{"id":698173,"date":"2026-04-04T17:50:33","date_gmt":"2026-04-04T17:50:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/698173\/"},"modified":"2026-04-04T17:50:33","modified_gmt":"2026-04-04T17:50:33","slug":"top-3-early-targets-for-lakers-amid-luka-doncic-injury","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/698173\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 3 early targets for Lakers amid Luka Doncic injury"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly targeting forwards Tobias Harris, Tari Eason, and Peyton Watson as their top early free-agent priorities to build around Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic.<\/p>\n

With LeBron James facing a career crossroads at age 41, the Los Angeles Lakers<\/a> are already drafting their next chapter and looking at early free-agent targets.<\/p>\n

\t\tLos Angeles Lakers \/ Schedule<\/p>\n

Austin Reaves isn’t expected to go anywhere. Despite a flood of rumored suitors, Reaves is very likely to sign a massive five-year contract worth more than $220 million to stay in Hollywood.<\/p>\n

With the franchise’s future now centered on the duo of Reaves and Luka Doncic, the mission for the 2026 offseason is clear: surround the stars with length, athleticism, and elite two-way versatility.<\/p>\n

According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints<\/a>, the Lakers have no intention of standing pat, with a specific focus on the forward positions to bolster their defensive identity.<\/p>\n

“Rui Hachimura is expected to return on a contract that could be flipped as early as the 2027 trade deadline, and several key names are already being linked to Los Angeles. Players like Tobias Harris, Tari Eason, and Peyton Watson are among early free-agent targets for the Lakers.”<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Credit AP-Scanpix<\/p>\n

The veteran of the group, Harris has spent the last two seasons as a steadying force for a rising Detroit squad.<\/p>\n

At 33, he represents the “win-now” bridge the Lakers need. Harris provides high-level floor spacing (36.5% career three-point shooter) and a professional presence in the locker room.<\/p>\n

ClutchPoints sources indicate mutual interest remains between Harris and Detroit, but the lure of a title run in LA could be the deciding factor.<\/p>\n

This season, the 15-year NBA veteran averages 13.1 points and 5.2 rebounds.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Credit AP – Scanpix<\/p>\n

Eason, 24, is the definition of a “chaos agent” on defense. Entering his fifth year, he has developed into one of the league’s premier multi-positional defenders.<\/p>\n

\tTari Eason<\/a>
\n\t\"Tari<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\tTeam:<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHouston Rockets<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\tPosition:
\n\t\t\t\t\tPF<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\tAge:
\n\t\t\t\t\t24<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\tHeight:
\n\t\t\t\t\t203 cm<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\tWeight:
\n\t\t\t\t\t98 kg<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\tBirth place:
\n\t\t\t\t\tVirginia, United States of America<\/p>\n

Because Houston faces a looming financial crunch with their young core, the Lakers are reportedly ready to pounce if Eason becomes available.<\/p>\n

This season, he is averaging 10.5 points (36.9% 3PT) and 6.3 rebounds per game.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Credit Getty Images via AFP – Scanpix<\/p>\n

A local kid (UCLA) and a rising star, Watson has flourished in Denver, but the Nuggets’ luxury tax struggles could make him a casualty of success.<\/p>\n

Watson’s combination of shot-blocking and transition athleticism makes him a dream fit next to Doncic.<\/p>\n

As a restricted free agent, he represents a high-upside investment for Los Angeles.<\/p>\n

The 23-year-old wing averages 14.6 points (41.1% 3PT), 4.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists.<\/p>\n

More details \"\"<\/p>\n

Credit Getty Images via AFP – Scanpix<\/p>\n

The Lakers’ strategy is no longer about just finding “help” for LeBron; it’s about building a sustainable ecosystem around Luka Doncic.<\/p>\n

Much of their decision-making this summer will likely depend on what LeBron chooses to do next: retire, take a pay cut to stay, or return to Cleveland.<\/p>\n

Another key factor is this season’s outcome. The Lakers are currently third in the West, but they recently lost Luka to a Grade 2 hamstring injury.<\/p>\n

This injury could end his season unless the Lakers manage to reach the Western Conference Semifinals without their star leader.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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