Lakers catch big break with Luka Doncic's preferred target

The Los Angeles Lakers still don't know whether LeBron James will be on the team next season. What they do know is that Luka Doncic will be the franchise's centerpiece for years to come.

As such, general manager Rob Pelinka will have to work around the clock to give him the supporting cast he wants and needs. Doncic has reportedly asked the Lakers for a rim-running big man. According to The Athletic's Sam Amick, Jalen Duren's situation with the Detroit Pistons might give them a straight line to get one. 

The Lakers might be able to sign Jalen Duren

“Everyone knows the Lakers are on the lookout for an upgrade at the center spot, and Duren would certainly qualify,” Amick reported. “Yet in stark contrast to the Kings’ scenario, the Lakers’ best offerings might be draft capital rather than quality players (they could trade Duren into the Lakers’ salary cap space).”

Doncic is reportedly a big fan of Duren's game, and he's the type of athletic, high-flying big who can thrive in the pick-and-roll with him.

“League sources say Lakers star Luka Doncic is known to be a fan of Duren’s game, which is a monumental factor for any player who’s trying to be welcomed into Crypto.com Arena these days,” added Amick. 

Duren is coming off a breakout season, averaging 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game on 65 percent shooting from the floor. However, he regressed in the postseason, dropping to 10.2 points and 8.5 rebounds per game on 51.4 percent shooting.

That may have taken a big toll on his reputation and market value. Still, it might give the Lakers a golden opportunity to buy low on one of the up-and-coming bigs in the league.