Lakers’ Missed Opportunity to Trade for Center to Team Up with Luka Doncic Might Be Revisited
As part of their ongoing efforts to support Luka Doncic, the Los Angeles Lakers have explored several potential center acquisitions around the league.
Although their attempt to trade for Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets was thwarted by medical issues, the Lakers pursued other possibilities before the trade deadline.
According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic on his podcast, Buha’s Block, the Lakers showed interest in Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren. However, their efforts were rejected, and Buha speculated that the Lakers may revisit this deal during the summer.
In the past, the Lakers focused on maximizing their championship chances with veteran players like LeBron James, who turned 40 in December, and injury-prone Anthony Davis, 31.
Now, with the 25-year-old Doncic leading the team, general manager Rob Pelinka is shifting his focus toward the future, aiming to pair Doncic with younger players who can remain competitive for the long haul.
Duren, just 21, fits this vision perfectly. This season, he has averaged 10.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 52 games. He has one more year left on his contract before becoming eligible for restricted free agency in 2026, making him an appealing long-term option for teams looking for a reliable center.
Despite the Lakers’ interest, securing Duren is not expected to be easy. The Pistons, currently sitting sixth in the Eastern Conference with a 29-26 record and pushing for a playoff spot, see Duren as a crucial part of their core.
The Lakers are expected to remain a key player in the trade market this summer as they continue their search for the right pieces to complement Doncic. With their attempt to finalize the Williams deal falling through, the need for a center persists ahead of an eventful offseason.
This summer, Doncic will be eligible for a contract extension, and securing a solid center would likely encourage him to commit long-term.