2 pros (and 1 con) of the Lakers signing Kelly Oubre Jr.

Pro No. 2 – Kelly Oubre Jr. can be a lengthy, athletic defender

Throughout his career, Oubre, Jr. works tirelessly on defense. Entering the 2015 NBA Draft, Oubre’s draft profile listed his wingspan at 7-foot 2-inches, seven inches higher than his listed height. Oubre averaged 1.6 steals with a steal percentage of 1.8%, placing him in the 81st percentile of wing players, per Cleaning the Glass (subscription required).

Regardless of Oubre’s inconsistencies on offense, his defensive prominence would serve the Lakers every night, especially if he can maintain this level in the Playoffs.

In an increasingly positionless NBA, a 3-and-D competitor such as Oubre, Jr. could play in a variety of lineups on the wing, either as a shooting guard or small forward. His quick movement and aggressive defense gives Oubre the ability to compete against a multitude of opponents.

The Lakers have managed to bring life back to a career in recent years, most notably Malik Monk who entered the Lakers as a fringe NBA player only to earn a guaranteed contract with Sacramento the next summer. If Kelly Oubre, Jr. can buy into the Lakers’ system and his role, a single-year cheap contract with Los Angeles might revitalize Oubre’s diminished value from this offseason.

Oubre is a worthy rotational player in the Association, and taking a chance on him might end up a steal for Los Angeles by season’s end if they can maximize his advantages and minimize his downsides.