Lakers Urged to Pair Luka Doncic with Pistons' $19.5 Million All-Star

NBA writer suggests Lakers should target Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren in free agency.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 4:23am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

According to an NBA writer, the Los Angeles Lakers should consider signing Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren, who made his first All-Star team this season. Duren, a 22-year-old big man, is averaging 17.7 points and 10.4 rebounds per game while shooting 63.1% from the field. The writer believes Duren would be the perfect fit as a lob threat and pick-and-roll player alongside Lakers star Luka Doncic.

Why it matters

The Lakers have been searching for a long-term solution at center, and Duren's elite production and fit alongside Doncic could make him an ideal target. However, the Pistons will likely try to retain Duren, who is set to become a restricted free agent, by offering him a max contract.

The details

Deandre Ayton, the Lakers' big offseason signing, has underwhelmed so far, prompting the team to explore center options. Jalen Duren, the Pistons' 22-year-old All-Star, is having a breakout season, averaging 17.7 points, 10.4 rebounds, and shooting 63.1% from the field. The writer believes Duren would be a perfect fit as a lob threat and pick-and-roll player alongside Luka Doncic in Los Angeles.

  • Duren made his first All-Star team this season.

The players

Jalen Duren

A 22-year-old center for the Detroit Pistons who made his first All-Star team this season, averaging 17.7 points, 10.4 rebounds, and shooting 63.1% from the field.

Luka Doncic

The star player for the Los Angeles Lakers who the writer believes would benefit from playing alongside Jalen Duren.

Deandre Ayton

The center the Lakers signed last offseason, but his play has been underwhelming so far, prompting the team to explore other options.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“(Jalen) Duren did make the All-Star team, so the Pistons' decision not to extend him last summer is going to cost them money, as he may jump into max range.”

— Aaron Kellerstrass, Writer at Piston Powered

“In fact, the Pistons may be forced to give Duren a max deal, because if they don't, someone else almost certainly will.”

— Aaron Kellerstrass, Writer at Piston Powered

“The Lakers have long been looking for a center, and Duren has shown he's the perfect fit as a lob threat and pick-and-roll guy with a big playmaker like Cade Cunningham, which LA happens to have in Luka Doncic.”

— Aaron Kellerstrass, Writer at Piston Powered

The takeaway

The Lakers' search for a long-term solution at center could lead them to pursue Jalen Duren, the Detroit Pistons' young All-Star center, in free agency. Duren's elite production and fit alongside Luka Doncic make him an intriguing target, but the Pistons will likely try to retain him by offering a max contract.