Luke Kennard is proving to be a pivotal piece for the Los Angeles Lakers, showcasing why he's one of the league's most reliable shooting guards. His sharpshooting has propelled the Lakers into the top five in three-point shooting percentage this season, a significant leap from their earlier struggles.
Kennard's journey with the Lakers began with high expectations after he was traded for Gabe Vincent and a future second-round pick. Since joining, he's appeared in 14 games and is on the brink of an exclusive NBA milestone.
Currently, Kennard is shooting a remarkable 50% from beyond the arc with 18 games left in the season. This puts him in elite company, as only six players in NBA history have finished a season shooting 50% from three-point range.
Names like Kyle Korver, Steve Kerr, and Detlef Schrempf come to mind. Kennard himself noted, "I mean, it would be really cool," when asked about the possibility of joining this prestigious group.
Before Kennard's arrival, the Lakers were struggling, ranking 23rd in three-point attempts and making just 35% of their shots. Their shooting was, at best, mediocre.
However, since Kennard stepped onto the court, the Lakers have seen their three-point percentage soar to 39.2%, placing them second in the NBA. Although Kennard averages only 3.4 attempts per game, his impact is undeniable.
His presence on the floor has opened up opportunities for teammates like Luka Doncic, enhancing the team's overall offensive dynamics.
The Lakers are hopeful that Kennard's shooting prowess will carry into the playoffs, providing a much-needed boost in a season filled with uncertainties. If Kennard maintains this pace, not only will he etch his name in the history books, but he'll also solidify his reputation as one of the NBA's elite shooters.