In a quiet move ahead of the 2026 NBA Trade Deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers improved their perimeter rotation by trading Gabe Vincent and a future second-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks for Luke Kennard. While more attention was given to other high-profile trades involving players like Ivica Zubac, Anthony Davis, and James Harden, the Lakers targeted this addition to boost their outside shooting as part of their long-term roster strategy. This upgrade is seen as a tactical effort to support the team’s offensive dynamics without jeopardizing their summer flexibility.
Kennard’s debut with the Lakers showcased his immediate contribution, scoring 10 points in 26 minutes during a crucial six-point victory over the Golden State Warriors. His presence on the court dramatically increased the team’s efficiency; the Lakers posted a true shooting percentage of 67.8 percent during his time on the floor, evidence of the quality scoring opportunities created when Kennard is involved, fueled partly by the attention he draws on defense.
Luke Kennard’s Elite Long-Range Shooting Addresses Lakers’ Critical Need
Though his role has often been understated, Kennard stands out as the NBA’s most precise 3-point shooter this season, currently converting 49.7 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc. As a Duke University product, his shooting prowess is well-documented, making him a rare talent capable of sustaining an extremely high level of accuracy in the NBA, which is infamously difficult to maintain. Since entering the league in 2017, Kennard has consistently been among the top shooters, hitting 44.2 percent of his three-point attempts across his career.
More impressively, his shooting accuracy has steadily improved over recent years, achieving a 45.9 percent clip since the 2020-21 season. If Kennard maintains his current pace during the 2025-26 campaign, he would secure his third NBA 3-point shooting title in five seasons, further cementing his reputation as a premier marksman.
One critique that has followed Kennard relates to his shot volume, as he has often been hesitant to take as many attempts as his skill suggests he should. During the early part of his stint with Atlanta this season, he averaged only three attempts from deep per game. However, this hesitancy eased towards the end of his tenure with the Hawks, when he dramatically increased both frequency and efficiency. Over his last 18 games in Atlanta, Kennard connected on 59.4 percent of his three-point shots, steadily taking more long-range attempts and playing a pivotal role in the Hawks’ offense.
Kennard’s Mindset and Lakers’ Strategy Signal More Aggressive Role Ahead
Luke Kennard has acknowledged that the Lakers expect him to be more assertive offensively.
“I like to try to make the right play at all times,”
Kennard told Law Murray of The Athletic.
“I feel like I know the game of basketball very well, and I will shoot it. I will be aggressive. I know that’s what they want me to do. I’m just having conversations with those guys, and I’m excited to do that.”
Lakers coach J.J. Redick praised Kennard’s shooting abilities, calling him
one of the best shooters in the NBA
and added that he will
highly encourage him to shoot more.
Redick’s endorsement is particularly notable since the two share a positional background from their playing days at Duke, which bodes well for Kennard’s integration into the team’s system.
Kennard also envisions abundant scoring chances, anticipating many open 3-point shots while playing alongside Luka Doncic and LeBron James.
“Obviously, Luka and Bron, they attract so much attention, and they’re awesome,”
Kennard shared.
“They can play really well. Those guys attract so much attention to other teams on the offensive end, and for me, it’s spacing the floor, making the right plays at all times.”
Beyond Shooting: Kennard’s Playmaking and Defensive Contributions
While Kennard is primarily known as a specialist shooter, he offers additional value to the Lakers as an underrated playmaker. He has averaged 6.2 assists per 100 possessions over the last three seasons, demonstrating his ability to contribute in creating opportunities for teammates. Although his defense is not his strongest suit, Kennard competes hard on that end. The Lakers may need to emphasize offense, given their roster construction, which includes Doncic, James, and Austin Reaves but lacks a dominant rim protector.
This strategic offense-first approach aligns with getting the most out of Kennard’s elite shooting and playmaking skills, even if it means accepting certain defensive vulnerabilities from his position. His ability to space the floor and punish defenses from deep is expected to be a critical factor in the Lakers’ offensive schemes, especially during the crucial stretch run of the season.
Implications of Kennard’s Addition for the Lakers’ Season and Future
While Luke Kennard alone is unlikely to transform the Lakers into a championship favorite during the 2025-26 season, his presence is a definite upgrade over the player he replaced, Gabe Vincent. Kennard’s shooting ability poses a significant threat to opposing defenses, adding a new dimension to the Lakers’ offense that complements their star creators. This move could have substantial implications as the Lakers navigate the remainder of the season and prepare for the playoffs.
Kennard’s integration could enable LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves to operate with greater efficiency by drawing defensive attention and generating more open scoring opportunities. The Lakers appear committed to fostering an environment where Kennard’s elite shooting can flourish, bolstered by encouragement from the coaching staff and synergy with their star players. As the season progresses, Kennard’s role is expected to expand, making him a pivotal player to watch on Los Angeles’ roster.
