Just before the NBA trade deadline last month, the Los Angeles Lakers secured sharpshooter Luke Kennard by trading veteran guard Gabe Vincent and a second-round draft pick to the Atlanta Hawks. While this move wasn’t as high-profile as last year’s acquisition of Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks, it addressed the Lakers’ urgent need for improved outside shooting.
Strong Performance Highlights Kennard’s Role
In only his ninth game with the Lakers, Luke Kennard delivered his best showing so far, scoring 16 points along with three rebounds, three assists, and a steal. He shot efficiently, going 6-for-10 overall and 4-for-7 from three-point range. This display drew praise from Lakers head coach JJ Redick, who emphasized Kennard’s significant contribution to the team’s offense.
JJ Redick Praises Kennard’s Playmaking and Team Focus
“He just starts the blender for us,” Redick said of the Lakers’ new sharpshooter. “We frankly have not had a ton of blender starters. Obviously, Luka [Doncic] gets two on the ball, AR (Austin Reaves) will get two on the ball, LeBron [James] will get two on the ball, but just to be able to create a closeout and then make the right read and right play from there. I thought our guys were incredibly unselfish tonight. It started with that starting group, and then I thought Luke was huge for our offense tonight.” – JJ Redick, Lakers Head Coach
Kennard’s ability to initiate plays and make smart decisions has quickly earned the respect of the coaching staff and teammates alike. He is already putting up better numbers with the Lakers compared to his time with the Hawks.
“He’s got a really good ‘we score’ mentality,” Redick added. “A play can be for him, but he’s gonna hunt out the best shot and play for the team, and all of the guys benefit from that when the ball moves. I called an ATO for him in the second half. He scores on it. Could’ve shot it off the initial screen, created the blender, eventually got it back and hits a step-back three. We run it again, and this is where he’s such a cerebral player. Pat Spencer tries to top block him, and he screens his own into Jake’s guy and Smart hits Jake for a layup. That’s just connective offense right there and that’s what Luke does.” – JJ Redick, Lakers Head Coach
Kennard’s Statistical Contributions and Future Potential
Through nine games with the Lakers, Luke Kennard is averaging 10.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per contest while shooting an impressive 64.8 percent from the field and 45.8 percent from three-point range. His presence addresses a critical Lakers need for dependable perimeter scoring and playmaking.
As Kennard continues to mesh with stars like LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Luka Doncic, his role as a “blender starter” and sharpshooter could prove vital to the Lakers’ offensive success moving forward. The team’s ability to capitalize on his decision-making and shooting efficiency may shape their strategy in crucial moments this season.
