The Los Angeles Lakers no longer have to debate whether or not to re-sign Luke Kennard. Despite the report that Kennard was hoping to set down roots in Los Angeles, he's signed a new contract with the rival Phoenix Suns.
In the process, the Suns saved the Lakers from a multi-year investment they'd certainly learn to regret as their precious cap space and roster openings would go to a poor roster fit.
Kennard, 30, is one of the best three-point shooters in the NBA. That's inevitably made him a divisive offseason option for a Lakers team that needs three-point shooting. Los Angeles was never a perfect fit for him, however, and a strong start to the playoffs hasn't changed anything.
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Suns seem to feel differently after signing Kennard to a two-year deal worth $13 million.
Free agent sharpshooter Luke Kennard has agreed to a two-year, $13 million deal with the Phoenix Suns, with a player option for the second season, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/rXhDalEdhF
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2026
Though Kennard's new contract is by no means lucrative, the Lakers have far too much to gain—and lose—to invest multiple seasons in a poor rotational fit.
Suns sign former Lakers sharpshooter Luke Kennard to two-year deal
Kennard played well for the Lakers in 2025-26. He averaged 9.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.7 steals, and 1.3 three-point field goals made in 23.0 minutes per game in 32 regular season appearances with Los Angeles, shooting at a clip of .527/.448/.912.
Kennard then scored in double figures in five of his 10 postseason appearances, twice dropping 20-plus points. The issue: He averaged 4.6 points on .259/.250/.857 shooting in the other five.
It was a clear example of the reason Kennard has typically played on one-year contracts. In addition to being a subpar defender, his offensive production has leaned far more toward being statistically efficient than truly consistent or reliable.
There was still space for his offensive value on the Lakers' roster, but with a pressing need for athleticism and defense along the wings, he just wasn't a strong enough option to re-sign.
Kennard did a commendable job as an off-ball defender in 2025-26, but he ranked among the worst in the NBA in isolation. Per Basketball Index, Kennard placed in the 16th percentile in perimeter isolation defense. Sadly, that statistic is directly in line with the reputation he's formulated as a player who can be targeted through switches on the defensive end of the floor.
Thankfully, the Lakers don't have to worry about bidding for a one-way player and investing a two-year contract in his questionable fit now that the Suns have signed Kennard.
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