The Los Angeles Lakers want a long-term center to pair with Luka Doncic, and Jalen Duren may have played his way off the Pistons in their first-round playoff series against the Magic. Luka made his desire clear from the moment he arrived in LA. There is no better way to grant his wish than getting a 22-year-old All-Star who would fit perfectly.
The Pistons couldn’t work out an extension with Duren before the season. He will be a restricted free agent in the offseason. Everyone thought the 6’10 big man was in for a massive deal after his All-Star breakout, but the playoffs have put a damper on that. Duren has averaged 9.8 points per game as the Pistons have been outscored by 11 points with him on the floor. The eighth-seeded Magic are up 3-1. If the top-seeded Pistons fall, changes are coming, and Duren might be gone.
The Lakers have a commanding lead in their series without their two best players. Luka Doncic is locked in as the face of the Lakers. Austin Reaves wants to return, but he will get more expensive this summer. This summer is LA’s chance to upgrade their roster. A dominant 22-year-old big man could be the perfect fit, especially if this series creates any discount.
Jalen Duren may be readily available to the Lakers this summer
The Magic know Detroit is light on offense behind Cade Cunningham. They are sending multiple bodies at Duren and making his life difficult. It has been a disastrous series for the top-seeded Pistons. There are more questions than answers right now, but Detroit can’t run it back if they get upset. The 22-year-old All-Star can sign an offer sheet with any team, and the Lakers could swoop in.
Luka loves to feed his big man on the roll, and Duren averaged 1.45 points per possession in those scenarios this season. It was the highest among any player with at least two possessions per game. To go with that, the Pistons' big man is an elite rebounder with a developing skill set.
The Lakers have to figure out what to do with LeBron James moving forward. The GOAT needs to take a pay cut if LA is going to be a serious contender. He should remain in LA after his playoff showing, but it is all about finding the right price.
Los Angeles wants to use any remaining cap space to improve their roster. Finding a starting center and wing depth should be the top priorities. Duren may be the Lakers' chance to get a young star that would dominate next to Luka. Teams couldn’t afford to send two at the 22-year-old, so he would feast wearing purple and gold.
The Los Angeles Lakers will get their shot at stealing Jalen Duren from the Detroit Pistons this summer. The top-seed being upset in the first round of the playoffs would be cause for change. Detroit is down 3-1 and looking lost. It could make Duren available. The Lakers are primed with cap space and ready to pounce. All LA needs is Orlando to finish off the upset.
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