What happened: The Lakers have a call scheduled with big man Jalen Duren for tomorrow, according to league sources cited in reporting circulating on free agency eve. The conversation is framed as another sign-and-trade possibility taking shape, signaling Los Angeles is actively pursuing frontcourt help heading into the 2026-27 offseason.
Why it matters: Adding a young, athletic center would address one of the Lakers' clearest roster needs and reshape their interior outlook for the upcoming season. A sign-and-trade structure carries real salary and asset implications, so how the framework comes together would shape Los Angeles' flexibility for the rest of the offseason.
What to watch: Watch for whether tomorrow's call advances into a concrete sign-and-trade framework and what Los Angeles would have to move to complete it.