The Los Angeles Lakers, like every other contending franchise, are focused on making a roster-bolstering move before next Thursday’s trade deadline.
With the right trade, the Lakers could become a more complete team ready to avenge their premature first-round playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
However, Lake Show Life’s Jordanna Clark declined to focus on the present and instead examined a potential offseason move that could help the Lakers succeed during the 2026-27 campaign.
The move would land the Lakers a 23-year-old Denver Nuggets breakout star.
“Lakers could target Peyton Watson this summer in restricted free agency,” Clark wrote Thursday.
The Nuggets will have the chance to match any offer he receives this summer, but they’re already projected to be over the second tax apron, and that isn’t factoring in Watson’s next contract.”
“Denver has made it known that it wants to keep its homegrown talent (duh), but will the front office be willing to pay as much as he could command? Los Angeles needs to be right there in the mix for Watson, not just because it’d also be fun for the Lakers to screw over the Nuggets.”
“He’s turned into the kind of player that every team around the league should want, with his off-ball scoring, improved three-point shot, ball-handling, and ability to guard multiple positions. He can do more than dunk and block shots.”
Watson has taken full advantage of the Nuggets’ recent injury struggles. With multiple starters being out for lengthy periods, Watson has suddenly found himself more involved in David Adelman’s game plan on both ends.
It’s safe to say the UCLA product hasn’t shied away from the moment, as he’s currently averaging 14.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and one steal with the Nuggets in 46 contests.
If Watson continues on an upward trajectory, he could appeal to a Lakers squad that would benefit from his two-way services.
Keep an eye out for a possible Watson-Lakers partnership this summer.
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