Lakers Targeting Peyton Watson in 2026 Free Agency
The Los Angeles Lakers have a new target in mind for the 2026 summer, Jake Fischer reported. That player is Peyton Watson of the Denver Nuggets. The 6’8 wing has had a breakout season for Denver.
As injuries have ravaged the team, Watson has stepped up into a primary scoring role. Just last week against the Washington Wizards, Watson put up a career-high 35 points, while adding eight rebounds and four blocks.
Peyton Watson’s history
The 23-year-old is in his fourth season in the NBA after just one season at UCLA. He was selected 30th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2022 draft. He was then traded to the Denver Nuggets along with two future second-round picks for JaMychal Green and a 2027 protected first-round draft pick.
During his 44 games played this season, Watson has had career-best numbers across the board: 15 points, 4.9 rebounds, and two assists while shooting an efficient 50.4% clip from the field, 42.8% from three, and 72.4% from the line.
Lakers’ fit
Watson is a very intriguing prospect for the Lakers. He has size and length and possesses clear talent. He fits the prototype of the player the Lakers want to surround Luka Doncic with. That being a lengthy 3&D guard who shoots well and can create his own shot.
LA will have around $38 to $47 million in free cap space and will likely be without LeBron James next season. This would open up a hole on the wing that may end up being the perfect fit for Watson.
The Lakers will likely have to offer Watson a significantly large contract to compete with other teams. However, if they think he will be a good fit next to Luka, this may not be unreasonable.
Denver’s dilemma
Watson will be a restricted free agent this summer, and the Nuggets may have some trouble retaining him. Denver will be able to match any offer in free agency that Watson receives, and they’ll have his full Bird rights. However, the value of his next deal will likely take Denver above the luxury tax line.
The Nuggets still need to pay big contracts for Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Christian Braun over the coming seasons, so it will be intriguing to see how much they value Watson in their rotation.
Final thoughts
Peyton Watson is a young ascending player and has all of the tools to be a star in this league. The Lakers are wise to at least show interest in him. If he continues his stellar play over the second half of the season, we should expect LA to offer him a long-term contract as soon as free agency opens.
