Luka Doncic, Rob Pelinka, Lakers
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Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic gives a first pump to general manager Rob Pelinka, right, before game four of the first round of the NBA playoffs between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Armed with a projected $55 million in cap room, the Los Angeles Lakers are positioning themselves to be one of the most aggressive teams of the offseason as they reshape the roster around Luka Dončić.
Among the names now emerging as a potential target is Tari Eason, a restricted free agent whose combination of defense, efficiency, and size aligns with the Lakers’ stated priorities.
According to The Athletic’s Dan Woike, the Lakers are exploring the restricted free-agent market as a pathway to adding impact wings, particularly players who can thrive next to a high-usage superstar.
“They could engage with restricted free agents like Denver’s Peyton Watson and Houston’s Tari Eason,” Woike wrote. “And while restricted free agency comes with complications tied to offer sheets and prior teams’ rights to match, the Lakers could try to bypass those steps with draft capital in sign-and-trades.”
Rockets’ Financial Picture Puts Spotlight on Tari Eason
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Houston Rockets
GettyGiannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks works against Tari Eason of the Houston Rockets.
While the Houston Rockets reportedly turned away trade calls for Eason ahead of the deadline, the offseason presents a different calculus.
According to William Guillory of The Athletic, Houston faces a crowded salary structure that could complicate efforts to retain the 24-year-old forward once he hits restricted free agency.
“Eason is a young athlete who could attract some decent offers for teams looking to add size and defense on the perimeter,” Guillory wrote, adding that re-signing him will require “creative cap management.”
The Rockets already have significant money committed to Kevin Durant, Alperen Şengün, Fred VanVleet, and Jabari Smith Jr., with Amen Thompson approaching extension eligibility. That backdrop gives cap-rich teams like the Lakers an opening to apply pressure through offer sheets or sign-and-trade proposals.
Eason’s Production Fits Lakers’ Luka-Centered Blueprint
Despite a limited role, Eason’s on-court production has been among the most efficient of any young wing in the league this season.
He is averaging 11.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.3 steals while shooting a remarkable 48.8% from three on 4.4 attempts per game in just 24.6 minutes. His per-36-minute numbers — 17.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 0.9 blocks — highlight the upside he could unlock with increased responsibility.
For the Lakers, Eason’s ability to defend multiple positions, rebound at a high rate, and space the floor without requiring heavy usage makes him a natural fit alongside Dončić, whose offensive gravity demands reliable off-ball contributors.
Lakers Also Tracking Peyton Watson in Restricted Free Agency
Peyton Watson, Austin Reaves, Lakers
GettyAustin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Peyton Watson of the Denver Nuggets.
While Eason has emerged as a primary offseason target, the Lakers have also been linked to Watson, another restricted free agent drawing leaguewide interest.
NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that Watson’s recent breakout has placed his upcoming free agency under close watch, particularly among teams projected to have cap space.
“Sources say teams that are projected to have cap space — notably such as the Lakers — are already preparing interest,” Fischer wrote in The Stein Line.
Earlier this month, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin also included Watson among a group of perimeter defenders the Lakers could explore as they seek versatility and shooting on the wing.
Before suffering a hamstring injury expected to sideline him for several weeks, the 6-foot-8 forward was averaging 14.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 1.0 steals, while his scoring jumped sharply — 21.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game while knocking down 45.7% of his threes on increased volume — after the calendar flipped to 2026.
Cap Space Gives Lakers Multiple Paths Forward
Whether through offer sheets, sign-and-trade negotiations, or a combination of both, the Lakers appear intent on using their cap flexibility as an active roster-building tool rather than preserving it.
With Eason now squarely in focus — and Watson also on the radar — Los Angeles is positioning itself to add long, defensive wings who complement Dončić’s prime and accelerate the franchise’s push back into contention.