Luka Doncic has not had a ton of time with Luke Kennard during the 2025-26 season thus far. When he has, though, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar has enjoyed everything the team's new sharpshooter can do for him.
"It definitely opens stuff for me, a lot," Doncic said of playing next to Kennard. "... We obviously have to work on that chemistry, but I feel like I have a lot of space when he's on the court."
Adding Kennard should have immediately reminded the Lakers of something they already knew: Luka loves playing with shooters. Not only does Doncic get the benefit of having capable outlets on the perimeter for his passing, but the extra spacing makes it easier for him to score.
Mind you, this is the league's leading bucket-getter we are discussing. If Doncic can average 32.8 points per game with the abysmal spacing he's had, imagine what can be done in the prime of his career with shooters spreading the court.
Lakers need to surround Doncic with shooters (who can play defense too)
This is not a groundbreaking thought. It is simply a reminder of what is already known, and quite frankly, what Doncic has been deprived of in Los Angeles.
The Lakers have shot 35.2 percent from beyond the arc this season. That mark places them below average, ranking 18th in the NBA. The added disappointment there comes from Los Angeles only hoisting 33.3 attempts per game from deep. That is 25th across the entire association.
It's tough to watch considering what Doncic proved he could do as the leading man for a roster filled with shooting, defense, and athleticism during the 2024 NBA Playoffs. The Dallas Mavericks came up short in the NBA Finals, but the formula for winning with Luka was done right. The Lakers are still waiting to enact it themselves.
In the short glimpses that have been offered thus far, the spacing around Doncic and his offense looks so much better when guys like Kennard and Rui Hachimura flank him. That can quickly turn into a game of pick your poison for opposing defenses.
The Lakers' desire to add shooters should also come without ignoring the need for athleticism on the other end of the court. Having role players who can only play one side of the basketball court won't be helpful. This season's woeful defense should be a prime example of why two-way play is a must.
Whether the Lakers can still make something of this campaign is unclear. However, there should be zero doubt about how that can be changed for the better heading into 2026-27.