The Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to Denver Nuggets wing Peyton Watson for months. As Watson heads into restricted free agency, he represents the prototype 3-and-D wing the Lakers desperately need to complement Luka Doncic. Yet acquiring him won’t be simple. The Lakers face their own cap-space constraints, particularly with new deals for Austin Reaves and the possibility of bringing back LeBron James.
Watson’s expected free-agency haul makes him too expensive for the Lakers to absorb comfortably, even though he offers the best on-court fit. Fortunately for Rob Pelinka and the front office, there’s a more realistic — and financially prudent — path forward: targeting one of Watson’s fellow Nuggets wings, Christian Braun or Cam Johnson.
Trade Targets Over Free Agency Premium
Braun carries a $21.6 million cap hit, while Johnson sits at $23.1 million. Both figures are more manageable than Watson’s projected contract, and acquiring either player via trade allows the Lakers to send salary out rather than taking on a massive new commitment.
NBA insider Sam Vecenie highlighted a clever strategic angle on a recent Game Theory podcast episode. The Lakers could use Braun or Johnson as leverage pawns in their pursuit of Watson. For instance, Los Angeles might structure a trade for Braun while simultaneously preparing a substantial offer sheet for Watson. This puts the Nuggets in a difficult position: they would have to decide whether to let Braun go or match a hefty offer on Watson, effectively forcing Denver to choose between two painful options. The same leverage play could be applied to Johnson.
While the Lakers value Watson most highly, both Braun and Johnson are proven rotational NBA wings who contribute on both ends of the floor. Neither is a perfect replacement, but each brings tangible value that fits Los Angeles’ needs.
Braun vs. Johnson: Different Skill Sets, Same Impact
Christian Braun is significantly smaller than Watson and lacks ideal size to guard bigger forwards. However, his hyper-athleticism makes him a strong defender against guards and most wings. Braun’s speed, motor, and ability to finish in transition give him upside as a high-energy contributor who can thrive in a faster-paced system alongside Doncic.
Cam Johnson, on the other hand, endured a challenging season in Denver where he never seemed fully comfortable. Still, his career track record paints a clearer picture: a reliable 3-point shooter with the size and athleticism to guard multiple positions. Johnson’s length and versatility would provide the Lakers with a more traditional wing profile, especially useful against larger Western Conference lineups.
The Marcus Smart Factor
How the Lakers proceed may depend heavily on Marcus Smart. The veteran is expected to opt out of his player option and test free agency. If the Lakers believe they cannot retain Smart, pursuing Braun makes significant sense as a replacement for that feisty, defensive-minded guard/wing archetype. Conversely, if Smart returns, Johnson’s size and shooting profile would likely be the more complementary fit.
There remains an outside chance that Pelinka pulls off the necessary cap gymnastics to land Watson directly, but current financial realities suggest that scenario is unlikely. In the meantime, the backup plan looks increasingly attractive.
A Nightmare for the West
By pivoting to Braun or Johnson, the Lakers could fortify their roster without destroying their financial flexibility. A $21–23 million trade acquisition of either Nuggets wing would give Los Angeles another versatile two-way contributor to support their superstar core. For the rest of the Western Conference, that represents a serious threat.
No Watson? No problem. The Lakers’ realistic backup plan may ultimately prove just as dangerous.