It’s no secret the Lakers want better wing players. They’ve been connected to players like Donte DiVincenzo and Keon Ellis as potential targets as the trade deadline fast approaches.
While this season is the primary focus for Lakers fans, the front office has to look at the big picture, including this summer, as they focus on creating a roster that best fits Luka Dončić.
So, maybe these trading block players aren’t the wings they are seeking, and the person they truly want will be available in the offseason.
In a recent “The Stein Line” newsletter, Jake Fischer writes that Peyton Watson of the Denver Nuggets is a player the Lakers are reportedly preparing to have interest in.
It must be said, though, that rival executives are increasingly curious about Denver’s likely struggles to retain Peyton Watson this summer given the fourth-year swingman’s recent breakout play amid all of the Nuggets’ healthwoes. We’ll certainly be tracking this situation over the coming months, since Watson’s restricted free agency is already shaping up to become a major domino of the offseason. Sources say teams that are projected to have cap space — notably such as the Lakers — are already preparing interest.
Watson has improved every year and is currently averaging 14.4 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, all career highs for the four-year player.
He is precisely the kind of player who can thrive playing with Luka. He is a sniper, making 41% of his 3-pointers. Watson is an elite catch-and-shoot guy, converting on 47.5% of those shots. That’s the best percentage of any player on Denver’s roster.
The Nuggets could have given Watson a contract extension last summer, but they didn’t. Watson told the Denver Post he understood the decision, but he would “operate as a business” in the offseason.
That decision could end up being Denver’s loss and LA’s gain.
With the majority of the Lakers’ roster not on the books for next year, they should have plenty of cap space this summer to make an intriguing offer to the restricted free agent.
They still have to pay Austin Reaves, and what LeBron James will do next year is still a mystery, but even with those contracts being unknown, LA should be able to make a respectable offer for Watson if he wants to make a move.
Waiting until the summer for LA to upgrade their wind-depth might not be what fans want, but it could be the best option.
No deal is better than a bad deal, and ultimately, the Lakers have to find the best long-term solutions as they attempt to build a sustainable title-contending roster.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
