Luka Dončić's desire for an A-list center is well-documented, and the Los Angeles Lakers are working to fulfill this need.
What's the priority?
The Lakers have $52 million in cap space and are looking to use it to sign a top center.
Who are the targets?
Jalen Duren and Walker Kessler are two restricted free agents the Lakers are interested in, with Duren being an All-Star and All-NBA Third Team member last season.
Luka Dončić is a fan of Duren's game, according to The Athletic.
What's the challenge?
The Lakers need to offer Duren a contract the Detroit Pistons won't match, or negotiate a trade the Pistons will accept.
The Pistons have shown no interest in a sign-and-trade, according to ESPN.
The Lakers are also scheduled to meet with Walker Kessler, who is one of the league's best rim protectors when healthy.
Kessler turns 25 next month and would be a killer lob threat next to Luka Dončić.
What's next?
The Lakers will meet with Jalen Duren on Tuesday, according to The Athletic's Sam Amick.
They will also meet with Walker Kessler on Tuesday, according to The Stein Line's Marc Stein and Jake Fischer.
Luka Dončić's first and foremost desire is an A-list center, and the Lakers are working to make this a reality.
The Lakers have already secured a co-star for Luka Dončić in Austin Reaves, who agreed to a four-year max contract last week.
Beyond Luka Dončić and Reaves, the Lakers have seven players on the roster, but may not see any of them as long-term starters.
The Lakers are looking to build around Luka Dončić, and signing a top center is their top priority.
Luka Dončić's desire for an A-list center is driving the Lakers' offseason moves, and they are working to fulfill this need as quickly as possible.