Jalen Duren has continuously been connected to the Los Angeles Lakers as the most perfect long-term solution at the center spot. The pending restricted free agent ticks a lot of boxes in a future that revolves around Luka Doncic. However, his first-round performance has quickly raised concerns.
An argument can be made that Duren is now far more gettable for the Lakers after his struggles against the Orlando Magic in the first round. It is that same reason that could warrant major caution from the Lakers' side of the equation.
Duren averaged just 10.6 points, shooting 52.8 percent from the field, 9.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.3 blocks in 31.4 minutes per game during the first round. Those figures include rough drop-offs in both scoring, rebounding, and efficiency despite an uptick in the time played for the All-Star center.
The problem with any defense of chalking that up to the matchup is that Orlando's frontcourt is not exactly stocked with elite shutdown centers. Duren should not have struggled as much as he did. That looms large for any potential prospects of the Lakers trying to poach him away from the Pistons.
Jalen Duren's struggles against Magic create puzzling concerns for Lakers' pursuit
There are two paths the Lakers could walk to try and lure Duren away from the Pistons. Both of them look unfavorable after the young center flirted with the label of being a "playoff dropper" in the first round.
The first of those two is the Lakers could try and outprice the Pistons with an offer sheet. The problem with that line of thinking is that Rob Pelinka and company would seriously need to break open the piggy bank if they do not want Detroit matching.
Is that a comfortable thought after watching Duren underwhelm in the first round?
The second thing the Lakers could explore is a sign-and-trade. Some have suggested that could involve being as daring as sending Austin Reaves in an outgoing package that has a double sign-and-trade. That idea was bold to begin with and only looks worse after the first round.
Pelinka and the Lakers will want to pay close attention to how this story develops from here.
The Pistons will face the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round of the NBA Playoffs. That means Duren will spend the series matching up against Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, both of whom are tough covers to beat.
If Duren bounces back, it will serve as a double-edged sword. On one hand, the Lakers will get the needed reassurance that pursuing the Pistons center would be worthwhile. On the other hand, Detroit will get all the more reason to pay up and extend his stay in the Motor City.
Duren catching lobs and defending the rim in purple and gold is a nice thought. However, it will be a steep price tag for the Lakers to make that dream a reality if they are only paying up for regular season production.
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