The Los Angeles Lakers remain focused on finding frontcourt help this offseason, but another young Denver Nuggets player has quietly emerged as a priority target. According to NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, both the Lakers and the Chicago Bulls have continued monitoring restricted free agent Peyton Watson, although Denver appears determined to keep the breakout forward.
“The Nuggets have been signaling for months that they plan to match any offer sheet for Watson … to the point that sources say it would take an offer sheet in the $30 million range in order for Denver to balk at re-signing him. The Lakers and Bulls are two teams that have been mentioned as potential Watson suitors going back to February’s trade deadline.”
That asking price shows just how highly Denver values the 22-year-old wing.
Watson broke out during the 2025-26 season, averaging 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 49.1% from the field and an impressive 41.1% from three-point range. His production became even more valuable when Aaron Gordon missed significant time, as Watson stepped into a larger role and proved he could contribute on both ends of the floor.
His combination of length, athleticism, and improved perimeter shooting makes him one of the league’s most valued young 3-and-D forwards.
For the Lakers, Watson addresses another major need beyond finding a starting center. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves form one of the NBA’s best offensive backcourts, but Los Angeles still needs long, athletic defenders capable of matching up with elite wings throughout the Western Conference.
Watson checks nearly every box. He is a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions while providing scoring without needing the ball in his hands. His ability to run the floor, finish in transition, and knock down open three-pointers would fit naturally alongside Doncic’s playmaking.
The financial hurdle, however, is substantial.
The Lakers still project to have roughly $52.1 million in cap space, but they also have several roster needs to address. Committing close to $30 million annually to Watson would significantly impact their flexibility, particularly after giving Austin Reaves a new four-year, $185 million contract.
Chicago presents another legitimate threat. Even after acquiring Nic Claxton, the Bulls still have approximately $32.5 million in projected cap space, giving them enough financial flexibility to present Denver with a difficult decision.
Still, Denver appears prepared for this scenario. The Nuggets reportedly have contingency plans to create room for Watson’s new contract. League sources indicate they are exploring ways to move Cameron Johnson’s $23 million salary and could even waive Jonas Valanciunas’ $10 million contract, if necessary, to reduce payroll and maintain financial flexibility.
Those moves underline how important Watson has become to Denver’s long-term plans.
For Los Angeles, the pursuit reflects a broader offseason strategy. The Lakers continue searching for younger players who fit Luka Doncic’s championship timeline rather than adding aging veterans.
Watson perfectly fits that profile, but unless Rob Pelinka is willing to test Denver with a massive offer sheet, the Nuggets still appear firmly in control of keeping one of their most promising young contributors.
