Lakers Welcome Luke Kennard: A New Era of 3-Point Shooting
The Los Angeles Lakers have made a notable addition to their roster with the recent trade for Luke Kennard, one of the NBA’s premier 3-point shooters. Although he only arrived in Southern California last Friday, the excitement surrounding his addition is palpable among both players and coaches.
Luke Kennard’s Impressive Shooting Credentials
Kennard’s shooting prowess is well-documented. With a career 3-point shooting percentage of 44.2%, he ranks as the second-highest shooter in league history among qualified players. This statistic underlines his potential to make a significant impact on the Lakers’ offensive strategy. However, he is also known for a unique challenge—his tendency to be selective with his shots.
Key Statistics:
- Career 3-Point Percentage: 44.2%
- 3-Point Attempts Per Game: 3.2 (54th among 68 players shooting at least 38%)
Coach JJ Redick’s Perspective
Lakers head coach JJ Redick, himself a well-regarded shooter from his playing days, has publicly expressed his excitement about Kennard’s addition:
"I’ve known him for about 12 years and think he’s one of the best shooters in the NBA. I’m going to highly encourage him to shoot more and not turn down shots."
This statement illuminates Redick’s intention to unlock Kennard’s full potential by encouraging him to take more chances from beyond the arc.
Team Dynamics and Familiar Faces
The Lakers are not just bringing in a talented shooter but a player who has already built rapport with existing team members. Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia, both former teammates of Kennard on the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, are particularly enthusiastic about his arrival.
"It was a pleasure to play with Luke in Memphis. One of the better shooters in this league," says Smart.
Benefits of Kennard’s Skill Set
- Floor Spacing: Kennard’s completion rate enables the Lakers to widen their offensive scope.
- Off-Ball Movement: His ability to create plays even without the ball is a crucial asset.
- Instinctual Playmaking: Kennard excels in initiating offense through off-ball movements.
Impact on the Team’s Offense
Adding Kennard to the Lakers is a strategic move that could reshape the team’s offensive capabilities. As teammate Austin Reaves puts it:
"If he has any time and space, you consider it a bucket."
His ability to stretch the defense will not only benefit his scoring but also open up opportunities for his teammates.
A Notable Departure: Gabe Vincent
While the Lakers celebrate Kennard’s arrival, they also acknowledge the loss of Gabe Vincent, who was traded to the Atlanta Hawks alongside a second-round pick for Kennard. Redick spoke highly of Vincent’s professionalism and potential:
"His teammates loved him, and we felt he was going to have a breakout year for us. Unfortunately, he faced several injuries."
This sense of camaraderie reflects the Lakers’ team culture, emphasizing respect for former teammates.
Conclusion
The trade for Luke Kennard symbolizes a bold attempt by the Lakers to enhance their offensive game. With his standout shooting skills, the Lakers are poised for exciting developments this season. As coach Redick urges Kennard to embrace a more aggressive shooting style, fans can look forward to seeing how this new dynamic unfolds on the court.
For more insights into the Lakers’ strategy and roster updates, check out the latest articles from NBA.com.
