The Los Angeles Lakers wisely traded Gabe Vincent and a second-round draft pick to get Luke Kennard before the deadline, and that move looks absolutely genius as the sharpshooter takes his playmaking to new heights. LA desperately needs shot creation with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves out. They lack a true point guard, so Kennard is taking on the role. The change surprisingly paid immediate dividends.
The 6’5 sharpshooter had 15 points, 16 rebounds, 11 assists, and one steal in 41 minutes of action in a loss to the Dallas Mavericks. LeBron James had 30 points and 15 dimes as he missed a triple-double by one rebound. Kennard had to do his best Luka impression, but it still wasn’t enough to overcome Cooper Flagg’s 45 points and the Mavs hot shooting.
The Lakers traded for Kennard to give them an additional floor spacer next to Luka. Vincent’s struggles continue in Atlanta, so this trade was already a massive win. It keeps getting better as Kennard steps up and thrives in any role Los Angeles asks him to play.
Lakers deadline trade looks genius as Luke Kennard fills in at point guard
Things flipped quickly on the purple and gold. They went 15-2 in March and looked like serious title contenders. Luka was playing like the MVP, and the defense was locked in. Kennard was shooting the lights out. They were exceeding expectations until Doncic and Reaves suffered injuries against the Thunder. Both stars are likely out for the first round of the playoffs, and LA is left scrambling.
Head coach JJ Redick’s answer was playing Kennard at point guard. He had double digit assists in just one career game, but the Lakers had no other options. Coach Redick simplified the reads and gave the 6’5 wing the confidence to attack. JJ praised Kennard after the game.
“It’s an encouraging sign. He did a nice job, but we’ve got to figure out who can be the second ball-handler. 41 minutes is obviously too much for him, and then, he has to handle as well. That’s not a normal thing for him. Probably contributed to him not having a great shooting night, but I thought he did some amazing things.”
Redick noted it was Kennard’s first triple-double of his career, but failed to mention the career-high assists. It was a surprising performance that should give fans some hope. If the Mavericks didn’t shoot 44 percent from 3-point range, the Lakers likely would have won that game.
The Lakers would be cooked without Luke Kennard. Coach Redick tried Bronny James, Kobe Bufkin, and Nick Smith Jr. on Sunday night. Nobody stuck. Bronny played nine minutes, and that was the most of the group. LA’s depth was lacking before Luka and AR were sidelined. They’ve got nobody to play behind Kennard, which is why he saw 41 minutes against the Mavericks.
They are unlikely to make a playoff run without their two best players, but the Lakers would have zero shot without Kennard. The current hopes are slim, but the newest Laker has left the door slightly cracked open.
Marcus Smart should be back before the playoffs. That will give the Lakers a needed ball-handler and playmaker. They just hope to stay alive long enough for Luka to return. Reaves will likely take a bit longer, but Doncic gives his team a puncher’s chance every night.
The Lakers are lucky they traded for Luke Kennard. Many thought LA would stand pat as the franchise focuses on building a title contender around Luka this summer. They need assets, but couldn’t pass on trading for one of the league’s best shooters. Now, Kennard needs to be a strong playmaker to go with it, or the Lakers will be bounced in the opening round of the playoffs.
Credit to Rob Pelinka and the Los Angeles Lakers for trading for a wing capable of expanding his role. Luke Kennard has been the perfect fit and should be brought back on a long-term deal in the offseason. This was a fantastic move that keeps getting better for the purple and gold. Let’s hope Kennard keeps it up. It is the Lakers' only hope of staying alive long enough for Luka to return.