While this season is the primary focus for Lakers fans, the front office has to look at the big picture, including this summer, as they focus on creating a roster that best fits Luka Don\u010di\u0107.<\/p>\n
So, maybe these trading block players aren\u2019t the wings they are seeking, and the person they truly want will be available in the offseason.<\/p>\n
In a recent \u201cThe Stein Line\u201d newsletter<\/a>, Jake Fischer writes that Peyton Watson of the Denver Nuggets is a player the Lakers are reportedly preparing to have interest in.<\/p>\n It must be said, though, that rival executives are increasingly curious about Denver\u2019s likely struggles to retain Peyton Watson this summer given the fourth-year swingman\u2019s recent breakout play amid all of the Nuggets\u2019 healthwoes. We\u2019ll certainly be tracking this situation over the coming months, since Watson\u2019s restricted free agency is already shaping up to become a major domino of the offseason. Sources say teams that are projected to have cap space \u2014 notably such as the Lakers \u2014 are already preparing interest.<\/p>\n Watson has improved every year and is currently averaging 14.4 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, all career highs for the four-year player.<\/p>\n He is precisely the kind of player who can thrive playing with Luka. He is a sniper, making 41% of his 3-pointers. Watson is an elite catch-and-shoot guy, converting on 47.5% of those shots. That\u2019s the best percentage of any player on Denver\u2019s roster.<\/p>\n The Nuggets could have given Watson a contract extension last summer, but they didn\u2019t. Watson told the Denver Post<\/a> he understood the decision but would \u201coperate as a business\u201d in the offseason.<\/p>\n That decision could end up being Denver\u2019s loss and LA\u2019s gain.<\/p>\n