The Lakers tried to trade for Pistons center Jalen Duren but were turned down, leading them to pursue Charlotte's Mark Williams instead -- only for that deal to fall through after Williams failed his physical.
The Los Angeles Lakers attempted to trade for young Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren before shifting their focus to Charlotte Hornets big man Mark Williams before the Feb. 6 deadline. However, Detroit was unwilling to part with Duren, who remains a key part of their future.
"Detroit didn't want to give him up. The Lakers inquired about it," Jovan Buha of The Athletic said on his latest podcast. "However, you never know -- things could change in the summer."
The LA Lakers eventually agreed to a trade for the 23-year-old Williams, sending Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2031 first-round pick, and a 2030 pick swap to Charlotte. However, the deal was rescinded after Williams failed his physical.
Duren, 21, has been a steady presence for Detroit this season, averaging 10.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists over 52 games. Williams, despite putting up 15.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, has struggled with injuries, appearing in only 24 games.
Duren is part of a young core that has helped turn the Pistons into a legitimate playoff contender. After finishing above .500 just once in the last 16 seasons, Detroit currently holds the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 29-26 record.
A member of the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2023, Duren was originally selected 13th overall by the Hornets in the 2022 NBA Draft. His rights were traded to the New York Knicks and then to the Pistons on draft night.
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