In their ongoing effort to build around Luka Doncic, the Los Angeles Lakers’ quest for a new center has led them to explore multiple options across the league.

While the Lakers’ attempt to acquire Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets fell through due to medical concerns, other options were pursued before the deadline passed.

The Athletic’s Jovan Buha reported on his podcast, Buha’s Block, that the Lakers also expressed interest in Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren.

However, their overtures were rebuffed, with Buha suggesting that the Lakers might revisit this potential deal in the summer.

Previously, the Lakers focused on maximizing the championship window with veterans like James, who turned 40 in December, and the injury-prone Davis, 31. With the 25-year-old Doncic at the helm, general manager Rob Pelinka is looking further into the future, aiming to pair Doncic with a younger cohort that could sustain competitiveness for the next decade.

Duren, only 21, fits this mold perfectly.

He has averaged 10.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks over 52 games this season.

He remains under contract for another year before he becomes eligible for restricted free agency in 2026, making him an attractive long-term option for teams seeking a solid presence in the paint.

Despite the Lakers’ interest, acquiring Duren will not be easy.

The Pistons, currently sixth in the Eastern Conference with a 29-26 record and making a playoff push, view Duren as a key member of their core group.

The Lakers will remain a vital team to monitor in the trade landscape this summer as they continue their search for the right pieces to complement Doncic.

After bypassing the option to push the Williams trade through, the need for a center remains ahead of a busy offseason.

This offseason, Doncic will be eligible for a contract extension, and acquiring a clear answer at center would help him feel more enticed to stay long-term.