In a post shared by Heavy.com, the Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly shifting their strategy toward the upcoming offseason after a quiet trade deadline. While the team signed Kobe Bufkin to a full contract, insiders suggest they are clearing cap space to make a significant play for Denver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson through a potential sign-and-trade.
The Lakers’ front office is focused on building a more versatile roster around their core duo of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Watson, an L.A. native, is seen as a “gettable” target due to Denver’s tightening luxury tax situation, which might prevent them from matching a high-value offer for the restricted free agent.
Rumors also continue to swirl regarding the Lakers’ interest in Giannis Antetokounmpo, though any move for the “Greek Freak” remains speculative and dependent on Milwaukee’s willingness to rebuild. For now, the Lakers are prioritizing defensive wings who can space the floor for Doncic’s elite playmaking.
The NBA landscape in 2026 has been defined by these strategic “cap-clearing” moves, as teams navigate the increasingly complex collective bargaining agreement. The Lakers’ patient approach suggests they are waiting for a specific superstar piece to become available rather than settling for mid-tier trades.
* ESPN’s Kevin Pelton noted: “Peyton Watson might be gettable via sign-and-trade because of Denver’s tax situation.”
* NBACentral via X (formerly Twitter) shared: “Lakers tipped to shift trade focus to $11 million wing upgrade.”
Echotitbits take: Transitioning the Lakers’ identity to the Doncic-Reaves era requires a specific type of grit that Watson provides. If they land him, it signals a move away from the “aging superstar” model toward a younger, high-IQ defensive unit. This is a high-stakes gamble on internal development.
Source: Heavy Sports — https://heavy.com/sports/nba/los-angeles-lakers/watson-free-agent-target-giannis-trade/ February 10, 2026
Photo Credit: ESPN
