Despite the blockbuster that sent Luka Dončić to the Lakers for Anthony Davis and a handful of other players going in every direction to make the transaction work, Los Angeles has needed a big man. It was a need that AD himself was vocal about even before he was dealt to Dallas, and it’s a need that may end up costing the Lakers any meaningful run in the playoffs despite having arguably the best one-two punch in LeBron and Luka in their starting rotation.
As for the options that presented themselves to the Lakers one being Mark Williams which eventually fell through due to medicals, LA also reportedly targeted Pistons big man Jalen Duren according to The Athletic’s Jovan Buha.
Unfortunately for the Lakers, Detroit wouldn’t budge on Duren, and the Lakers were left out in the cold.
It’s unclear what the return would’ve been for Duren. However, you can certainly see why the Pistons were unwilling to move the former first-round pick. This season, the 21-year-old averages 10.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks through 52 games. Additionally, Duren still has one more season left on his rookie deal before he hits restricted free agency.
Buha goes on to mention that the Lakers could revisit the trade for Duren over the summer, yet it’s hard to think that LA has any of the pieces available to get this deal over the finish line, at least not on their own. Not to mention, the price for Duren presumably will only go up as he continues to develop.
