Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick has expressed early concerns about Luke Kennard’s notable hesitation to take shots during games. Despite his exceptional shooting ability, Kennard’s reluctance to launch shots stands out, especially in a league where players typically compete to shoot more. This issue has followed Kennard into the current NBA season and is expected to impact the Lakers’ offensive rhythm.
Luke Kennard’s Shooting Credentials Highlighted
Luke Kennard is widely recognized as one of the most accurate shooters in NBA history. He is the current active leader in three-point shooting percentage and is leading this season with an impressive 49.7% success rate from beyond the arc. Over his six-year career, Kennard has maintained a minimum three-point percentage of 43.3%, placing him among the league’s elite shooters, second only to renowned marksman Stephen Curry.
Historical Pattern of Shot Aversion Despite Talent
Redick’s apprehensions are grounded in Kennard’s consistent pattern of underutilizing his shooting skills. While his shooting percentages indicate elite capability, Kennard ranks low in three-point attempts relative to other rotation players. For example, during his time with the Atlanta Hawks, Kennard took the 13th most threes per 100 possessions, trailing behind only a few less prominent shooters like Jalen Johnson, Mo Gueye, Dyson Daniels, and Christian Koloko.
Coaching Efforts to Boost Kennard’s Shooting Frequency
Several coaches have encouraged Kennard to be more aggressive with his shot attempts, a plea that has persisted through his NBA tenure. As Redick stated,
“I’ve known him for 12 years now. I think he’s one of the best shooters in the NBA. I’m gonna highly encourage him to shoot more and not turn down shots.”
This directive mirrors earlier coaching instructions; before this season, Quin Snyder remarked,
“I’m really adamant that I want him to be as aggressive shooting the ball as he can be.”
Additionally, Kennard himself has acknowledged this challenge, saying,
“They’ve been on me ever since I got there just to be aggressive and hunt my shot as much as I can.”
Challenges Ahead for the Lakers and Kennard
Despite repeated coaching advice, Kennard has struggled to overcome his hesitation, a dynamic that could frustrate Lakers fans and staff alike. With Kennard now 29 years old, significant changes in his shooting habits seem unlikely to occur quickly without affecting his effectiveness on the floor. This continued reluctance to shoot, coupled with his elite shooting ability, creates a complex dilemma for the Lakers’ coaching staff as they try to maximize his impact.
Potential Impact on Team Performance
JJ Redick’s warning about Luke Kennard’s shot reluctance is significant because it highlights a key limitation in the Lakers’ offensive arsenal. If Kennard maintains his low shot volume despite his efficiency, it could lead to critical scoring deficits in tight games. Fans can expect frustration when Kennard’s limited three-point attempts hamper the team’s performance, especially in moments when high shooting output is crucial.
