The Los Angeles Lakers didn’t make a blockbuster splash at the trade deadline-but they didn’t stand still either. In a move that may not dominate headlines but could pay real dividends, the Lakers acquired sharpshooter Luke Kennard from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Gabe Vincent and a future second-round pick.
It’s a targeted move, one that directly addresses a glaring weakness: three-point shooting. The Lakers have hovered near the bottom of the league in that department all season, and in today’s NBA, that’s a tough way to live-especially when you’re trying to keep pace in a loaded Western Conference. Enter Kennard, one of the league’s most efficient marksmen.
The numbers speak for themselves. Kennard is a career 44.2% shooter from deep and is currently leading the league at a blistering 49.7% this season.
That’s not just good-that’s elite. He brings instant gravity to the floor, forcing defenders to stay honest and opening up space for playmakers like LeBron James and Anthony Davis to operate more freely.
Kennard arrived at the Lakers’ practice facility on Friday and didn’t hide his excitement about the move. “I was just so excited,” he told ESPN Los Angeles.
“Obviously to come back out here, be in L.A., play for the LakeShow-I mean, obviously it’s such a big stage and great opportunity to play with some of the best to ever do it. I’m just excited.”
There’s a personal element to this transition, too. Kennard spent three seasons across the hallway with the Clippers from 2020 to 2023, so while the jersey’s changed, the city hasn’t. That familiarity could help smooth the adjustment process as he gets up to speed with the Lakers’ system.
As for when fans can expect to see him in action, Kennard is aiming to suit up Saturday night against the Golden State Warriors, pending the completion of his physical. If that timeline slips, Monday’s matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder is the next likely target. Either way, his debut is coming soon-and not a moment too soon for a Lakers team in need of a shooting jolt.
Head coach JJ Redick, fresh off a comeback win over the Philadelphia 76ers, didn’t mince words when asked about his newest weapon. “I think he’s one of the best shooters in the NBA,” Redick said. “I’m going to highly encourage him to shoot more and not turn down shots.”
That’s music to Kennard’s ears. While he’s known for his catch-and-shoot prowess, Redick made it clear that his value goes beyond just standing in the corner waiting for a kick-out. Kennard’s off-ball movement, his ability to flow into second actions, and his knack for keeping the offense fluid all align with what Redick wants to build in L.A.-a dynamic, modern offense that forces defenses to make tough choices.
Of course, Kennard won’t solve all of the Lakers’ spacing issues on his own. But if he buys into Redick’s vision and plays with confidence, he could be a key piece in stabilizing a group that’s struggled to consistently stretch the floor. Sometimes the most impactful moves aren’t the loudest-they’re the ones that fit the need and the system.
This wasn’t a headline-grabbing trade. But it might just be the kind of under-the-radar addition that helps the Lakers find another gear down the stretch.