Free agency will be a major challenge for the Philadelphia 76ers this season. While that has never really wavered through the years, the summer bonanza this time around will be especially tough for the front office. After all, the team does not have ample financial legroom to make the kind of moves that can fully address their weak spots. More importantly, that could place some vital players in danger of going for greener pastures. Case in point? Look no further than Kelly Oubre Jr.
The veteran forward will be hitting the open market anew this year, but what sets things apart this time is the fact that he is due for an obvious pay raise. Unfortunately for the 76ers, who desperately need him back, one team is perfectly positioned to snatch him away from their grasps –– the Los Angeles Lakers.
Now fully invested in Luka Doncic, who was an MVP contender yet again this season, LA has robust spending power in free agency. And given their roster needs, they will most definitely entertain the idea of going after Oubre, who turned in arguably his most impactful two-way season yet as a pro with the 76ers in the 2025-26 campaign.
The Lakers are going to make the 76ers sweat with regard to Kelly Oubre Jr.
After handing the 76ers a couple of discounts in recent years, Oubre is set to command a considerably higher salary in free agency. He did register an impressive individual campaign of his own on both ends of the floor, which makes him an attractive target for teams in need of playable bodies at the forward positions.
The Lakers, among most teams, have a compelling case as a landing spot for the eccentric forward. Nine of their players (not counting the two-way guys) will be hitting the open market, and a handful of those –– including LeBron James –– play the same position as Oubre. If any of them leave in free agency, they will have even more reason to laser in on Oubre.
As unusual as it sounds, Los Angeles' brass will enjoy a boatload of cap space this summer. While the bulk of that is expected to be consumed by the looming contracts of James and Austin Reaves, they still have sufficient ammo to bid for quality role players like Oubre.
For those reasons, the Lakers are easily capable of making the 76ers sweat about Kelly Oubre Jr. The veteran has become an instrumental piece in Philly, but if they are not going to act fast, the team out in Hollywood could pull the rug out from under them.
Add us as a preferred source on Google