Lakers Could Steal 76ers Star Away From Philadelphia in Free Agency

The Los Angeles Lakers are set to have quite a busy offseason.

With Austin Reaves and LeBron James hitting free agency, it's impossible to say for sure what the Lakers' roster will look like at the start of next season. One factor is clear, however, which is that Los Angeles is ready to build around and compete with superstar Luka Doncic.

As much as the Lakers will certainly be hunting for pieces that fit Doncic's timeline, finding complementary players is equally as important. This is what makes Philadelphia 76ers star forward Kelly Oubre Jr. an appealing free agency target for the Lakers.

ESPN's Bobby Marks listed the Lakers as one of the "best fits" for Oubre.

Oubre is due for a raise after a great season in Philadelphia that should push the 76ers to attempt to re-sign him. However, it's possible the Lakers can offer more money and greater opportunity.

With the Sixers, Oubre is at best the No. 5 option behind Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, and V.J. Edgecombe. In L.A., it's possible he could enter next season as the Lakers' No. 3 option behind Doncic and Reaves if he returns. 

As previously mentioned, Oubre could complement Doncic to near perfection, as he can space the floor and defend. When a player demands the ball as much as Doncic does, it's crucial to have a supporting cast that can thrive without the ball. 

That's exactly what Oubre does.

He averaged 14.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.4 steals on 46.7% shooting and 36.0% shooting from three-point range in 50 games this season. He's also able to create his own shot when needed, especially when it comes to attacking the paint. From the outside, he's much more of a catch-and-shoot specialist.

The bottom line is the 76ers need to attempt to retain Oubre at a fair cost, but it's entirely possible another suitor can offer more contractually and opportunistically.

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Anthony Pasciolla is the publisher of 76ersRoundtable. He can be reached via email at [email protected] or followed on X @AnthonyPasci.