The Los Angeles Lakers haven’t dealt with many hurdles this offseason in signing quality talent.
Though age criticisms have been prevalent, the Lakers have prioritized adding win-now veterans to surround LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the newly acquired Russell Westbrook.
Los Angeles also picked up Malik Monk and Kendrick Nunn while re-signing Talen Horton-Tucker to have younger legs on the roster.
But there are still more spots to fill to complete the 15-man roster. The Lakers have reportedly been linked to Andre Iguodala and Lou Williams recently, but both didn’t become a reality.
Adding to that list now is Kelly Oubre Jr., who last played for the Golden State Warriors and was an unrestricted free agent.
Oubre was a possible young talent for L.A. to target and add to their versatile wing depth, but he signed with the Charlotte Hornets on a two-year deal worth $25 million.
According to Alex Kennedy of BasketballNews.com, the Lakers had an offer on the table for Oubre before he signed with the Hornets:
Prior to signing a two-year, $25 million deal with the Hornets, Kelly Oubre Jr. received offers from the following teams (according to Oubre’s agent, Torrel Harris of Unique Sports International Management):
Lakers
Clippers
Bucks
Nuggets
Nets
Blazers
Cavaliers— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) August 8, 2021
The details of the offer weren’t reported, but it was likely for the $5.9 million taxpayer MLE the Lakers had, which was the most they could offer any free agent this summer.
Oubre would’ve played an important role in the rotation given his production in previous seasons as a 3-and-D archetype, though his 3-point percentages aren’t the most appealing for what he’s capable of producing.
Los Angeles used the MLE to sign Nunn on a two-year deal with a player option for the second year.
