Lakers prime free agent goal might come on the Nuggets' expense this summer season

It has been no secret that the Los Angeles Lakers have been on the lookout for wing assist to encompass Luka Doncic with. They poked across the market at this previous commerce deadline, with De’Andre Hunter, Keon Ellis, Donte DiVencenzo, and Herb Jones being some names that LA checked out. 

The Lakers didn’t make any main strikes, with the one commerce they made being the one for Luke Kennard. Kennard brings in much-needed taking pictures, however he’s not the two-way, athletic wing that LA desperately wants. 

LA wished to prioritize monetary flexibility this summer season, particularly with LeBron James’ contract coming off the books. They’re set to have a very good quantity of cap area, as Doncic is their solely main wage on their cap sheet proper now for subsequent season. This might make them being aggressive gamers in free company, however one identify needs to be on the prime of their want checklist.

The Lakers ought to go all-in on pursuing Nuggets ahead Peyton Watson

Earlier than happening with a hamstring harm, Watson was within the midst of the perfect season of his profession. In 49 video games, he’s averaging 15 factors per sport, 5 rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block. He’s taking pictures practically 50 p.c from the sphere, and 42 p.c from three-point vary, which might even be career-high marks. 

He was a giant purpose why Denver was in a position to keep afloat in Nikola Jokic’s absence. Watson was thriving off an elevated offensive function, however even when Jokic was within the lineup, the indicators of his offensive enchancment have been there.

Watson has all the time been plus defender, however the truth that his offense has been in a position to develop this a lot is an encouraging improvement. His means to take defenders off the dribble and get to his jumper has elevated tremendously, in addition to his slashing sport. He has turn out to be a whole offensive participant.

Watson is the precise wing that the Lakers want subsequent to Doncic. A part of the explanation the Mavericks made it to the finals in 2024 was due to the depth they’d on the wing. Guys like P.J. Washington, Derrick Jones Jr., and others elevated Dallas’ protection. That’s the blueprint that LA must observe.

Bringing in Watson matches the timeline of the Lakers and he could be a long-term answer on the wing for them. LA reportedly does have curiosity in signing Watson to a proposal sheet and if they’ll land him this summer season, that may bode nicely for his or her contending aspirations.