Getty

Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons is considered a dream target for the Los Angeles Lakers

Not long ago, there was a new rumor making the rounds for the Los Angeles Lakers, an offseason target that L.A. could pursue with the team’s oodles of cap space–Pistons star center Jalen Duren. All through the spring, as Duren put the finishing touches on a season in which he averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds, it appeared that Duren was careening toward a max contract that the Pistons might not have the stomach to match in restricted free agency, a contract that perhaps the Lakers could offer.

At one point, Bleacher Report tabbed Duren as the Lakers’ “dream” target in free agency. Indeed, a versatile big guy who can score and play legitimate interior defense would be a game-changer for the Lakers, whose sole goal this summer is to retool around star Luka Doncic. And Duren is an ideal big man to put with Doncic.

The problem is that because of cap holds, the Lakers’ level of cap space is often inflated among fans and observers–it’s closer to $47 million than what’s often reported. And while that is a lot and gives the Lakers options, it is not enough to pry Duren out of Detroit.

Jalen Duren in Free Agency? Not Happening

Former Brooklyn Nets executive Bobby Marks noted this week that the Lakers’ challenge this summer is putting together a roster with enough defense and shooting to highlight what Doncic does. And i doing so, he gave Lakers fan a blunt reality on a Duren pursuit.

Said Marks: “When Luka was in Dallas, it gave you the blueprint as far as what to surround him with in free agency or a trade—shooting, shot-blocker/lob threat, athletic defensive-minded wing. Does Kennard check the box for shooting? Let’s say he does. Now, how do you go out and get two and three out of that group? You will have cap space but here’s the problem—the best of the best free agents out there are restricted. Walker Kessler, Jalen Duren, Peyton Watson, Tari Eason are restricted free agents. …

“You’re not getting Jalen Duren. You’re probably not even getting Walker Kessler unless you are going to plop down a max offer sheet, which I would not recommend.”

Lakers Weighing Run-It-Back Model

And in the Lakers’ end-of-year press conference with coach JJ Redick and Rob Pelinka, the idea of simply running back what the team had in 2025-26, with hopes of Doncic, James and Austin Reaves staying healthy and simply changing some tertiary pieces . Much can change–LeBron James could retire, most significantly, but it was interesting to hear Redick’s take on the situation.

Said Redick: “Each guy, I think, had to sacrifice at different points in the season and at different times. I also think for all three of those guys, and it’s crazy to say it about LeBron, but all three of those guys showed a lot of growth this year.

“I think a lot has been made about Luka’s fitness level and his dedication to that. He was great throughout the season, still in fantastic shape six weeks after an injury. But he’s also grown as a leader. I think that was one of the challenges coming into the season that we presented him with. He grew in that regard, Austin grew in that regard. LeBron, not even having to, but being challenged to and volunteering to, accept a different role in Year 23.

“That is incredible. All three of those guys, I think, we kind of hit the apex of that in that 16-2 stretch. It showed what this group can do.”