The Los Angeles Lakers suddenly have cap space again! LeBron James isn't coming back to LA, and the pressure is now officially on general manager Rob Pelinka to deliver a contending roster this summer. No excuses.
Priority number one for Pelinka is the center position, but there's a big problem -- the market for impact centers is already disappearing. Isaiah Hartenstein? Gone. Nic Claxton? Gone. Isaiah Stewart? Gone. "The center market has shrunk considerably," ESPN's Bobby Marks tweeted on Tuesday. Uh-oh.
It's looking like Walker Kessler, Jalen Duren, or bust for Pelinka. With Kessler tethered close to the Utah Jazz, Duren's the clear target, and it's even possible that Lakers superstar Luka Doncic is putting some light (but subtly forceful!) pressure on Pelinka to land Duren.
Lakers megastar Luka Doncic reportedly likes Jalen Duren's game
The Athletic's NBA insider Sam Amick reported the following on Monday:
“League sources say Lakers star Luka Dončić is known to be a fan of Duren’s game, which is a monumental factor for any player who’s trying to be welcomed into Crypto.com Arena these days.”
If you're wondering why Amick was hinting at the notion that any player not signed off on by Luka wouldn't be a Lakers target, it's because it's virtually true.
Back in May, we learned from Amick and Lakers insider Dan Woike that the Lakers have already decided to give Doncic a seat at the table in front office decisions. Luka is reportedly in recurring communication not only with Pelinka but with Lakers owner Mark Walter about the direction of the franchise, with roster construction being the main theme in those discussions.
Luka Doncic has a big say in who the Lakers go after in free agency
Ok, so now you can step back and piece together all the signs. The Lakers badly need a starting center. Duren is the best (and one of the only) names available. Luka likes Duren. Luka also has a say in front office decisions. Do you see where I'm headed with this?
If Pelinka isn't already in constant communication with Duren's camp, it's not outlandish to assume that Luka is asking why the heck not.
The Kings might ruin Lakers' pursuit of Jalen Duren (nooo!)
A heart-stopping report for Lakers fans emerged on Monday, namely that Duren is talking with the Sacramento Kings about a potential sign-and-trade (per NBA insider Chris Haynes).
Now that Pelinka has the LeBron-departure cap space needed to spread his wings, it's time to put on his most powerful suit, flex that Lakers brand muscle, and go interrupt the Duren-Kings talks with a much juicier offer. Do not let Duren land in Sacramento, Rob! We beg you!
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