The Los Angeles Lakers are already looking ahead to the 2026-27 season, and it’s clear they’ve got their eyes on bolstering the wing position - particularly with a focus on two-way versatility and perimeter defense. With Luka Dončić’s status uncertain after a recent injury, the urgency to find a complementary piece on the wing has only intensified. And now, thanks to some financial turbulence in Denver, the door might be cracking open for L.A. to make a move.
Here’s where things get interesting: Peyton Watson, a rising young forward for the Nuggets, could be available this offseason. According to ESPN’s Kevin Pelton, Denver’s looming luxury tax crunch could force them to consider a sign-and-trade - and Watson, a Southern California native who played his college ball at UCLA, might be the odd man out.
Watson has been on a tear since January, averaging 23.1 points per game and showcasing the kind of upside that makes front offices take notice. His emergence, while a boon for Denver’s depth, has also created a bit of a logjam on the wing - and a very expensive one at that.
With the Nuggets staring down more than $193 million committed to just six players, they’re brushing up against the projected $201 million tax line. That puts them in serious danger of crossing into the NBA’s second apron, which comes with heavy roster-building restrictions.
That’s where Christian Braun enters the equation. The 2022 first-round pick has quietly become one of the league’s more reliable perimeter defenders - he currently ranks in the 97th percentile in isolation defense - and he’s shown enough offensive polish to be more than just a 3-and-D guy. Braun doesn’t need the ball to make an impact, which makes him an ideal fit alongside ball-dominant stars like Dončić and Austin Reaves.
The Lakers, who could have over $50 million in cap flexibility this summer, are in a position to be aggressive. They reportedly have the ability to offer up to three first-round picks - in 2026, 2031, and 2033 - if the right opportunity presents itself. Braun’s age, skill set, and contract situation make him a highly appealing target, especially for a team looking to build a sustainable core around its stars.
Of course, Braun isn’t the only name on the Lakers’ radar. Watson remains a legitimate option, especially if Denver is motivated to move him in a sign-and-trade to alleviate their tax burden.
His offensive breakout and L.A. roots only add to the intrigue. Beyond Denver, the Lakers are also monitoring other young wings like Houston’s Tari Eason, who brings defensive toughness, and Indiana’s Bennedict Mathurin, a scoring-minded guard with upside.
Still, the Lakers’ ultimate swing-for-the-fences target remains Giannis Antetokounmpo. If the Bucks ever decide to pivot into a rebuild - and that’s a big if - L.A. would be ready to explore a blockbuster. But for now, the more realistic path is adding a high-level role player who can elevate the team’s defense and thrive alongside Dončić and Reaves.
Whether it’s Braun, Watson, or another rising wing, the Lakers are clearly preparing to make strategic moves this summer. The front office knows this roster isn’t far off from contending - and with the right addition, they could be right back in the thick of the Western Conference race.