The Los Angeles Lakers took a significant step in the right direction when they acquired Cameron Carr at the 2026 NBA Draft. A promising two-way player with an elite combination of length and athleticism, as well as the early signs of a jumper and well-rounded defensive prowess, Carr has the tools to be an impact player.
For as exciting as it was to see Los Angeles draft the type of wing they need, it hasn't changed the fact that they need a full-time starter and depth overall. Moreover, it hasn't changed their need for Peyton Watson.
Watson is widely regarded as one of the top wings hitting the free agency market in 2026. A top-tier defender and well-rounded scoring threat who broke out in 2025-26, the 23-year-old seems to be a perfect fit in Los Angeles. By drafting Carr, however, the illusion may have been created that the Lakers aren't quite as desperate as they once were for two-way wings.
In saying that, the reality that the Lakers must embrace is that they didn't need a wing defender—they needed multiple wing defenders.
The modern NBA has revealed two fundamental truths that every contender must accept. For one, you must have a starting lineup that can execute on both ends of the floor. The other: The true definition of depth is somewhere along the lines of how many high-level defenders you can throw at an opposing team's best scorers and playmakers.
If the Lakers are going to make their Doncic-centric system work, then drafting Carr hasn't changed the fact that they still need, at minimum, a proven two-way wing to start alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Lakers still need Peyton Watson after drafting Cameron Carr
Carr may have potential, but the Lakers have a need for immediate value. Beyond value, they need a wing who can defend opposing teams' best players alongside offensively inclined stars in Doncic and Reaves. Ideally, said player can also take pressure off of them on offense.
Watson checks those boxes as a player who has experience playing off of Nikola Jokic, as well as creating his own looks, while defending at an arguably elite level.
In 2025-26, Watson averaged 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.9 blocks, and 1.5 three-point field goals made per game on .491/.411/.730 shooting. He shot a mind-numbing 46.8 percent on catch-and-shoot threes, which ranked No. 4 in the NBA among players who attempted at least 2.0 catch-and-shoot treys per game.
The Lakers, meanwhile, ranked dead last in catch-and-shoot three-point field goals made per game despite having a surplus of downhill playmakers.
Peyton Watson checks multiple essential boxes
Watson's individual shot creation leaves room for improvement, as he shot just 43.6 percent on drives in 2025-26. He comfortably cleared 40 percent shooting from midrange, however, and seemed to become more confident with the ball in his hands as the 2025-26 season progressed.
If nothing else, Watson is a corner 3 specialist who should have an abundance of opportunities to knock open shots down if Doncic and Reaves continue to excel.
The true reason Watson makes so much sense for the Lakers, however, is his defense. He routinely took on the toughest on-ball assignments for the Nuggets in 2025-26 and maintained an impressive level of attention to detail in off-ball situations. In addition to being a willing defender, Watson also looked the part of a lockdown option.
Carr addresses the need for developable talent, but in a perfect world, the Lakers would be able to play him alongside Watson and kickstart their efforts to build an elite defense with two under-25 players who should only improve over time.
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