Lakers pursuing Jalen Duren and Walker Kessler in free agency
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 18, 2026, 5:40 PM
Last updated Jun 18, 2026
The Los Angeles Lakers are targeting centers Jalen Duren and Walker Kessler in free agency to address their center position issues. After a second-round exit this season, the front office is aware of the need for a stronger frontcourt partner for Luka Doncic, who had an outstanding scoring average of 33.5 points per game before his postseason injury. The franchise has nearly $50 million in cap space to leverage against the Detroit Pistons and Utah Jazz, who may match offers for Duren and Kessler respectively. Both players are expected to play a significant role in the Lakers' plans moving forward.
- •Lakers aim to resolve center issues with new free agent signings.
- •Luka Doncic's postseason injury highlighted roster weaknesses.
- •Duren averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds this season.
- •Kessler is recognized for elite defensive capabilities.
- •Lakers possess significant cap space to influence negotiations.
- 3:13 PMYahoo Sports — Three Centers Lakers Must Target to Pair With Luka Dončić
- 5:40 PMYahoo Sports — Two A-list centers Lakers can sign in free agency to help Luka Doncic
"Lakers target Jalen Duren and Walker Kessler in free agency to solve center issues and secure an elite frontcourt partner for Luka Doncic.
"The Lakers' centerpiece wants an A-list center: here are some options this summer.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 21, 2026, 3:13 PMThree Centers Lakers Must Target to Pair With Luka Dončić
The Lakers' centerpiece wants an A-list center: here are some options this summer.
- Yahoo SportsJun 18, 2026, 5:40 PMTwo A-list centers Lakers can sign in free agency to help Luka Doncic
Lakers target Jalen Duren and Walker Kessler in free agency to solve center issues and secure an elite frontcourt partner for Luka Doncic.
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