The Detroit Pistons are reportedly intent on re-signing Jalen Duren. It's a massive turnaround from the report that arrived mere hours earlier that Duren would be pursuing sign-and-trade opportunities. It's also the impetus that may drive the Los Angeles Lakers to overpaying an imperfect fit.
Mitchell Robinson may just be the player who receives that overpayment, as Los Angeles' dwindling options at center could lead them down a dangerous road.
Duren is widely regarded as the top center on the free agency market. He earned All-NBA honors in 2025-26, and at 22 years of age, still has room for growth. That's inevitably caused him to land on Los Angeles' radar as a potential option to fill their void at the 5-spot.
Unfortunately, NBA insider Chris Haynes is reporting that the Pistons intend to re-sign Duren despite the complications in the negotiating process.
Detroit Pistons are conveying that Jalen Duren will not be moved and are solely focused on coming to terms on an agreement to keep their All-Star center, league sources tell me. pic.twitter.com/OyLeQ9sPZZ
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 26, 2026
Haynes' intel comes on the same day that Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported that the Lakers are expected to pursue Robinson.
"The Lakers, amid a growing pessimism that the Knicks will be able to hang onto Robinson, are also regarded as a likely suitor for the New York big man once free agency officially begins."
If the Lakers ultimately miss out on Duren, then attempting to sign Robinson would be logical. They simply can't afford to let the market work against them.
Pistons reportedly telling rival teams "Jalen Duren will not be moved"
Robinson, 28, is one of the NBA's premier shot-blockers, offensive rebounders, and general defensive big men. In 2025-26, he ranked No. 1 in the Association in offensive rebounding percentage and posted an average of 2.1 blocks per 36 minutes.
Robinson also ranked in the 94th percentile in post defense, the 93rd percentile in defensive rebounds per 75 possessions, the 90th percentile in rim protection, and the 82nd percentile in screener mobile defense, per Basketball Index.
For as compelling as that all may be, it would be irresponsible to proceed without addressing the ultimate red flag: An extensive history of injuries. He's missed at least 41 games in three of the past six seasons, and though he played 60 in 2025-26, he did so while averaging just 19.6 minutes per game.
Robinson also played just 13.6 minutes per game during the Knicks' run to the 2026 NBA championship, with his 29.3 percent shooting at the free throw line a factor at play.
The Lakers must take all of these factors into account when formulating an offer for Robinson. The Knicks are roughly $9.8 million under the second apron and owner James Dolan has made it clear that he's unwilling to go into the second apron this summer.
Other suitors may emerge, but the Lakers can't act out of desperation just because Duren appears unattainable. They must instead proceed with caution if Robinson truly is on the radar.
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