It has been no secret that the Los Angeles Lakers have been searching for wing assist to encompass Luka Doncic with. They poked across the market at this previous commerce deadline, with De’Andre Hunter, Keon Ellis, Donte DiVencenzo, and Herb Jones being some names that LA checked out.
The Lakers didn’t make any main strikes, with the one commerce they made being the one for Luke Kennard. Kennard brings in much-needed taking pictures, however he’s not the two-way, athletic wing that LA desperately wants.
LA wished to prioritize monetary flexibility this summer time, particularly with LeBron James’ contract coming off the books. They’re set to have a superb quantity of cap house, as Doncic is their solely main wage on their cap sheet proper now for subsequent season. This might cause them to being aggressive gamers in free company, however one title ought to be on the prime of their want record.
The Lakers ought to go all-in on pursuing Nuggets ahead Peyton Watson
Earlier than happening with a hamstring harm, Watson was within the midst of one of the best season of his profession. In 49 video games, he’s averaging 15 factors per recreation, 5 rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block. He’s taking pictures almost 50 % from the sphere, and 42 % from three-point vary, which might even be career-high marks.
He was a giant purpose why Denver was capable of keep afloat in Nikola Jokic’s absence. Watson was thriving off an elevated offensive function, however even when Jokic was within the lineup, the indicators of his offensive enchancment have been there.
Watson has at all times been plus defender, however the truth that his offense has been capable of develop this a lot is an encouraging growth. His skill to take defenders off the dribble and get to his jumper has elevated tremendously, in addition to his slashing recreation. He has turn into an entire offensive participant.
Watson is the precise wing that the Lakers want subsequent to Doncic. A part of the rationale the Mavericks made it to the finals in 2024 was due to the depth they’d on the wing. Guys like P.J. Washington, Derrick Jones Jr., and others elevated Dallas’ protection. That’s the blueprint that LA must comply with.
Bringing in Watson suits the timeline of the Lakers and he could be a long-term resolution on the wing for them. LA reportedly does have curiosity in signing Watson to a suggestion sheet and if they’ll land him this summer time, that might bode nicely for his or her contending aspirations.
