Lakers urged to pair Luka Doncic with Pistons' $19.5 million All-Star

The Los Angeles Lakers didn’t expect to have a noticeable frontcourt issue in late February. 

Deandre Ayton was labeled a game-changing signing for the Lakers last offseason, as it provided Luka Doncic with a center capable of thriving alongside him in Los Angeles. 

Ayton’s play has been underwhelming thus far, prompting many to suggest the Lakers should search for an upgrade in the summer. While it may be challenging, Piston Powered’s Aaron Kellerstrass is a firm believer that landing the Detroit Pistons’ 6-foot-10 All-Star is a legitimate option for the Lakers in the offseason.

"(Jalen) Duren did make the All-Star team, so the Pistons’ decision not to extend him last summer is going to cost them money, as he may jump into max range,” Kellerstrass wrote Thursday.

“In fact, the Pistons may be forced to give Duren a max deal, because if they don’t, someone else almost certainly will.”

“The Lakers have long been looking for a center, and Duren has shown he’s the perfect fit as a lob threat and pick-and-roll guy with a big playmaker like Cade Cunningham, which LA happens to have in Luka Doncic. If Detroit decided not to, great, you’ve got your center of the future, but if they do, at least you’ve made them pay top dollar for their center.”

Duren’s value has quickly skyrocketed, as the Memphis product is having an elite 2025-26 season with the Pistons as a fourth-year contributor. The 22-year-old bruiser and pick-and-roll maestro is averaging 17.7 points and 10.4 rebounds per game this year, shooting 63.1% from the field in 44 outings. 

Unsurprisingly, Duren earned the first All-Star nod of his career, and there’s a good chance this is just the beginning for the electric 2022 lottery pick.

The Pistons will likely do whatever it takes to keep Duren in Detroit for years to come, creating an obstacle for the Lakers in free agency. Still, Duren is an asset that Los Angeles should at least keep an eye on when the offseason begins.

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