The Los Angeles Lakers secured a 128-117 victory over the Indiana Pacers at Crypto.com Arena on Friday, marking their return to winning form. Luka Doncic dominated the game with a standout performance, while Luke Kennard also made a significant impact. Doncic expressed strong support for Kennard, particularly encouraging him to increase his shooting frequency to boost the Lakers’ offense.
During his postgame remarks, Doncic emphasized Kennard’s value to the team. He stated,
“I’m always telling him, ‘You gotta shoot more.’ There’s a lot of times, I think he could’ve had the shot, but he didn’t shoot it. Just very fun playing with him. He’s a great guy, too, so I’m really glad that he’s on my team, our team.”
Luke Kennard’s Efficient Performance Despite Limited Attempts
Luke Kennard contributed 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting, grabbed seven rebounds, and provided three assists in 27 minutes of play. He hit three out of five attempts beyond the three-point line, maintaining an impressive 52.5% shooting percentage from deep as a Laker so far this season. However, he is currently attempting only 3.1 three-pointers per game, a figure Doncic wants him to increase.
Given the defensive pressure on the Lakers’ superstar scorers, Kennard is often left with open looks, and Doncic is urging him to take fuller advantage of those opportunities. The team’s coaching staff shares this perspective as well, with head coach JJ Redick having committed to encouraging Kennard to shoot more since acquiring him from the Atlanta Hawks at the trade deadline.
Doncic’s Dominant Night and Ongoing Leadership Role
Luka Doncic’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, as he finished with 44 points on 14-of-25 shooting, alongside nine rebounds, five assists, three steals, and two blocks. This marked his league-leading 10th 40-point game of the season. Despite some recent criticism of his on-court demeanor, Doncic remains one of the NBA’s most formidable talents, with the Pacers unable to contain him in this matchup.
Luke Kennard Responds Positively to Doncic’s Encouragement
After hearing about Doncic’s comments, Kennard expressed enthusiasm and appreciation for the praise coming from one of the game’s elite scorers. He remarked,
“Especially coming from a guy like that, one of the best scorers to ever play the game. It just builds confidence in you as a player to play off of him.”
Kennard acknowledged the advantage of playing alongside a high-IQ playmaker who consistently attracts defensive attention, allowing him clearer shots.
He further added,
“I’m excited to keep playing with him and seeing where our chemistry can keep growing.”
Developing Chemistry and Strategic Acquisitions Strengthening the Lakers
The connection between Doncic and Kennard is evident, with Doncic assisting Kennard twice during the game. Kennard’s sharpshooting ability complements Doncic’s playstyle, creating a promising offensive dynamic. Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka has received some criticism in the past, but the acquisition of Kennard for Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round pick has proven to be a wise move that strengthens the squad.
Looking Ahead: Lakers Prepare to Face the Knicks
With this victory, the Lakers improved their record to 38-25 and are set to host the New York Knicks at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET. As the team builds momentum, increasing Kennard’s shot volume could be a key factor in sustaining their playoff push. Doncic’s leadership combined with Kennard’s shooting potential presents an optimistic outlook for the remainder of the season.
