While the Los Angeles Lakers look to close out the Houston Rockets and advance in the NBA Playoffs, speculation has begun regarding their off-season plans.
The organization will have a big decision to make regarding the future of Austin Reaves and the status of LeBron James. A top NBA insider revealed one of the organization’s targets this summer could be Denver Nuggets wing Peyton Watson.
Lakers Linked To Nuggets Wing Peyton Watson
NBA insider Jake Fischer discussed Watson’s off-season outlook and revealed the Lakers are among several teams interested in the ascending player. Fischer wrote “Denver, of course, will have the right to match any offer sheet that comes Watson’s way. League sources have already identified the Lakers, Bulls, and Nets as potential suitors that are likely to have the requisite spending power to present an offer sheet that causes angst in the Rocky Mountains.”
Fischer added “Both the Lakers and Bulls registered trade interest in Watson leading up to the in-season trade deadline for deals on Feb. 5.” I’ve heard raves for the strides Watson has made as a ball handler and shot-creator and how he operates in isolation on the perimeter with tangible comfort and poise.”
Watson is having a breakthrough season, and as Fischer notes, the Nuggets could use him as they’re currently going through a tough first round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He remains out indefinitely with a right hamstring strain.
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The 2022 first round pick averaged 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game during the regular season, while shooting 49.1% from the field and 41.1% from three. The NBA champion will be a restricted free agent this summer, as his four-year $11,267,516 rookie contract expires. Watson picked the right time to enjoy a career year and should be in line for a nice raise on his next contract.
Watson is the type of young player the Lakers covet, as they prepare to turn the page from the James era and build around Luka Dončić. James is having a strong playoff series against the Rockets with Dončić and Reaves unavailable, so perhaps turning the page won’t be an easy decision.
Reaves is expected to sign a max or near-max contract this summer after having an All-Star level season. Watson would give the Lakers a dynamic athlete on the wing who can provide defense and potentially long-range shooting.
Jake LaRavia has become a trusted young player for Head Coach JJ Redick, but Watson would be an upgrade. Dalton Knecht regressed this season, which is probably another reason the Lakers are interested in Watson.
The Lakers are destined to generate headlines this summer with their potential decisions.
