The Los Angeles Lakers are very intrigued by Jalen Duren.
The Detroit Pistons restricted free agent big man met with the Lakers on Tuesday when free agency opened, and is set to meet with them again Wednesday morning, The Athletic's Sam Amick reported.
The Lakers informed Duren in their first meeting that they view him as a maximum-salary-level player, Amick added.
Duren also met with the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday, who are also very interested. The Kings will continue to pursue a sign-and-trade for the centre, per Amick.
The Pistons and Duren are reportedly well apart in negotiations, so Duren is looking for opportunities elsewhere. The 22-year-old is eligible to sign a five-year, $287.1-million extension this off-season.
Duren broke out in 2025-26, averaging 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds on 65 per cent shooting in 70 games played. Duren made his first all-star team and the All-NBA third team for his efforts.
Despite a strong regular season, Duren struggled in the playoffs, averaging 10.2 points and 8.5 rebounds in 14 games.
Even with the Lakers and Kings meeting with Duren, the Pistons are sending strong signals that they will either match offer sheets that come their way or refuse to co-operate in sign-and-trades, per Amick.
Detroit, specifically, has no interest in a sign-and-trade with the Kings that would send Domantas Sabonis its way, Amick reported.
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