The Los Angeles Lakers will be among the teams with the most cap space this offseason. They can explore several avenues to improve their roster. Philadelphia 76ers forward Kelly Oubre Jr. could be a player they sign to help on the wings.
According to The Sixer Sense, the Lakers are a threat to sign Kelly Oubre.
“The Lakers, among most teams, have a compelling case as a landing spot for the eccentric forward… the Lakers are easily capable of making the 76ers sweat about Kelly Oubre Jr.”
Oubre just finished one of the best seasons of his career and is likely to get a big raise in free agency. After two years in Philadelphia on affordable deals, he could draw interest from teams that want more athleticism, defense, and scoring on the wing. If the 76ers can’t keep him, the Lakers might be in a good spot to go after him.
How He Fits the Lakers
Most talk about the Lakers this offseason has focused on their need for a center. But the team still has other gaps to fill. Adding another athletic wing who can defend different positions and while playing off-ball could also help Los Angeles.
Oubre is a good example of that kind of player. At 6-foot-7, he has shown he can guard both wings and forwards. He also adds scoring both in transition and in half-court play. Because he can make an impact without needing to be the main option, he could fit well next to Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves.
The Lakers leaned on their stars for offense most of the season, so having strong supporting players is important. Oubre is willing to run the floor, attack closeouts, and guard top scorers. This takes some pressure off the main playmakers. Teams looking to win championships often value these qualities around their stars.
Philadelphia’s Decision
Oubre seems like a good fit for the Lakers, but Philadelphia likely wants to keep him. He played a key role for the 76ers in the 2025-26 season and brought steady play on both offense and defense.
Philadelphia’s main challenge is managing their finances. The 76ers have already spent a lot on key players, and Oubre’s strong season might mean he costs more than they’re willing to pay. If that’s the case, other teams could have a real chance to sign him.
The Lakers are often linked to versatile wings when they hit the market. Oubre fits what Los Angeles usually looks for around its stars, which is why he’s being mentioned as a possible free-agent target. Even though center is still their top need, the front office might also look to add another strong wing this offseason.
The Bottom Line
It’s easy to see why the Lakers might be interested. They’re expected to keep building around Doncic and want to make the most of James’ remaining years as a title contender. If Oubre is available, the Lakers could be one of several teams looking to add a proven veteran with athleticism, defense, and versatility.
