Report: Jalen Duren will have second meeting with Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly advancing discussions with center Jalen Duren after an initial meeting scheduled for Tuesday. According to The Athletic, Duren will hold a second meeting with the Lakers on Wednesday, keeping open the possibility of him moving to Southern California. The 22-year-old, who made the NBA All-Star team and had a breakout season helping the Detroit Pistons finish first in the Eastern Conference, is also being pursued by the Sacramento Kings. The Pistons are not interested in re-acquiring Domantas Sabonis via a sign-and-trade with Sacramento, the report adds. Duren averaged 19.5 points on 65% shooting, 10.5 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks last season, and is described as a strong overall defender. With LeBron James departing, Los Angeles is expected to have salary-cap flexibility for a high-level starting five. The Lakers are also linked to restricted free agent Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz.