Lakers Set to Poach $11 Million Backcourt Target from West Rival

The Los Angeles Lakers are positioned to hold significant financial power this offseason, particularly if LeBron James chooses to leave the franchise in unrestricted free agency.

According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, Los Angeles is projected to have approximately $51 million in cap space this summer, even when factoring in Austin Reaves’ $20.9 million free agent hold.

While Reaves is widely expected to re-sign, the Lakers’ available flexibility could expand considerably depending on James’ decision.

If James does depart, the Lakers would gain the financial freedom to aggressively reshape the roster and pursue multiple impact additions, with one emerging target drawing increasing attention.

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Lakers Targeting Nuggets Guard Peyton Watson in Free Agency

NBA insider Jake Fischer previously reported at the trade deadline that the Lakers were deliberately preserving their cap flexibility for the offseason, with Denver Nuggets guard Peyton Watson among their key targets.

That interest has since been reinforced. On Tuesday, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that Watson remains firmly on the Lakers’ radar as general manager Rob Pelinka evaluates potential additions.

“An unrestricted free agent who has been discussed internally, sources told ESPN, is Andrew Wiggins, but he has a player option with Miami he could exercise. Tobias Harris, Quentin Grimes and Dean Wade are other players who fit that profile,” McMenamin wrote.

“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.”

Watson is currently in the final year of his rookie contract, which is valued at $11.2 million and pays him $4.3 million this season, before he hits restricted free agency this summer.

At just 24-years-old, Watson fits the profile of the young, versatile perimeter players Pelinka is reportedly prioritizing.

His defensive versatility, athleticism, and improving offensive skill set make him an appealing long-term piece, particularly alongside Luka Doncic and, potentially, Reaves.

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Los Angeles Could Capitalize on Nuggets’ Financial Constraints

Watson has emerged as one of Denver’s most promising contributors this season. Through 49 games, he is averaging 14.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steal, and 1.2 blocks while shooting an efficient 49.6% from the field and 41.7% from three-point range.

His production reached another level in January, when he averaged 21.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists over 15 games while shooting an impressive 46.2% from beyond the arc.

As McMenamin noted, Denver faces a challenging financial situation, with $215 million already committed to next season’s roster. That reality could complicate their ability to retain Watson long-term, even though they hold the right to match any offer sheet.

The Lakers, armed with significant cap space, could take advantage by presenting a competitive offer that tests Denver’s willingness to match.

At the same time, Los Angeles retains additional flexibility. The franchise will control three tradable first-round picks on draft night, providing the option to pursue a larger blockbuster move.

According to McMenamin, the Lakers believe they would be among the preferred destinations if Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo were to request a trade, highlighting the organization’s continued ambition to pursue elite talent.

Regardless of the specific path they take, the Lakers appear well-positioned for a transformative offseason.

With cap space, draft assets, and multiple targets already identified, the franchise is preparing to make meaningful upgrades around its core.

Matt Evans is a sports journalist from the United Kingdom, based in Paris, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA and wider global sport. More about Matt Evans