The Los Angeles Lakers' trade for Luke Kennard keeps looking better as it is unlocking the version of Luka Doncic that led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals in 2024. Fans know what number 77 can do with shooting around him, and the Lakers just added one of the league’s best marksmen. Kennard is shooting nearly 50 percent from three. Fans saw what Luka does with a spaced floor against the Clippers.
Doncic had 17 first-quarter points on Friday night, including 15 of the team’s final 18 in a 41-point period. He was carving up the Clippers' defense while leading the reserves. Head coach JJ Redick put Kennard and Rui Hachimura on the floor with Luka, and it had LA playing elite offense. This keyed the victory and a 38-point double-double from Luka.
Fans have quickly seen what Kennard can do for Luka. He made an immediate impact after the trade, and the best is still to come. Fans are already seeing how Kennard can make life easier for the Lakers' superstar.
Luke Kennard trade is unlocking the best version of Luka Doncic for Lakers
Redick changed his starting lineup on Friday night with his team fully healthy. It was Marcus Smart flanking Luka, LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Deandre Ayton. That group had played just 12 minutes together before the contest, but it is the purple and gold’s ideal starters. That group has the best balance, and it opens the door for an elite offensive second unit.
Luka finally has shooters to make his life easier. Jovan Buha was quick to point out how deadly the Doncic, Hachimura, and Kennard lineups can be.
Luka just got a wide-open 3 because the Clippers had to decide between closing out to Rui Hachimura or Luke Kennard (and eventually contained both). Luka + the two lasers has been lethal.
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) February 21, 2026
Luka missed the final four games before the All-Star break with an injury, but showed no ill effects on Friday night. The Lakers will only go as far as their superstar leads them, but he needs the right pieces around him. Starting Smart and using Kennard in the second unit are already paying dividends.
The newest Laker finished with nine points, two rebounds, and one assist in 18 minutes against the Clippers. He made just one 3-pointer, but Kennard made number 77 more impactful.
Head coach JJ Redick is still figuring things out. Friday night was just the 11th game where Luka, LeBron, and Reaves played together. Kennard has only played five contests in purple and gold. The stretch run is important for the Lakers. They need time to get everyone meshing heading into the playoffs.
Credit to Rob Pelinka. He dumped Gabe Vincent after a disastrous stint with the Lakers and picked up one of the NBA’s best shooters. It did not solve all the LA’s issues, but it helped his superstar maximize his production. That is genius, especially at the price the Lakers paid.
The Los Angeles Lakers look absolutely genius for acquiring Luke Kennard. He is making their superstar better and filling a crucial bench role. Kennard’s defense could be a problem in the playoffs, but his offensive contributions may outweigh it. Anything that makes Luka better is a massive win for the Lakers, and this trade certainly fits the bill.