Report: Jalen Duren will have second meeting with Lakers

[ASFN Admin]

The Los Angeles Lakers are clearly in the market for someone who would represent a substantial upgrade at the center position. They had a meeting scheduled on Tuesday with Jalen Duren, who made the NBA All-Star team and had a breakout campaign while helping the Detroit Pistons finish first in the Eastern Conference this past season.

Perhaps there is a real possibility that Duren could be headed to Southern California. According to The Athletic, Duren will meet again with the Lakers on Wednesday.

"Detroit Pistons restricted free agent center Jalen Duren had a productive meeting with the Lakers on Tuesday and is scheduled to meet with them again on Wednesday morning, league sources told The Athletic.

"Duren was told by the Lakers in the meeting that they view him as a maximum-salary level player, according to the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe ongoing deliberations."

The 22-year-old is also being pursued by the Sacramento Kings. However, the same article noted that the Pistons aren't interested in taking back three-time All-Star big man Domantas Sabonis in a sign-and-trade with Sacramento.

Duren averaged 19.5 points on 65% shooting, 10.5 rebounds and 0.8 blocks a game this past season. He isn't a prolific shot-blocker, but he is considered a strong defender in general. Overall, he fits the profile of the athletic, rim-running "A-list center" Luka Doncic reportedly wants to play alongside in L.A.

The Lakers are also considered to be in hot pursuit of Walker Kessler, the ascendant 22-year-old Utah Jazz center who is also a restricted free agent. With LeBron James leaving, they should have a decent amount of salary cap space to work with as they seek a high-level starting 5.

This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Report: Jalen Duren will have second meeting with Lakers

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