Duren was Lakers' fallback plan if Kessler trade collapsed

The Lakers viewed Jalen Duren as a max-level fallback option in case their pursuit of Walker Kessler fell apart, according to Sam Amick of Sports Illustrated.

Los Angeles ultimately traded draft picks to Utah for Kessler and signed him long-term, leaving Duren on the outside. Duren remains in a contract standoff with Detroit that has stretched into training camp.

Kessler UTA → LAL

Jalen Duren Walker Kessler

Related updates

ESPN ↗· 4 Oct 2026

Contract signing · DET

Done deal

Duren says he's glad talks with Pistons didn't blow up deal

Jalen Duren said he's relieved to be back with Detroit after negotiations that at times looked shaky. He called the city home and expressed excitement about staying put.

ESPN ↗· 2 Oct 2026

Extension · DET

Done deal

Duren agrees to fully guaranteed 5-year, $200M deal with Detroit

Jalen Duren has agreed to a five-year, fully guaranteed $200 million extension with Detroit, agent Chafie Fields told ESPN's Shams Charania.

Heavy ↗· 1 Oct 2026

Free agency · DET

Developing

Duren's camp seen as done with Detroit as deadline looms

ESPN's Shams Charania reports Jalen Duren faces three choices before his qualifying offer deadline: sign a five-year, $200 million deal, take a one-year $9.6 million qualifying offer, or do nothing and stay a restricted free agent holdout.