Aside from selecting youngsters Dalton Knecht and Bryonny James, the Los Angeles Lakers have had a quiet summer. Due to the majority of the players they pursued signing with other teams—such as Buddy Hield of the Warriors and Klay Thompson of the Mavericks—the team’s ability to sign players was restricted. With JJ Redick as their new head coach, they appear to be returning to the same first-round exit roster for the 2024–25 campaign.
The Lakers still have a chance to make a last-ditch effort in September to acquire the players the team needs to contend in the West this season, though, as training camp is still a few weeks away. LeBron James and Anthony Davis should have a competitive roster surrounding them considering the caliber of play they’ve shown over the last two seasons, even though their meager roster doesn’t help. Players that would be significantly better suited for a competitive team like the Lakers might be sent by the Detroit Pistons.
The Lakers have yet to take any action toward adding another center to their roster, despite JJ Redick’s discussions to that effect. The Lakers can take a chance and give up a prized first-round selection in order to acquire Jalen Duren, a 22-year-old center who could be a reliable player for the team even when LeBron and Anthony Davis leave. This is because prime target Jonas Valuncuinas is unavailable.
The Lakers Incorporate Important Upgrades
It is unrealistic for the Lakers to expect to develop a squad whose ceiling is to defeat the Nuggets in two or three games during a playoff series. The last two seasons have witnessed both a sweep and a gentleman’s sweep, highlighting the roster deficiencies when compared to a competitor such as Denver. Nevertheless, the Lakers front management has not made any moves to add players. To a player like LeBron who keeps signing with the organization in the hopes of having a greater chance at contending, this agreement would be a strong indication of intent to win.
Duren, who is still a raw prospect, averaged 13.8 points and 11.6 rebounds in the previous campaign. He will be able to flourish if he is positioned in the frontline with Anthony Davis, where he can concentrate on becoming a pure rim-protector and lob threat behind the more skilled Davis. In a Western Conference where every competitor must have several ways to handle center play, the two of them together would make up one of the best frontcourts.
Tim Hardaway Jr. averaged 14.4 points per game while playing for the winning Mavericks, but he was traded to Detroit at the end of the season due to a shooting slump. While he is of little use to the Pistons, a player like LeBron James could find him to be a helpful bench scorer for the Lakers. If D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves both start, there won’t be much bench scoring available, therefore Hardaway Jr. can accept that position.
The Pistons Buy Items And Get Ready To Lose
The 2029 Lakers’ first-round selection is maybe one of the most valuable single picks available in the NBA. Although Duren has a high ceiling and might succeed with the Pistons, there are concerns about his play style and if it fits Detroit’s needs. Maintaining him would also mean that Duren, Ausar Thompson, and Ron Holland would become the Pistons’ primary three non-shooters. Since these players have more potential to be two-way threats in the NBA, it makes the most sense to let go of Duren.
Despite playing very little basketball due to injury last season, Vanderbilt averaged 5.2 points and 4.8 rebounds, demonstrating their potential as one of the NBA’s best wing defenders. His 6’9″ height and improving shot would make him a valuable asset for the Pistons in the future. The Pistons would win a cup if they could acquire Vanderbilt and he could have a healthy season.
In contrast, Gabe Vincent, who averaged 9.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in his final healthy season with the Heat in 2022–23, would probably be better utilized as an experienced player for younger guards like Marcus Sasser. If Cunningham is healthy enough to play more minutes, the pick will be the true reward for the Pistons, who might use it to build a trade package to get the co-star he needs.
Two Teams Travel in Differing Paths Yet Aim for the Same Objective
The Lakers desperately need to establish themselves as a contender, especially now that the Atlanta Hawks have their 2025 first-round pick. Conversely, the Pistons may have to participate in the Draft lottery for a record-breaking fifth season in the hopes that they would be fortunate enough to move up to the top pick this year.
Apart from that, Detroit’s roster construction options are limited, particularly under new coach J.B. Bickerstaff, who wants to establish his authority and identity on the team before considering winning.
The Lakers are in need of a center and could always use more shooting, especially considering how frequently they experience cold streaks. Any player dumb enough to run at them for a layup at the rim would be terrified by Duren’s large body that he places next to Davis. The Lakers might succeed greatly on the basis of their inside play alone if the perimeter defense is even somewhat strong.
In addition, Duren is an excellent backup for Davis in case the 32-year-old star sustains any injuries. This is complementary enough to play beside him and have a significant influence, but it also provides insurance against a star getting hurt.
