Report: Lakers Have ‘Discussed’ 3 Pending Free Agent Wings

Andrew Wiggins

A former Lakers trade target and 2022 NBA champion, Wiggins has emerged as a successful two-way wing the Lakers (and other contenders) would covet. The 30-year-old has averaged 15.9 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.8 assists on .471/.395/.767 splits, while chipping in 1.2 steals and 1.0 block defensively. Waiting for him in free agency seems like a far better move in hindsight after previous discussions between the Lakers and Heat fell through.

Wiggins has already proven he can thrive on a winning team as the second, third or even fourth option, and he’s made meaningful contributions despite Miami’s middling record (29-27, 8th in East). Although he’d be a worthy get for the Lakers to relieve pressure off of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, the team must convince him to take a decent pay cut, below the $30 million player option he could decline to enter free agency.

Tari Eason

Tari Eason has battled ankle and knee injuries this season, but they have not stopped his efficient play for the Houston Rockets. In 31 games (17 starts), he has averaged 12.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.3 steals while shooting 45% from the field and 46% from deep. The 6’8” wing boasts a 7’2” wingspan that’s helped him guard multiple positions, versatility the Lakers certainly need up front.

One of Houston’s rising stars at 24 years old, it would be difficult for the Lakers to pry him away regardless of how the Rockets’ season goes, given Houston’s right to match any offer sheet and the complicated financial situation they’ll face. Still, Eason is worth a shot for his potential on both sides of the ball and fit within the Lakers’ timeline.

Peyton Watson

Yet another rising star who’s taken the league by storm, Watson has emerged as a hot commodity this summer, quickly developing into a young talent for the injury-riddled Denver Nuggets. Across 49 games (39 starts), the 23-year-old has put up 14.9 points on nearly 50% shooting (41% from deep), while adding 4.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steal and 1.2 blocks per game.

The high-flyer burst onto the scene in the wake of Nikola Jokic’s left knee injury in January, proving he could carry an increased workload while the three-time MVP was out. Watson barely lost his step after Jokic returned on Jan. 30, averaging 19.3 points in his last four games before going down with a hamstring injury. Still, his stellar production has caught the attention of rival contenders, with the Lakers already preparing to be a part of that chase.

A Los Angeles-area native and former UCLA Bruin, Lakers fans would surely embrace Watson in the purple and gold. With LA looking toward the future while being mindful of the present, targeting the fourth-year wing is a no-brainer, considering his experience around elite talent and his deep hometown ties.