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The Lakers went hunting for a big man before the trade deadline. It turns out Mark Williamswasn't the only center they had their eyes on.
According to The Athletic's Jovan Buha, Los Angeles also inquired about Detroit Pistons' 21-year-old Jalen Duren. But unlike Charlotte, which initially agreed to trade Williams before medical concerns voided the deal, the Pistons shut down any conversation before it could get serious.
It makes sense why LA wanted Duren. With Luka Doncic now the franchise's centerpiece, the Lakers are thinking long-term. Their championship window isn't just about LeBron James and Anthony Davis anymore-it's about building a team that can compete for years with Doncic at the helm. A young, athletic center like Duren would have fit that vision perfectly.
The problem? Detroit isn't looking to move him. Duren is averaging 10.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks this season while anchoring a Pistons team that's finally climbing the standings. At 29-26, they sit sixth in the East, a massive improvement from recent years. Moving him now wouldn't make much sense.
Lakers struck out, but the search isn't over
And then there's his contract. Duren is still on his rookie deal, locked in until 2026 when he hits restricted free agency. That's a valuable asset-one Detroit isn't eager to part with unless the return is overwhelming.
For the Lakers, this was another deadline setback. The Mark Williams trade fell apart at the last minute due to medical concerns, leaving them scrambling for options. In the end, they walked away without a new center, a gap that could haunt them down the stretch.
They're not out of options, though. The buyout market could offer some reinforcements, and Detroit's stance on Duren might not be permanent. But if Los Angeles really wants a young big man to grow alongside Doncic, they'll have to be ready to pay up.