Lakers Eye Jalen Duren in Free Agency Following LeBron James Departure
Lakers Eye Jalen Duren in Free Agency Following LeBron James Departure
The LeBron James era with the Los Angeles Lakers just ended, and Jalen Duren is now part of the conversation.Jayesh Pagar|
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Los Angeles LakersLeBron James just closed the book on eight years in purple and gold. His agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, told the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday that James plans to play elsewhere next season, ending speculation that had built for weeks.
That news landed hours before NBA free agency officially opened, and it changes the entire shape of the Lakers' offseason. Roster fit now revolves around Luka Doncic, not James.
One of the clearest needs on Doncic's list is a center who can finish above the rim. Detroit Pistons restricted free agent Jalen Duren fits that description, and ESPN's Dave McMenamin laid out the meeting:
"Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren, one of the top restricted free agents this summer, has a pair of meetings with outside teams scheduled for Tuesday, when free agency officially begins. One of the teams is the Los Angeles Lakers, a source familiar with the situation told ESPN."
That interest makes sense given the season Duren just put together. He averaged 19.5 points on 65 percent shooting with 10.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists, earning his first All-Star nod and a spot on the All-NBA third team while helping Detroit finish as the top seed in the East.
The fit with Doncic is easy to see on paper. Duren is an athletic, rim-running lob threat at 6-foot-10 and 250 pounds, exactly the kind of vertical spacing a guard who thrives on pick and roll wants next to him. He also gives the Lakers the size they have lacked, a big body capable of holding up on the defensive end against the West's deeper frontcourts.
Deandre Ayton remains the Lakers' only true center for now after picking up his $8.1 million option.
Pistons Stance Could Block Lakers' Pursuit of Duren
The bigger obstacle has nothing to do with this offer alone. Detroit also holds Duren's Bird rights, giving the Pistons the ability to offer more years and more guaranteed money than any rival team, including the Lakers.
That financial edge hasn't closed the gap. Chris Haynes of NBA TV reported that Duren and the Pistons remain a sizable distance apart in negotiations, which has pushed him to explore a sign-and-trade out of Detroit at the start of free agency.
If the Lakers sign Duren to an offer sheet, Detroit still gets 48 hours to match it. That window would tie up Los Angeles financially while the rest of the roster waits to be addressed, leaving little room to fill out the supporting cast Doncic will need around him.
With Detroit holding firm and Duren looking elsewhere, Sacramento has emerged as the more realistic landing spot. Sam Amick of The Athletic reported the Kings might be exploring a sign-and-trade centered on Domantas Sabonis.
James leaving clears the path for the Lakers to build fully around Doncic, but landing Duren still runs through Detroit. Tuesday's meeting is a starting point, not a guarantee, and the next 48 hours after any offer will tell the real story.
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Published 5 minutes ago
JAYESH PAGARJayesh Pagar is currently pursuing Sports Journalism from the London School of Journalism and brings four years of experience in sports media coverage. He has contributed extensively to NBA, WNBA, college basketball, and college football content.
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The Jam star reveals he's been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease
The Jam star Bruce Foxton has revealed he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, just days after cancelling two shows due to a chest infection.
The bassist, 70, shared a statement on Facebook where he told fans his diagnosis came to light after side effects from his cancer treatment were investigated.
Parkinson's disease is a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years.
He wrote on Tuesday: 'Firstly, I just wanted to thank everyone for the messages wishing me well. Your love, support, and understanding means a lot.
'It was a difficult decision to cancel the shows last weekend (especially as my bag was packed!), but the brutal heat coupled with an underlying chest infection really knocked me for six, and the medical advice was to rest up while taking medication.
'I’m not sure where the rumour about being in hospital started, but luckily that wasn’t necessary, and I was able to rest up at home and I’m pleased to say that I’m feeling a lot better than I was.
'This latest knock back has brought about more speculation about my health, and that’s totally understandable. It’s no secret that I’ve undergone treatment for cancer and am still having scans on a regular basis to keep an eye on that.
The Jam star Bruce Foxton, 70, has revealed he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, just days after cancelling two shows due to a chest infection
The bassist shared a statement on Facebook where he told fans his diagnosis came to light after side effects from his cancer treatment were investigated
'However, what you don’t know is that the cancer treatment in itself caused some significant issues for me and investigations into all of that uncovered the fact that I’m now facing a future living with Parkinson’s Disease…and I’m determined to do that as well as I possibly can.
'As anyone coping with this diagnosis will know it’s a huge shock, and it’s taking a long time to let that sink in and for me to accept that my body and mind are dealing with something completely out of my control.
'I have to manage the challenges I now face physically and mentally on a daily basis, and some days are better than others.
'Back in May 2025 It was hard to accept that touring with FTJ was no longer an option for me, but being officially diagnosed and having the right meds to help deal with symptoms has given me another chance to carry on doing what I love and what I live for in a relaxed and supportive environment.
'The response and love we’ve felt at our gigs has been second to none and I can’t thank you enough.
'With your help I’m going to keep going and playing live for as long as I’m able to do it. It’s good for me, my future health and hopefully good for all of you who still enjoy coming along to join with me, Mark, Craig, and Andy to enjoy those great songs. I will be working hard every day to give the best performance possible.'
His life-long fans shared their support in the comments, writing: 'Sorry to hear about all your health problems you need to do what is best for you and your family moving forwards',
The Jam's Paul Weller, Rick Buckler and Bruce Foxton pictured L-R in 2002
Bruce's diagnosis comes just 16 months after his bandmate Rick Buckler's death in February 2025 following a short illness (pictured in 2007)
'All the best Bruce, your health is far more important than anything else and I am so sorry that you are having more health struggles. Look after yourself and I hope you enjoy many more years of happiness.'
Bruce underwent immunotherapy after a cancerous lymph node was found in 2023. He eventually retired from The Jam last year after his health issues took a toll.
Now, Bruce performs with his All-Star band with a scaled down schedule.
Bruce's diagnosis comes just 16 months after his bandmate Rick Buckler's death in February 2025 following a short illness.
WHAT IS PARKINSON'S DISEASE?
Parkinson’s disease affects one in 500 people, and around 127,000 people in the UK live with the condition.
Figures also suggest one million Americans also suffer.
It causes muscle stiffness, slowness of movement, tremors, sleep disturbance, chronic fatigue, an impaired quality of life and can lead to severe disability.
It is a progressive neurological condition that destroys cells in the part of the brain that controls movement.
Sufferers are known to have diminished supplies of dopamine because nerve cells that make it have died.
There is currently no cure and no way of stopping the progression of the disease, but hundreds of scientific trials are underway to try and change that.
The disease claimed the life of boxing legend Muhammad Ali in 2016 and Ozzy Osbourne in 2025.
