The Los Angeles Lakers have begun reshaping their roster around Luka Doncic, and president Rob Pelinka has started meeting with multiple free agents as the franchise searches for size, shooting and backcourt help.
According to Shams Charania on Tuesday, June 30, Pelinka has held several meetings with free agents, including restricted free agents Walker Kessler and Jalen Duren. The Lakers are expected to prioritize frontcourt upgrades after their 2025-26 season ended with a 4-0 second-round sweep against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Los Angeles finished the regular season 53-29, won the Pacific Division and built its offense around Doncic, who averaged 33.5 points, 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds. With Austin Reaves returning on a four-year, $185 million contract and LeBron James leaving the franchise in free agency, the Lakers are now focused on constructing a roster that maximizes Doncic’s strengths.
Kessler has emerged as one of the team’s reported targets. The 24-year-old center declined a contract extension offer from the Utah Jazz that was reportedly worth nearly $140 million over five years and entered restricted free agency.
The former first-round pick has developed into one of the NBA’s most productive rim protectors. Over four seasons, Kessler has averaged 9.5 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game while shooting 68.1% from the field.
His 2024-25 season was a breakout year, as he started all 58 games he played and averaged 12.2 points, 11.1 rebounds and 2.4 blocks. Before a torn left shoulder labrum ended his 2025-26 season after five games, Kessler was averaging career highs of 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.8 blocks while shooting 70.3%.
The Lakers have also made Jalen Duren a priority. Sam Amick of The Athletic reported that Los Angeles met with the Detroit Pistons center and views him as a maximum-salary level player. The Lakers are scheduled to meet with him again.
Duren, 22, is coming off an All-NBA Third Team season after averaging 19.5 points and 10.0 rebounds while shooting 65% from the field. He helped Detroit finish 60-22, the best record in the Eastern Conference, and earned his first All-Star selection.
The Pistons still hold Duren’s restricted free-agent rights and have indicated they want to retain him. Detroit can match any offer sheet, but Duren’s market has expanded after his breakout season, with Sacramento also exploring a sign-and-trade path.
The Lakers’ interest in centers reflects a clear roster need. While Doncic provides elite perimeter creation, Los Angeles has been searching for more interior defense, rebounding and vertical finishing.
Los Angeles also has approximately $52 million in cap space and is evaluating additional frontcourt options, including unrestricted free agents.
