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One era has ended and another will begin in earnest for the Los Angeles Lakers now that LeBron James will be playing for another team this fall. One thing it means in the immediate future for the Lakers is that they will have to replace James’ many skill sets by bringing in multiple players this summer.
They could be closing in on getting commitments from guard Quentin Grimes and big man Sandro Mamukelashvili, and they’re looking to acquire Walker Kessler, a center who is a restricted free agent. In addition, Kelly Oubre Jr., a forward who spent the last three seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers, will be a target for Los Angeles, per Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports.
Oubre is 30 years of age, and he averaged 14.1 points on 46.7% overall shooting and 36% from 3-point range, five rebounds and 1.4 steals a game for the 76ers this past season. His best season, scoring-wise, came three years ago when he posted 20.3 points per game with the Charlotte Hornets.
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At 6-foot-7, he’s fairly athletic and a good defender, and he has an impressive 7-foot-2 wingspan.
With James leaving, L.A. could have two open spots in its starting lineup at both forward positions. In addition, veteran guard Marcus Smart, who started 54 games for it this past season, is thought to have one foot out the door. He declined his player option for the 2026-27 season, making him a free agent, and the Houston Rockets are thought to be the favorites to sign him.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Kelly Oubre Jr. is reportedly planning on meeting with Lakers
