The Los Angeles Lakers need an upgrade at center, and that is something Luka Doncic is well aware of. Luka knows how important having a running mate in the middle is to his success. That is why he is eyeing centers like Jalen Duren and Walker Kessler to be the Lakers’ center of the future.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Luka’s priority is acquiring an “A-list center” like Jalen Duren or Walker Kessler.
“Luka’s first and foremost desire is an A-list center… Jalen Duren of the Detroit Pistons and Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz, would satisfy Doncic’s directive to secure an A-list center.”
These two centers are the exact type of player the Lakers should be looking for. Someone who can complement Luka’s skills, while also being on the same timeline.
Jalen Duren
Although Duren is a restricted free agent, it’s easy to understand why Los Angeles would have interest. He is one of the league’s most athletic young big men, capable of finishing above the rim, controlling the glass, and providing the type of vertical spacing that opens up a pick-and-roll offense. Those are exactly the qualities that have allowed centers to thrive alongside Doncic throughout his career.
At just 22 years old, Duren would also fit the Lakers’ long-term vision. Rather than simply plugging a hole for next season, he’d give Los Angeles a young cornerstone who could continue developing next to Doncic for years to come.
Walker Kessler
Walker Kessler has a skill set that offers a different path toward solving the same problem. While Duren may bring more athleticism offensively, Kessler has already established himself as one of the NBA’s premier rim protectors.
His ability to erase shots around the basket would immediately strengthen one of the Lakers’ biggest defensive weaknesses. On offense, he doesn’t need plays called for him to be effective. Setting screens, rolling hard, and finishing efficiently is exactly the type of role that complements Luka’s playmaking ability.
Luka’s Priority
The Lakers simply didn’t have that type of player consistently last season. Whether it was the lack of vertical spacing, interior defense, or reliable rebounding, the center spot became one of the team’s biggest weaknesses, especially against the Western Conference’s elite frontcourts. It’s no surprise that Luka wants that position addressed.
The Lakers May Have Their Blueprint
Neither player will be easy to acquire. Because both Duren and Kessler are restricted free agents, their current teams can match any offer sheet, meaning the Lakers may ultimately need to explore trade scenarios if they’re serious about bringing either player to Los Angeles.
Still, the connection between Doncic’s reported request and the Lakers’ reported interest in Duren and Kessler is difficult to ignore. Both players fit the mold of the modern center Luka has consistently elevated, while also giving the Lakers younger building blocks rather than another short-term veteran solution.
The Lakers may already know what type of center Doncic wants. The challenge now isn’t figuring out who fits—it’ll be finding a way to actually land one.
