Ricardo SandovalWed, April 29, 2026 at 7:00 PM UTC·1 min readLakers seen as serious suitors for Peyton Watson this offseason originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Lakers are viewed as potential suitors for Denver Nuggets star defensive forward, Peyton Watson.
NBA insider Marc Stein listed the Lakers among teams that will make a move for the former first-round pick this offseason.
“League sources have already identified the Lakers, Bulls and Nets as potential suitors that are likely to have the requisite spending power to present an offer sheet that causes angst in the Rocky Mountains. The Stein Line has learned, in fact, that both the Lakers and Bulls registered trade interest in Watson leading up to the in-season deadline for deals on Feb. 5, although it must be noted that Chicago's front office will soon have a new lead voice after the recent ouster of former Nuggets executive Artūras Karnišovas.”
Among the other teams listed as potential suitors are the Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets.
Watson will be a restricted free agent this offseason, meaning he can receive offers from other teams; however, the Nuggets have the right to match any offer to retain him. The former UCLA Bruin has established himself as one of the best perimeter defenders in the league.
The 23-year-old is one of the more versatile defenders with shot-blocking prowess and has significantly improved on the offensive end. Watson can guard one of the better opposing players in the league, as well as provide some offense.
He is the type of player every team wants, and the type of player the Lakers desperately need. Watson hails from Beverly Hills, California, and will be a highly touted free agent this summer.
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