The Los Angeles Lakers had a quiet trade deadline, but a list of offseason targets is already taking shape.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reports the Lakers may target Denver Nuggets guard Peyton Watson and Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason this summer.
“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 having a breakout season with the Nuggets, averaging 14.9 points, a 6.8-point increase from last season. He’s shooting 41.7% from three in his fourth season as a pro and won an NBA Championship with Denver in 2023. Eason has long been rumored as a Lakers target. He’s getting 12.2 points and 6.1 rebounds per night while shooting 46% from three.
Both players would drastically improve LA’s defense, which has struggled this season. Watson and Eason will command expensive contracts this summer, and their current teams may be priced out of negotiations.
The future of LeBron James remains the biggest talking point surrounding the Lakers. If James opts to retire or sign elsewhere, it could open the door to sign either wing to a long-term deal. It will be a fascinating offseason for LA, as star guard Austin Reaves will likely command a max contract this summer. It remains to be seen if General Manger Rob Pelinka can keep his core of James, Reaves and Luka Doncic together for one more season.
