The Los Angeles Lakers' pursuit of a long-term center solution has become more challenging. Jalen Duren, the Detroit Pistons' All-Star center, will not be traded, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes.
This update comes after reports suggested Duren was dissatisfied with contract negotiations and open to exploring sign-and-trade possibilities.
What happened?
Haynes reported that the Pistons remain committed to keeping their 22-year-old franchise center. The Pistons' initial contract proposal left Duren underwhelmed, prompting the restricted free agent to evaluate alternative paths.
Why it matters for Los Angeles Lakers
For the Lakers, who have been searching for an athletic rim protector to pair with Luka Dončić, the update removes one of the most intriguing potential options from an already thin market. The Lakers' recent form has been inconsistent, with a record of 1W-0D-2L in their last three games. Their last result was a 89-118 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on 2025-03-21.
What comes next?
The Lakers will have to look elsewhere for a center, with Mitchell Robinson and Walker Kessler unlikely to become available. Nic Claxton has already been traded, and Isaiah Stewart was dealt to the Memphis Grizzlies during the NBA Draft. The Lakers' search for a center will continue, with the team looking for a player who can provide a strong presence in the paint. | Date | Opponent | Result | | --- | --- | --- | | 2025-03-21 | Milwaukee Bucks | 89-118 Loss |
The Lakers will have to be creative in their pursuit of a center, with the market for top players becoming increasingly competitive. And with the NBA playoffs on the horizon, the Lakers will need to find a solution quickly. But for now, the Lakers will have to look elsewhere, with Jalen Duren off the table. So the search continues, with the Lakers looking for a player who can help them compete in the Western Conference.
