Marc Stein told everyone on Monday that the Los Angeles Lakers would be interested in upgrading the roster with a two-way wing. It just so happens that Jake Fischer followed that up with a report about one who could be right there for the Lakers' taking, should they want him.
The Philadelphia 76ers are reportedly looking to offload pieces to make more financial room for a reunion with their restricted free agent, Quentin Grimes. This would mean Kelly Oubre Jr. could be available for a trade. Fischer spoke on the subject during a recent YouTube live for Bleacher Report.
Fischer said, "There has been buzz all summer long about the Sixers looking to potentially move one of, if not both, Andre Drummond and Kelly Oubre. If they are able to find a deal ... that would open up some more wiggle room for Philadelphia to be able to pay Grimes a little bit more."
Oubre's $8.4 million contract figure for the 2025-26 NBA season would require some creativity, in terms of getting the deal done for the Lakers. It would probably need a third team to step in and absorb one of the players from Los Angeles. Still, it could be a worthwhile venture for Rob Pelinka.
Kelly Oubre Jr. fits what the Lakers need in all areas but one
Stein told everyone the Lakers wanted a two-way swingman that raises the ceiling of the team. One could definitely talk themselves into Oubre after that report.
The NBA insider even mentioned the Lakers were willing to thaw on their stance regarding accepting contracts that stretch beyond the 2025-26 season, aiming to satisfy the current opportunity for contention with Luka Doncic and LeBron James. With Oubre, they would not have to make that sacrifice.
The 76ers wing is in the last year of his two-year deal in 2025-26. Oubre will hit unrestricted free agency in the 2026 offseason. That should also make his asking price a fairly reasonable one, theoretically, during trade negotiations.
Putting in that offseason work 💪
Tyrese Maxey, Zach LaVine, and Kelly Oubre Jr. with some 1v1 action! @DrewHanlen pic.twitter.com/MMXbPuXa3L
— NBA (@NBA) August 28, 2025
Oubre is exactly the kind of tenacious defender the Lakers are missing from their starting lineup. The potential acquisition could be tasked with the tough matchups that Los Angeles had few answers for post-Doncic trade.
Oubre brings a strong presence scoring the ball and rebounding as well. The 10-year veteran averaged 15.1 points per game and 6.1 rebounds during the 2024-25 season.
The main concern with Oubre would be his shooting ability, or lack thereof. The 29-year-old has shot 32.5 percent over his career, and only delivered 29.3 percent with the 76ers last season.
Still, one could justify the risk versus the reward with the knowledge of how much Doncic does for creating easy opportunities on the perimeter for shooters. Worst-case scenario, Oubre could opt to attack a weak closeout with his slashing ability instead.
There are few moves in September to be made that could still be classified as game-changers. This would have the potential to fall into that category for the Lakers.