The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Golden State Warriors 105-99 on Saturday night, and Luke Kennard finally gives them a sharpshooter the opposition is worried about. LA is in the bottom ten in 3-pointers made and percentage this season. They saw a shot to get a sharpshooter and snagged it ahead of the deadline. He immediately worried the Warriors and saved the Lakers.
Kennard had ten points, two rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 26 minutes in his first action in purple and gold. He went four of seven shooting from the field, including making two 3-pointes. The 29-year-old shot 49.7 percent from 3-point range in Atlanta, and Lakers fans know Luka Doncic is one of the best creators in the world.
Los Angeles lacked a trusted floor space and just found one. Kennard has made over 44 percent from long range in his career. He is on an expiring contract and playing for a new deal. The 6’5 wing is motivated to earn a massive paycheck. Why the Lakers need him was on full display on Saturday night.
Luke Kennard can be a key floor spacer and shot maker for the Lakers
Luka is a master at creating corner triples. He loves running a pick-and-roll with the big man before kicking to the corner for an open look as defenders try to help in the paint. The Lakers star missed Saturday’s game with a hamstring injury, but they are putting Kennard in the corner to feast.
Kennard also showed some chops of making plays and sinking mid-range jumpers when he is run off the line. Having another capable passer and offensive weapon is a boost for the Lakers. They needed it with Luka out, and the Kennard trade paid immediate dividends.
JJ Redick is the perfect head coach to maximize the 29-year-old wing. Both were Duke sharpshooters. The Lakers' leader has known Kennard for years and will put him in positions to succeed.
The Lakers don’t win on Saturday night over the Warriors without Kennard. Both teams were shorthanded. It was Kennard’s gravity and shooting that were key. Marcus Smart and Rui Hachimura also stepped up as Los Angeles was determined to defeat the Stephen Curry-less Dubs.
Kennard’s shooting and floor spacing must outweigh his subpar defense. Rob Pelinka loves to add players with one key skill that struggle elsewhere. Fans saw the cracks on Saturday night. Golden State couldn’t take full advantage, but other teams will make it more difficult.
Luke Kennard is an upgrade over Gabe Vincent. The former Laker never worked out in purple and gold. He was signed after coming off being a starter on a Heat team that reached the NBA Finals. The Lakers never got that player, and Kennard is already offering more.
The Los Angeles Lakers instantly got a boost from Luke Kennard in his first game after the trade. They knew he was a sharpshooter, but his ability to create when run off the line will help. The 6’5 wing gives the purple and gold an offensive boost that LA will need when the games matter most. Hopefully, this was just the first sign of a strong partnership forming.