Highlights:

Lakers could not bring Mark Williams on board.

Lakers brought Luka Doncic from Dallas Mavericks.

Mark Williams wasn’t the only center, who was on the radar of the LA Lakers, according to the Athletic’s Jovan Buha. According to the Lakers insider, the team inquired about Jalen Duren, but the Detroit Pistons did not let their player go. However, as per reports, the LA Lakers can reinvigorate interest in the Center this summer.

Los Angeles had struck a deal to bring Williams on board from Charlotte Hornets, only for them to flag something in his physical and backing out from the trade.

Much like Williams, Duren was touted as the ideal fit to be in the Lakers. When the franchise was based around LeBron James and Anthony Dasvis, general manager Rob Pelinka was working with less freedom. However, with the inclusion of the 25-year-old Luka Doncic in the side, the squad can be built around him and the luxury to experiment has also come by.

There is a disadvantage though as trading a productive center who is yet to achieve his peak might turn out to be risky,

And in the case of Duren, it will probably take a lot for Detroit to budge from its unwillingness to move him.

The 21-year-old is averaging decent numbers. He is displaying the figures of 10.8 points, 10.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks after 52 games. Despite attaining the numbers he still has another year on his rookie contract. He will become eligible for the restricted free agency in 2026.

The Pistons weren’t incentivized to sell, either, when they’re mounting a serious playoff push. At 29-26, they’re sixth in the Eastern Conference.
Duren probably isn’t untouchable because he hasn’t yet shown himself to be an elite center. Absent an overwhelming offer, though, it’s hard to see why Detroit would part with a productive member of its starting lineup.

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