Lakers Tried To Validate Jalen Duren, But NBA Insider Predicts Otherwise

When NBA free agency began in June, the Los Angeles Lakers sought a young center to complement Luka Doncic for the long term. Jalen Duren, a restricted free agent from the Detroit Pistons, was a target. Despite being supermax-eligible, Duren did not receive the price he desired from the Pistons. He spoke to two teams, including the Lakers and the Sacramento Kings. The Lakers reportedly validated Duren’s assessment by calling him a max-level player. However, their true target became available for a price they were willing to meet shortly after. Ultimately, the Lakers acquired Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz in a trade involving two first-round picks and pick swaps. Jalen Duren might have felt validated by the Lakers’ comments, but months later, he still hasn’t received a sufficiently attractive offer to sign. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, Duren is expected to return to the Pistons for a deal in the range of a four-year, $160 million contract, which is likely to exceed that figure. This is far from the $278.1 million Duren could earn if the Pistons pursued the supermax route after he won All-NBA honors in the 2025-2027 seasons. The Lakers’ pursuit of Kessler had been ongoing, and they were willing to pay the price of two first-round picks and pick swaps to secure him. While the Lakers indirectly supported Duren’s position, the Pistons ultimately retained leverage over the 22-year-old star. Duren’s performance in the 2025-2026 season was impressive, averaging 19.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and nearly 1.0 block per game in 70 games. Although he did not secure an All-Star spot in his first three seasons, he earned it in 2025-2026.