Tag: Sacramento Kings

Jalen Duren to meet with Lakers, Kings as free agency begins

By: @OOSSports

Jalen Duren

One of the NBA’s top restricted free agents is already generating significant interest.

According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin and Anthony Slater, Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren is scheduled to meet with the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday as NBA free agency officially opens. Andscape’s Marc J. Spears also reported that Duren plans to meet with the Sacramento Kings.

The Lakers’ interest comes as the organization continues searching for a long-term answer in the frontcourt.

According to sources, franchise star Luka Doncic has expressed a desire to play alongside an “A-list center,” making Duren an intriguing target as Los Angeles looks to strengthen its roster around its superstar.

The 6-foot-10, 250-pound center enters free agency after the best season of his career.

Duren earned his first NBA All-Star selection and an All-NBA Third Team honor after averaging 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists while shooting an efficient 65% from the field. His breakout campaign helped power Detroit to 60 wins and the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.

Although Duren is a restricted free agent, the meetings represent an opportunity for rival teams to gauge his interest before potentially presenting an offer sheet. Detroit will retain the right to match any contract should Duren agree to terms elsewhere.

For the Lakers, adding a young, athletic center who excels as a finisher, rebounder, and interior defender would address one of the roster’s biggest needs entering the 2026-27 season.

Sacramento also appears intent on bolstering its frontcourt as the Kings continue reshaping their roster during free agency.

With multiple teams pursuing one of the league’s premier young big men, Duren’s free agency will be one of the storylines to watch as the offseason begins.

Thanks for reading. Be sure to check out the latest episode of the OutOfSightSports YouTube series, where we grade the top 10 picks from the NBA’s 2026 NBA Draft and break down which teams landed the biggest stars, steals, and surprises.

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Domantas Sabonis Out for Season After Knee Surgery

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2/19/26

oossports

The Sacramento Kings will close the season without their All-Star big man.

Domantas Sabonis underwent season-ending surgery Wednesday to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, according to ESPN insider Shams Charania. Sabonis had been rehabbing the injury during the season and attempted to play through it before ultimately opting for the procedure. (source)

The setback compounds what has already been a difficult year in Sacramento.

Another Blow for Sacramento

The Kings recently lost guard Zach LaVine to season-ending surgery as well, leaving the team without its two primary offensive pillars. Sabonis averaged 15.8 points, 11.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists in just 19 games this season. Those numbers represent a dip from prior campaigns, as he battled persistent knee discomfort and saw his minutes reduced below 30 per night.

Sacramento enters the second half of the season at 12-44, the worst record in the NBA. The absence of Sabonis further limits the team’s interior presence, rebounding stability and playmaking from the frontcourt.

Draft Implications Loom

If there is a long-term silver lining, it may lie in draft positioning. Holding the league’s worst record would give Sacramento the best odds at securing the No. 1 overall pick in what many view as a loaded 2026 draft class.

Potential headliners include elite freshmen such as Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, Kingston Fleming, Caleb Wilson and Keaton Wagler, among others.

For now, Sacramento must shift its focus toward development and evaluation. Sabonis’ health takes priority, and the organization will look toward the offseason with hopes of a reset.

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