It has been no secret that the Los Angeles Lakers have been looking for wing help to surround Luka Doncic with. They poked around the market at this past trade deadline, with De’Andre Hunter, Keon Ellis, Donte DiVencenzo, and Herb Jones being some names that LA looked at.
The Lakers did not make any major moves, with the only trade they made being the one for Luke Kennard. Kennard brings in much-needed shooting, but he is not the two-way, athletic wing that LA desperately needs.
LA wanted to prioritize financial flexibility this summer, especially with LeBron James’ contract coming off the books. They are set to have a good amount of cap space, as Doncic is their only major salary on their cap sheet right now for next season. This could lead them to being aggressive players in free agency, but one name should be at the top of their wish list.
The Lakers should go all-in on pursuing Nuggets forward Peyton Watson
Before going down with a hamstring injury, Watson was in the midst of the best season of his career. In 49 games, he is averaging 15 points per game, five rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block. He is shooting nearly 50 percent from the field, and 42 percent from three-point range, which would also be career-high marks.
He was a big reason why Denver was able to stay afloat in Nikola Jokic’s absence. Watson was thriving off an increased offensive role, but even when Jokic was in the lineup, the signs of his offensive improvement were there.
Watson has always been plus defender, but the fact that his offense has been able to grow this much is an encouraging development. His ability to take defenders off the dribble and get to his jumper has increased tremendously, as well as his slashing game. He has become a complete offensive player.
Watson is the exact wing that the Lakers need next to Doncic. Part of the reason the Mavericks made it to the finals in 2024 was because of the depth they had on the wing. Guys like P.J. Washington, Derrick Jones Jr., and others elevated Dallas’ defense. That is the blueprint that LA needs to follow.
Bringing in Watson fits the timeline of the Lakers and he would be a long-term solution at the wing for them. LA reportedly does have interest in signing Watson to an offer sheet and if they can land him this summer, that would bode well for their contending aspirations.