Lakers Reportedly Targeting $16.3M Sharpshooter to Replace LeBron

The proposed signing of Kelly Oubre Jr. would give Los Angeles a 14.5 PPG scorer to build around Luka Doncic.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly considering signing free agent Kelly Oubre Jr. this offseason, which would give them a 14.5 PPG scorer to potentially replace LeBron James in the starting lineup and build around Luka Doncic. Oubre, who is finishing a two-year, $16.3 million deal, is converting on a career-high 37.2% of his 3-pointers this season and would provide the Lakers with a strong two-way wing player.

Why it matters

If LeBron James leaves the Lakers this offseason, the team will need to quickly pivot to building around Luka Doncic. Signing Oubre, a 30-year-old sharpshooter, would give the Lakers a solid complementary piece to pair with Doncic and help ease the transition to the next era of Lakers basketball.

The details

FanSided's Christopher Kline believes the Lakers can "kill two birds with one stone" by signing Oubre, who would replace LeBron in the starting lineup and give Doncic a capable 3-point shooter to catch his kickouts. Oubre is having a career year, converting 37.2% of his 3-pointers and 38.6% on catch-and-shoot attempts. He also provides strong two-way play, handling a variety of defensive assignments.

  • Oubre is finishing off a two-year, $16.3 million deal this season.

The players

Kelly Oubre Jr.

A 30-year-old free agent wing who is averaging 14.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.3 steals per game this season while shooting a career-high 37.2% from 3-point range.

LeBron James

The Lakers' veteran superstar who may leave the team this offseason, prompting the need for the team to pivot to building around Luka Doncic.

Luka Doncic

The Lakers' young franchise star who the team would look to build around if LeBron departs this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Christopher Kline, FanSided Writer (FanSided)

The takeaway

If LeBron James departs the Lakers this offseason, signing a proven two-way wing like Kelly Oubre Jr. to a team-friendly deal would be a smart move to help the team transition to the Luka Doncic era and build a contender around their young superstar.