Lakers top free agent target Peyton Watson
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JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the second half of a game at Mortgage Matchup Center on December 14, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona.
The Los Angeles Lakers are on a six-game winning streak and are playing some of their best basketball of the season in hopes of making a playoff run, but signs point to the front office focusing on this offseason and the topfree agent targets they can land in hopes of building around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves for the future.
The Lakers have been linked to many potential free agent targets this summer, but one in particular could be more available than ever.
Peyton Watsonis set to enter restricted free agency with the Denver Nuggets over the offseason, and the 2023 champions have a ton of cap space already designated to their top stars.With Watson having a career year, they might not have enough money to resign him to the type of contract he’ll demand this summer, and the Lakers could step in to offer him a big new deal.
In 49 games for Denver this season, Watson is averaging 14.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and two assists on 49.6% shooting.
Lakers Get New Update On Top Free Agent Target Peyton Watson
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GettyWhile the Lakers will make an ‘all out pursuit’ for a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, cap space could be used on a specific free agent target.
For starters, the Lakers will have aton of salary cap space over the offseason, aswithLeBron James and a few others likely on the way out,they’llhave roughly $55 million to spend on free agents.
Over the past few months, multiple insiders have tabbed Watson as a wing player the Lakers will target this summer.
“The Lakers have also privately discussed restricted free agents Tari Eason and Peyton Watson, sources told ESPN, and could land the latter if Denver, which already has $215 million in salary committed to returning players for next season, doesn’t match the offer sheet,” Dave McMenamin wrote.
PwatMuse
Peyton Watson vs Thunder Highlights:
– 29 Points
– 5 Rebounds
– 3 Assists
– 11/17 FG
Bobby Marks and Kevin Pelton of ESPN, as well as Dan Woike of The Athletic also reported links between the Lakers and Watson, as the Nuggets likely won’t want to put themselves in a corner with their current salary cap.
Pelton described Watson as ‘gettable’ as a free agent target for Los Angeles this summer.
Most recently, writing for Bleacher Report, Grant Hughes predicted itto be a tall task for Denver to re-sign Watson, who could earn a contract of up to four years, $100 million.
“Restricted free agency is more favorable for incumbent teams than ever, but the Denver Nuggets should still be sweating over Peyton Watson,” he wrote. “With a market rate offer sheet for Watson potentially exceeding $100 million over four years, the notoriously cost-conscious Nuggets could face a tough decision.”
NBACentral
The Lakers are preparing to make a run at Peyton Watson in free agency, per @JakeLFischer
“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
Watson is averaging career-highs all around the board, and he’s just one of a few players in the NBA averaging at least one steal and one block per game. With his defense, as well as his 41.7% three-point shooting this season, he’s the exact type of player the Lakers will be looking for in free agency.
Peyton Watson Injury Update
Los Angeles will be one of a few teams likely vying for Watson’s skillset this summer, and thoughhe is having a career year and set for a new contract over the offseason, the Nugget’s wing has been out with a hamstring injury for six weeks.
Denver head coach David Adelman previouslysaid Watson wouldbe expected back sometime soon, and the latest injury update on the 23-year-oldsignals he should returnin a few days for his current team.
According toVinny Benedetto of the Denver Gazette, Watson could return from injury this week.
Sounds like the hope remains the Nuggets get Peyton Watson back sometime this week. Wouldn't expect it tomorrow or Wednesday. https://t.co/2th6rZExh4
— Vinny Benedetto (@VBenedetto) March 16, 2026
“Sounds like the hope remains the Nuggets get Peyton Watson back sometime this week,” he wrote. “Wouldn’t expect it tomorrow or Wednesday.”
Watson has alreadybeen ruled out for Denver’s Tuesday game against the Philadelphia 76ers, and the team’s Friday night matchup against the Toronto Raptors appears to be his most likely return date.
Though Watson has already had the best season of his career in a contract year, he’ll need to use the rest of the 2025-26 campaign as a tryout.
Teams like the Lakers and other title contenders will be lining up to sign the forward in free agency, and if his performance this season says anything, it’s that he can be an impactful player on a winning team.