Overview
- NBA insider Jake Fischer reports the Lakers are among teams preparing to pursue Peyton Watson when he reaches restricted free agency this summer.
- Watson has broken out with expanded minutes, posting roughly 22 points per game on efficient shooting from the field and from three over the past few weeks.
- Los Angeles is projected to enter the offseason with about $50–$55 million in cap space, giving it flexibility to present a strong offer sheet.
- The Nuggets already project well above next season’s cap, and league personnel expect a minor pre-deadline move to avoid this season’s tax, highlighting apron pressures that could complicate matching a sizable deal.
- At 6-foot-8 with defensive versatility and improving perimeter shooting, the UCLA product profiles as the type of two-way wing the Lakers have been seeking.