Luke Kennard Is Already Giving the Lakers Exactly What They Needed Off the Bench
When the Lakers made a move for Luke Kennard, it raised a few eyebrows. Not because of what he can do with the ball-his shooting touch has never been in question-but because of what he doesn’t always bring on the defensive end. Still, in a season where the Lakers have been searching for consistency beyond their stars, Kennard is already showing signs of being a much-needed stabilizer for the second unit.
In just four games since arriving from Atlanta, Kennard has made a quick impression. He’s averaging 10.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 0.8 steals per game while shooting a scorching .625 from the field, .455 from three, and a perfect 1.000 from the free-throw line. Those are efficient, impactful numbers-especially for someone coming off the bench.
But here’s the kicker: Kennard hasn’t even leaned heavily on the three-point shot that made him such a hot commodity. He’s hit multiple threes in just one of those four games.
And yet, he’s still making his presence felt. That tells you something about how well-rounded his offensive game has become.
Kennard isn’t just spacing the floor-he’s putting the ball on the deck, making plays for others, and attacking closeouts with confidence. He’s showing off a side of his game that’s flown under the radar for most of his career. And for a Lakers team that’s been desperate for a reliable bench spark, that’s huge.
Before Kennard suited up, the Lakers were dead last in the NBA in bench scoring at just 28.0 points per game. In the four games since his arrival?
That number has jumped to 44.5. That’s a 16.5-point swing, and while that pace might not be sustainable over the long haul, it speaks to the immediate jolt Kennard has provided.
Sure, Austin Reaves spending time with the second unit as he works his way back from injury has contributed to that uptick. But Kennard’s role in that surge shouldn’t be overlooked. He’s not just a shooter parked in the corner-he’s averaging 5.7 drives per game since joining L.A., an unexpectedly high number for a player often labeled a catch-and-shoot specialist.
That off-the-dribble aggression is where Kennard’s value really starts to shine. He averaged 5.3 assists per 36 minutes last season, and that playmaking ability is already translating with the Lakers’ second unit. He’s not just scoring-he’s facilitating, helping organize the offense, and giving the reserves a true focal point.
And that’s exactly what this team has lacked. Dalton Knecht can score, Rui Hachimura brings versatility, and Marcus Smart is the heartbeat of the group with his defensive grit.
But Kennard is the glue guy who can both get his own shot and create for others-efficiently and calmly. That kind of offensive hub can be a game-changer for a bench unit that’s struggled to find rhythm all year.
If Kennard continues to perform at this level, it’s going to make life a lot easier for Luka Doncic. The MVP candidate has carried a heavy load this season, and having a second unit that can hold its own without him on the floor is crucial for keeping him fresh down the stretch.
It’s still early, but Luke Kennard looks like more than just a shooter in purple and gold-he looks like a key piece in the Lakers’ push to find balance, depth, and a little less pressure on their superstar.