It’s never too early to begin discussing the offseason. The Lakers are reportedly interested in a young breakout forward who also has ties to the City of Angels.
Lakers Could Pursue Another Hometown Hero in Free Agency
Lakers Eyeing Nuggets Wing Peyton Watson
NBA insider Jake Fischer has highlighted the Lakers as a cap-space heavy team “preparing interest” in Peyton Watson.
“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’ health woes. 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.”
In 44 games for the injury-ravaged Nuggets, Watson is averaging 14.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.9 assists while shooting nearly 50% from the field, 41% from three and 74% from the free-throw line. He’s turned into a vital option after Nikola Jokic’s injury, putting up 22.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists in the three-time MVP’s absence. Watson has also improved defensively as of late. He’s averaging 1.2 steals and 1.5 blocks in that span and using his length and athleticism to bother his opponents.
Peyton Watson Highlight tape
last 12 games
23.2 PPG (2nd Most for Team)
6.4 RPG (3rd most for team)
3.0 APG (4th most for team)
1.3 SPG (Led Team)
1.6 BPG (Led Team)
52.1% FG (2nd highest on Team)
52.7% 3P (Led Team) pic.twitter.com/yAeaH2PJgN— Naylor (@Naylor408) January 27, 2026
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Watson’s Strong Case to Join the Lakers
If the Nuggets cannot keep Watson due to financial constraints, the Lakers should pounce on a prime candidate who can help them in several ways. The fourth-year forward stars in his role with, and without, elite talent next to him. He boasts superb three-level scoring with tremendous potential on defense. The Lakers could certainly use Watson to take the load off their star players and add him to their future core next to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Provided they take care of LeBron James and pay Reaves what he’s worth, Watson should be the Lakers’ top priority when it comes to free agent targets. If his breakout year wasn’t convincing enough, Watson also grew up in the Los Angeles area. He was a five-star recruit out of Long Beach Polytechnic High School and a one-and-done at UCLA. From being drafted 30th overall in 2022 to turning heads this year, the 23-year-old has earned a handsome payday this summer. The Lakers, offering grand stage and hometown ties, are arguably the perfect fit, with another ace in the hole.
Watson’s representation? You guessed it: Klutch Sports.
The Last Word
As pending free agents begin dominating the headlines, Watson is a standout candidate who checks all the boxes for the Lakers. The 23-year-old rising star will have plenty of suitors this offseason, but the purple and gold just might have an edge when it comes to Watson’s next destination.
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