Restricted free agent center Jalen Duren will meet with the Los Angeles Lakers for a second consecutive day on Wednesday morning, according to The Athletic. The follow-up session comes after a productive discussion on Tuesday, as the 22-year-old explores alternatives to a new deal with the Detroit Pistons.
Los Angeles, still searching for a long-term starter in the middle alongside guards Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, reportedly told Duren it views him as a maximum-salary player. That stance aligns with Duren’s reported dissatisfaction over Detroit’s current offer and could strengthen the Lakers’ position.
Duren has also held talks with the Sacramento Kings, who conveyed a similar willingness to commit max money. Sacramento is said to be preparing a sign-and-trade proposal aimed at pairing Duren with rookie point guard Darius Acuff Jr., though no second meeting has been scheduled.
While both clubs are interested, Detroit retains significant leverage. Team officials have indicated they intend to match any offer sheet and do not plan to engage in sign-and-trade negotiations. That stance complicates Sacramento’s pursuit—because the Kings lack sufficient cap space—and challenges Los Angeles, which would need to craft an offer sheet large enough to deter the Pistons.
Potential trade chips also appear limited. The Pistons are reportedly lukewarm on a deal centered on Kings center Domantas Sabonis, and the Lakers’ most attractive assets are future draft picks—an approach that may not appeal to a Detroit roster coming off a 60-win season.
The Lakers’ interest in front-court help extends beyond Duren. The organization is also monitoring Utah Jazz restricted free agent Walker Kessler as it looks to replace the interior presence lost with LeBron James’ decision to play elsewhere next season.
Source: Hoops Rumors
