The Los Angeles Lakers have a painfully obvious free-agent target this summer. They need to go after Peyton Watson. The young wing, who grew up in LA idolizing Kobe Bryant, has broken out as a two-way player who could immediately fill holes on a contending Lakers roster.
Elite two-way game makes him a perfect fit
With Watson’s combination of defense, off-ball scoring, and versatility, Watson makes perfect sense for a team built around Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves.
The Denver Nuggets have leaned on Watson heavily this season after injuries hit four of their five starters, and he has answered the call amazingly. Over his last 10 games, he has been averaging 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists while shooting 51 percent from the field and nearly 49 percent from beyond the arc.
Defensively, he is elite. He does not have the nickname “Swatson” for no reason. He has an incredible ability to block shots. He is also great with his switches across multiple positions and brings the kind of defensive energy the Lakers desperately need.
Even LeBron and Doncic have noticed. Both met with Watson postgame and came away impressed. Seeing a wing who can move without the ball, hit open shots, and relieve defensive pressure is exactly what the Lakers have been searching for all season.
- Peyton Watson grew up in LA
— LakersMuse (@LALMuse) January 21, 2026
- He also idolized Kobe Bryant as a kid
- Luka and LeBron met with him postgame
Let’s make it happen @Lakers 🤝 pic.twitter.com/24KQHoxtAd
Money is the main obstacle. Denver is already over the luxury tax line and historically conservative with spending. Watson would likely command $30 million-plus per year, and with Christian Braun locked into a huge contract, keeping him might be difficult. That makes Watson a prime free-agent target for the purple and gold. The Nuggets may not be able to pay him what he is worth, giving the Lakers an opening.
Trading for him at the deadline is not realistic. The Lakers do not have the assets to pull it off, and the Nuggets will most likely need him come playoff time. However, waiting for free agency is smart. Watson is the exact kind of player you need to surround Doncic with.
For Los Angeles, the case is clear as day. He is a hometown talent with elite defense, off-ball scoring, and a perfect fit for a championship run. If Denver can’t match his value, the Lakers should be ready to strike. Peyton Watson is not just another free agent…he is exactly the wing they need.