Lakers to meet with Pistons star Jalen Duren during NBA free agency

The Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings might be getting into a bidding war for a big man.

Senior NBA Writer Sam Amick of The Athletic has reported that Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren is scheduled to meet with the Lakers and the Kings for a potential sign-and-trade deal.

Jalen Duren drawing sign and traded interest with the Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings. Getty Images

On Monday, Senior NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that there has been a “sizeable distance” between Durren and the Pistons as they are struggling to work out a contract extension for the unrestricted free agent.

Duren, 22, is closing out the tail end of his four-year rookie deal, where he made $19.5 million. In 2022, the Pistons selected him with the 13th overall pick of the 2022 NBA Draft.

Originally, he began his career serving as a role player, but has started to emerge as one of the top centers in the league, after finishing last just outside the NBA’s top 10 for rebounds [8.5] and blocks [1.2].

Last year, he played in 70 games, while averaging 19.5 points per game and played a vital part in the Pistons snapping an 18-year playoff drought as they finished the regular season with a 60-22 record, for first place in the Eastern Conference.

Amick reported that the Kings are set to meet with Duren in the morning, which would mean the Lakers would likely meet with him later in the day.

Lakers star Luka Dončić has been vocal about his desire for the Lakers to acquire a big man to help with running the pick and roll.

Right now, the Lakers have two centers under contract in DeAndre Ayton and Jaxon Hayes. Ayton performed underwhelmingly for the Lakers last season, averaging 12.5 points, 8 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game.

Acquiring Duren would be the first part of Dončić’s requests for this offseason, as he’s also been vocal about the team acquiring more shooters for him this year.

According to Amick, the Kings are set to offer Domantas Sabonis in their offer for Duren, but noted that, “It’s unclear how the Pistons might see that scenario, but the Kings are clearly serious about the prospect of landing the 22-year-old.”