The Lakers could sign Peyton Watson starting June 30 , when NBA free agency opens, but because he’s a restricted free agent , Denver would still have the right to match any offer sheet. Reports from late June say the Nuggets are expected to be aggressive in matching unless the offer gets very large, possibly around the $30 million annual range.

What that means

  • June 30: Teams can begin negotiating and signing offer sheets.
  • Afterward: Denver gets the matching window and can keep Watson if it wants.
  • Practical hurdle: The Lakers would likely need to make a pricey offer to pry him away.

Lakers angle

The Lakers have been linked to Watson for months, and recent reporting says they remain a possible suitor in restricted free agency.

In plain English

So the earliest answer is June 30 , but the real question is whether Denver lets him go.

TL;DR: Lakers can try on June 30, but signing him outright depends on Denver not matching the offer sheet.