Luke Kennard recently shared a moment with reporters that basketball fans couldn't help but enjoy, especially when it involved a playful back-and-forth with his coach, JJ Redick.
During a practice session with the Los Angeles Lakers, Kennard was asked about his shooting prowess, specifically how many threes he can nail out of 100 attempts in a typical catch-and-shoot drill.
When asked, Kennard confidently replied, "90," acknowledging that's on a good day, though he might average around 85. The playful exchange continued as Kennard learned that Redick claimed he could hit in the high 80s, prompting Kennard to quip he'd probably be just above him. Kennard also praised Redick's footwork and shooting skills, noting how formidable he was coming off screens.
Redick, a legend in his own right, finished his career with 1,950 made three-pointers, placing him 24th on the NBA's all-time list. Known for his sharpshooting, Redick averaged 12.8 points per game, shooting 41.5% from beyond the arc and 89.2% from the free-throw line.
His standout season came in 2018-19 with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he averaged 18.1 points and attempted eight threes per game. Earlier, with the Clippers in 2015-16, he shot an astounding 47.5% from three-point range.
Kennard, meanwhile, has carved out his own niche as one of the league's top shooters. This season, he's averaging 8.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists, with a stellar 55.4% shooting from the field and a league-leading 50.0% from three-point range.
His free-throw percentage is an impressive 91.7%. Since joining the Lakers before the trade deadline, Kennard has stepped up even more, averaging 10.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists, while shooting 59.8% from the field and 51.1% from deep.
These stats underscore why the Lakers see him as a key player for their playoff ambitions. Currently fifth in the Western Conference with a 39-25 record, the Lakers are in a tight race. They're just one game shy of the third seed, but only two games ahead of the seventh seed, making every game crucial.
In such a competitive landscape, Kennard's shooting could be a game-changer. His ability to stretch the floor and provide reliable scoring is exactly what the Lakers need as they push for the postseason.
As for the friendly rivalry with Redick, it's all in good spirits. Kennard's confidence highlights the mindset of an elite shooter, even as he playfully stakes his claim over one of the game's former greats.