Lakers showing interest in $16 million veteran wing as NBA free agency opens

The legal tampering period of the 2026 NBA free agency has officially begun, but the Los Angeles Lakers haven't made a move.

Los Angeles has money to spend and a ton of needs to address, especially on the wing. With LeBron James set to depart, the Lakers need to add a forward who can somewhat replace the future Hall of Famer.

Though Los Angeles hasn't made a signing thus far, they are showing interest in a plethora of free agents, including a veteran forward.

Lakers have a meeting scheduled with Kelly Oubre Jr.

According to Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports, free agent forward Kelly Oubre Jr. is garnering a lot of interest. The 29-year-old will meet with a number of teams, including the Lakers.

"Free agent wing Kelly Oubre Jr. plans to meet with the 76ers, Pacers, Blazers and Lakers among others, sources tell Yahoo Sports," Iko reported.

Oubre would be a savvy and affordable signing by Los Angeles. The 11-year veteran is an efficient scorer who averaged 14.1 points per game on 46.7% from the field with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2025.

Oubre also shot a career high 36% from three and averaged over a steal per game for the eighth straight season. The 30-year-old is now an unrestricted free agent after playing out the final year of his two-year deal with the 76ers. 

Though Oubre can be inconsistent at times and has struggled to stay healthy at times, the Kansas product would add more offensive firepower to the Lakers' rotation and a starting-caliber wing. However, Los Angeles should prioritize bringing back Rui Hachimura over Oubre, as Hachimura fits better with Luka Doncic and provides greater defensive versatility.

We'll see who the Lakers end up signing, but we now know that Oubre is an option as a replacement for James on the wing.