Grade The Trade: Lakers GM Rob Pelinka Finalize to swap Austin Reaves overall for a Mega superstar Jalen Duren from Pistons
The Los Angeles Lakers have long been searching for ways to improve their roster, particularly in the frontcourt. With Anthony Davis shouldering the burden as the team’s primary big man, the Lakers reportedly explored multiple options to provide him with support. One intriguing name that surfaced in trade discussions was Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren.
According to league sources, the Lakers made inquiries about Duren before the NBA trade deadline, hoping to bolster their depth in the paint. Although a deal never materialized, the interest in Duren highlights L.A.’s commitment to finding young, athletic talent to complement their aging core.
In this article, we’ll dive into why the Lakers targeted Duren, how he could have fit into their system, and what this means for the team moving forward.
Why the Lakers Targeted Jalen Duren
Jalen Duren, the 6’10” center out of Memphis, has been a bright spot for the struggling Detroit Pistons. At just 20 years old, he possesses the kind of athleticism, rebounding ability, and defensive presence that could make him a long-term asset for any franchise.
The Lakers’ interest in Duren likely stemmed from several factors:
1. Need for a Reliable Backup Center
One of the Lakers’ biggest issues has been the lack of a dependable big man behind Anthony Davis. While Davis is an elite defender and rim protector, he has struggled with injuries throughout his career. Having a young, energetic center like Duren could have alleviated some of that burden, allowing Davis to play fewer minutes at the five.
2. Athleticism and Defensive Potential
Duren is a force in the paint. His ability to protect the rim, switch on defense, and run the floor makes him an ideal fit for a team that wants to remain competitive in the Western Conference. The Lakers have struggled with defensive consistency, and adding a shot-blocker like Duren could have helped them significantly.
3. Long-Term Investment
Unlike some of the aging veterans the Lakers have signed in recent years, Duren represents a long-term building block. His age, contract, and potential make him an appealing asset for a team looking to build beyond just the LeBron James era.
Why a Deal Didn’t Happen
Despite the Lakers’ interest, a trade for Duren never came to fruition. There are several reasons why:
1. Pistons’ High Asking Price
Detroit is in full rebuild mode, but they view Duren as a cornerstone of their future. Reports suggest that the Pistons were not keen on parting with their young big man unless they received significant draft compensation or a young star in return. The Lakers, who are already short on draft capital, likely didn’t have the assets to meet Detroit’s demands.
2. Lakers’ Limited Trade Assets
Since the Lakers have traded away multiple first-round picks in recent years, their ability to make a competitive offer was limited. They likely would have had to include young players such as Austin Reaves, Max Christie, or Rui Hachimura—something the front office was hesitant to do.
3. Timing and Fit Issues
While Duren would have been an ideal addition, making a mid-season trade for a young center requires time for development and chemistry building. The Lakers may have felt that acquiring a more experienced player for an immediate playoff push was a better approach.
How Duren Would Have Fit in L.A.
If the Lakers had pulled off a trade for Duren, he would have provided the team with several key advantages:
1. A Dynamic Frontcourt Pairing with Anthony Davis
Duren’s physicality and rebounding ability would have allowed Davis to play more freely on both ends of the court. Davis could have focused on his offensive game while Duren handled the dirty work inside.
2. Increased Rim Protection
The Lakers have struggled against dominant big men in the Western Conference. Having Duren as a backup—or even occasional starter—could have helped them match up better against teams with strong interior play, such as the Denver Nuggets (Nikola Jokić) and the Minnesota Timberwolves (Rudy Gobert & Karl-Anthony Towns).
3. Long-Term Stability
Beyond this season, Duren could have been a key piece in the Lakers’ future plans. With LeBron James nearing the end of his career, having a young core built around Davis, Reaves, and potentially Duren could have set up the franchise for sustained success.
What This Means for the Lakers Moving Forward
Although the Lakers didn’t land Duren, their pursuit of a young, athletic center suggests a clear vision for the future. Here’s what to expect moving forward:
1. Continued Search for Frontcourt Depth
The Lakers will likely revisit their search for a big man in the offseason. While Duren may be off the table, other options could include Myles Turner, Clint Capela, or even a veteran minimum signing.
2. Potential Offseason Trade Targets
L.A. might shift its focus to other young centers who could be available via trade. Players like Onyeka Okongwu (Hawks), Isaiah Stewart (Pistons), or even Walker Kessler (Jazz) could be potential targets.
3. Draft and Free Agency Strategy
The Lakers may look to the NBA Draft to add a young center, or they could target a low-cost free agent to address their depth concerns. If they decide to move on from some of their current role players, a roster shake-up could be in the works.
Final Thoughts
The Lakers’ inquiry about Jalen Duren shows that the front office is actively seeking ways to improve the roster, not just for this season but for the future as well. While a trade didn’t materialize, the interest in a young, talented center like Duren highlights the team’s desire to balance its veteran-heavy lineup with promising young talent.
As the offseason approaches, expect the Lakers to remain aggressive in their pursuit of frontcourt help. Whether through trade, free agency, or the draft, they will likely continue exploring ways to provide Anthony Davis with the support he needs—both now and in the years to come.
For now, the Lakers must focus on their current roster and make the most of their playoff push. But the front office’s pursuit of Duren suggests that bigger moves could be on the horizon for one of the NBA’s most storied franchises.
