made a sizable impact for head coach J.B. Bickerstaff. At just 21 years old, Duren is going to be a core piece of Detroit’s long-term future, which makes the road toward a trade difficult for the Lakers or any other suitor seeking his services. If LA really wants Duren next season, Rob Pelinka would need to make Langdon and the Pistons an offer they can’t refuse. Based on Pelinka’s recent track record, that may not be as difficult as it seems.
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