The Los Angeles Lakers are in clear need of frontcourt reinforcement, but securing a premier big man might not be as simple as it appears on the surface.
To keep Luka Dončić satisfied, Los Angeles could be forced to take a costly roster gamble that most teams would shy away from. According to The Athletic’s Dan Woike, there is a scenario in which the Lakers might be willing to go above market value for Detroit Pistons standout Jalen Duren, who is just 22 years old.
Woike stated on Sunday, “I don’t think restricted free agency ever works, but if I had to overpay someone, it’d be Jalen Duren.”
Duren just wrapped up the strongest campaign of his young career. The 6-foot-10 bruiser elevated his inside scoring, transition finishing, and pick-and-roll effectiveness during his fourth season, all while maintaining his status as a dominant force on the glass.
Playing for a Pistons team that captured the No. 1 seed in the East, the former Memphis Tiger put up 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per night, shooting an efficient 65.0% from the floor across 70 appearances.
There’s little question that Duren fits the profile of a Dončić-endorsed “A-list center,” which helps explain why Woike views the Lakers as a potential suitor willing to submit the richest offer sheet for the ex-lottery pick even if it means going beyond what’s considered reasonable.
Ultimately, prying Duren away from Detroit won’t be an easy feat, but the Lakers’ interest this offseason should come as no surprise.
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