Luke Kennard’s Lakers Debut Comes Full Circle-And Delivers a Win Over Warriors
Luke Kennard on going from playing on the AAU team that LeBron James sponsored to playing with LeBron as his teammate in the NBA: “Definitely a full-circle moment” pic.twitter.com/xilG0aXZlS
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 8, 2026
Luke Kennard’s first night in purple and gold came with a little extra meaning-and a whole lot of impact.
Before suiting up for his Los Angeles Lakers debut against the Golden State Warriors, Kennard reflected on what it meant to finally share the court with LeBron James-not as an opponent, but as a teammate. For Kennard, it wasn’t just another game. This was a moment years in the making.
“Definitely a full-circle moment,” he said pregame. Years ago, Kennard played for an AAU team sponsored by LeBron himself. Now, he’s knocking down shots alongside the four-time MVP on one of the league’s most storied franchises.
The Lakers acquired Kennard from the Atlanta Hawks at the trade deadline, sending Gabe Vincent and a second-round pick the other way. The move was all about adding perimeter firepower-and Kennard wasted no time showing why he was brought in.
A Debut Worth Remembering
In a hard-fought 105-99 win over the Warriors at home, Kennard made his presence felt. He finished with 10 points on 4-of-7 shooting, including 2-of-4 from deep. Add in a couple of rebounds, two assists, and a steal, and it was a well-rounded debut that gave the Lakers exactly what they needed: spacing, smart decision-making, and a reliable threat from beyond the arc.
The game itself was a grind. Golden State edged out a 42-41 lead at halftime, but the Lakers flipped the switch in the second half, outscoring the Warriors 64-57 over the final two quarters.
It wasn’t flashy-it was efficient, physical, and team-oriented. The kind of win that speaks to a group starting to find its rhythm.
Balanced Attack Leads the Way
This wasn’t a one-man show. Six Lakers scored in double figures, showcasing the kind of offensive balance that can cause problems for even the best defensive units.
LeBron James led the way with 20 points and 10 assists, orchestrating the offense with his usual poise. Rui Hachimura chipped in 18 points, continuing his strong stretch of play.
Austin Reaves added 16 points and eight assists, showing off his growing confidence as both a scorer and facilitator. Marcus Smart, another recent addition to the Lakers’ backcourt, put up 15 points and four assists.
And Jarred Vanderbilt brought his trademark energy with 13 points and eight boards.
This version of the Lakers looks deeper, more versatile, and more connected.
Climbing the Standings
With the win, Los Angeles improves to 32-19 on the season, holding down the fifth seed in the Western Conference. They’re currently ahead of both the Timberwolves and the Suns, and just behind the Rockets and Nuggets in a tightly packed race.
The Lakers are now riding a three-game winning streak, and with Kennard fitting in seamlessly, there’s reason to believe they’re just getting started.
Next up? A home showdown with the Oklahoma City Thunder on February 9 at 10 p.m.
ET. If Kennard’s debut is any indication, the Lakers just added another weapon to an already dangerous arsenal-and the rest of the West should be paying attention.