The Denver Nuggets shipped Peyton Watson to the Cleveland Cavaliers this week in a five-team deal, a move that immediately left Denver without one of its most promising young players. This isn’t a minor trade; it’s raising serious questions about the team’s long-term direction with superstar Nikola Jokic, and you can bet the Los Angeles Lakers are keeping a close eye on everything unfolding.
Denver’s Risky Bet on Jokic’s Loyalty
Jokic, still only 31, is smack-dab in the middle of his prime. He’s got a “mostly ground-bound game” that should age well, according to Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey. The guy has already piled up accolades, wants to be a Nugget for life, but actions speak louder than words in the NBA. Bailey also wrote that Denver “basically just punted on the restricted free agency of its biggest and perhaps best upside bet” by letting Watson go. Think about that: they moved a key young piece, and it’s making folks wonder about Jokic’s future. The odds of the three-time MVP leaving the Nuggets have actually increased, even if he wants to stay put. If Denver struggles again this season, things could get really interesting next summer.
Luka Doncic’s Championship Clock Is Ticking
Meanwhile, the Lakers are trying to build their future around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves after moving on from LeBron James. It’s been an eventful summer in LA, with significant roster turnover as they try to craft a championship contender. Doncic, at just 26, gives them a longer timeline, but he’s not about to hit the brakes. He told Lakers president Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick back in May that he’s “not interested in taking the slow approach in building a contender.” He wants to win now. Lake Show Life’s Tyler Watts believes these recent developments in Denver are a positive sign for Los Angeles. Landing Jokic would be a massive addition, and it would likely take a sign-and-trade to make it happen, but the Lakers would absolutely jump on that.
Doncic and Jokic already have a strong relationship. Imagine those two elite playmakers on the same squad! Their ability to distribute the ball and create opportunities for teammates would completely transform the Lakers’ offense, making them extremely difficult to defend. Jokic will play this season, and that will ultimately determine what comes next for his future. The Lakers will undoubtedly keep a close eye on his situation. If they could somehow pair Doncic, Reaves, and Jokic, they’d have another star-studded Big Three, instantly becoming one of the toughest teams to beat in the Western Conference.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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