The Los Angeles Lakers realize that the writing is on the wall with LeBron James, so focusing on the Luka Doncic era is their next move. The best way to do that is to craft a team that perfectly harmonizes around him, with a great example being the 2024 Dallas Mavericks.
FanSided’s Christopher Kline believes that a move the Lakers can make that can kill two birds with one stone is signing Kelly Oubre Jr. this offseason. He would replace LeBron in the starting five, and give Doncic a shooter at the arc to catch his kickouts.
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“Oubre is converting on a career-high 37.2 percent of his 3s this season, up to 38.6 percent on catch-and-shoots. He handles a variety of assignments on defense, suffocating the point of attack and shutting off lanes to the rim. He rebounds decently for his position. Oubre checks every box as far as L.A.'s needs on the wing. The 30-year-old has smartly refocused his approach, cutting out inefficient long 2s in favor of clean spot-up 3s or deliberate drives to the rim. He's taking on a more analytical shot diet and he's a genuine force for good in the Sixers locker room. His constant energy, while be able to strike the right balance between cockiness and restraint, would really help the Lakers on the mid-level exception (or less),” Kline stated.
So far this season, Oubre is averaging 14.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.3 steals in 32.8 minutes per game. He’d be an amazing wing kickout for Doncic, as Oubre would take advantage of the gravity of his drives, and shoot some open threes.
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Currently, Oubre is finishing off a two-year, $16.3 million deal, so if the Lakers can get him for similar AAV, and maybe a longer timreframe, it could be an amazing pickup for them.
Hopefully, the Lakers land him, and start building a true contender around their franchise star.
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