The Los Angeles Lakers’ front office is under immense pressure as it enters a pivotal offseason. Following a 53-29 regular season under head coach JJ Redick, the Lakers were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Semifinals.
In addition to making major decisions about their own free agents (including LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Luke Kennard among others), Los Angeles is reportedly trying to find an upgrade at center.
Dan Woike Believes Jalen Duren Is Worth the Financial Risk for Lakers
The Lakers have reportedly conducted “due diligence” on Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren, Denver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson, and Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler. During a recent question-and-answer session with fans, The Athletic’s Lakers writer Dan Woike highlighted Duren as the restricted free agent that Los Angeles should target.
When asked by a fan which restricted free agent he’d overpay between Watson and Kessler, Woike responded: “I don’t think restricted free agency ever works, but if I had to overpay someone, it’d be Jalen Duren.”
The 22-year-old Pistons center is coming off a breakout season, averaging 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists while shooting 65.0% from the field. However, Duren struggled during the playoffs, which raised questions about whether he’s worth a maximum contract. In 14 postseason games, Duren averaged 10.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.2 blocks while shooting 51.4% from the field. He lost his individual matchups and was benched at times. Despite this, he’s expected to get the max (or near max) after becoming a first-time All-Star and All-NBA selection during the 2025-26 season.
MORE: NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers Linked to $15.7M Center Who Could ‘Completely Thrive’ Alongside Luka Dončić
While the Pistons can match any outside offer sheets, an Eastern Conference executive told ESPN, “If he wants to get a max, they’ll tell him to go get one. But he’s Cade’s guy, so they’ll have to play it the right way.”
This will be the Lakers’ first summer under new owner Mark Walter, who bought the franchise for a record price of $10 billion in 2025. Luka Dončić wants to play with a talented big man, so Duren would be a huge addition for Los Angeles.
Though acquiring Duren wouldn’t be cheap and represents a gamble given his postseason struggles, Woike believes that he’s worth it given that he would address a glaring need for the Lakers and help maximize Dončić’s skillset. Overpaying Duren could be the bold roster move required to return the purple and gold to true championship contention.
