Anton Watson is off the Los Angeles Lakers roster as of the team's official roster update on Friday, Sept. 18. No report had logged a move for him ahead of the change, and his contract status is not on file.
The move
Anton Watson, a 25-year-old forward with one season of experience, is no longer listed on the Los Angeles Lakers roster. The change was detected from the team's official roster on Friday, Sept. 18, putting him off the roster. No injury report or transaction report had logged a move for Watson ahead of this change, so the terms and reason for his departure are not announced.
The money
Watson's contract is not on file yet; public salary data can lag a signing or departure by a day, so his cap figure and any years are not available. The Lakers carry $201.3 million in payroll across 16 contracts for 2026-27, over the luxury tax. The salary cap is set at $165.0 million, the tax line at $200.4 million, the first apron at $209.0 million and the second apron at $221.7 million.
The fit
Watson has no NBA line on file from last season. At forward, the Lakers' rotation last season ran through LeBron James at 33.2 minutes and 20.9 points and Rui Hachimura at 28.3 minutes and 11.5 points, with Jake LaRavia adding 25.1 minutes and 8.2 points off the bench. The Lakers roster now stands at 19 players, against a standard limit of 15 plus three two-way spots.
Why did Anton Watson leave the Lakers roster?
The reason is not announced. No injury report or transaction report had logged a move for him ahead of the roster change.
Does Anton Watson have a contract on file?
Not yet. Public salary data can lag a signing or departure by a day.
What is the Lakers' roster size after this move?
The Lakers list 19 players, against a standard limit of 15 plus three two-way spots.