Breaking Down New Lakers Rumors on Walker Kessler, Jalen Duren in 2026 NBA Free Agency

The early storylines from 2026 NBA free agency around the Los Angeles Lakers involve subtractions.

And it's not only LeBron James, though he is clearly the headliner, as Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart have moved on, too.

That said, additions will be coming at some point, probably sooner than later. They might be massive ones, too. Literally.

Let's dive into the latest Laker-related rumor roundup, which involves two different impact interior players and one Hollywood-based swingman who is drawing attention elsewhere.

Lakers Value Jalen Duren as Max Player?

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Detroit Pistons restricted free agent center Jalen Duren met with the Lakers on Tuesday. And things apparently went pretty well, because the sides are set to meet for a second time Wednesday, per The Athletic's Sam Amick.

Duren, a first-time All-Star and All-NBA selection, had a rocky enough postseason for the Detroit Pistons to perhaps second-guess a major money commitment to him. During his chat with the Lakers, though, he was informed "they view him as a maximum-salary level player," per Amick.

Does that mean L.A. has a maximum contract offer coming Duren's way? Possibly. Would Detroit pony up that kind of cash to keep him? Maybe. As Marc J. Spears reported for ESPN and Andscape, the Pistons "are not interested in any sign and trade deals and will match any potential offer sheet he signs."

Now, this could be a negotiating tactic by Detroit and an attempt to dissuade suitors like L.A. from even making the offer. Because once an offer sheet is signed, the Lakers would have that cap space tied up until the Pistons decide whether to match it, a move they could make up to 11:59 p.m. ET on July 7 if he's signed during the salary cap moratorium.

That's a long time for L.A. to wait, especially when it has other roster spots to fill. Then again, center is clearly the club's biggest need, and Duren is one of the best bigs on the market.

Walker Kessler Tops the Wish List?

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Stop us if you've heard this one a time or 20 before: The Lakers are big fans of Utah Jazz restricted free agent Walker Kessler. In fact, NBA insiders Jake Fischer and Marc Stein reported that Kessler is "widely presumed" to be the team's top target in free agency.

Of course, since Kessler is a restricted free agent, the Jazz will play a big part in how this all plays out. And so far, Fischer and Stein reported Utah has been "steadfast" in its determination to match any offer sheet Kessler receives.

Could there be a price point at which the Jazz at least think twice about that, though? A June 17 report from ESPN's Tim MacMahon noted there was a "gulf" between Kessler and the Jazz despite their offer of a five-year, $140 million contract.

The Lakers, who have a glaring hole in the middle and could use Kessler's size, finishing and paint protection, could throw out a number that at least makes Utah uncomfortable. Kessler has reportedly met with multiple teams already and "holds multiple offers in the mid to high 30 [millions] annually, along with structure of his choice, including player options," per The Athletic's Tony Jones.

Western Conference Champs Eyeing Rui Hachimura?

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Rui Hachimura spent the past three-plus seasons with the Lakers, providing support scoring, 40-plus percent three-point shooting and some defensive versatility along the way. It seemingly may not have been enough to extend his stay.

According to NBA insiders Jake Fischer and Marc Stein, Hachimura is "regarded as increasingly likely to join James, Smart and Phoenix-bound Kennard out the exit door in Lakerland." Hachimura is also "among the veteran free agents" being considered by the defending Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs.

The Spurs, who have a wealth of backcourt talent and one of the NBA's best centers (and players overall) in Victor Wembanyama, could use more size, strength and shotmaking on the perimeter. Hachimura happens to check every box, so he might be a fit if the price is right.

The Lakers, meanwhile, are etching a lot of players out of their plans as they work to tailor this roster around Luka Dončić. This front office will have plenty to get done over the coming hours, days and maybe weeks as they plug up these various holes. Center might be the club's most obvious need, but it's far from being the only one.