The Los Angeles Lakers made a bold trade deadline move by acquiring Luke Kennard from the Atlanta Hawks, aiming to boost their three-point firepower alongside LeBron James, while sending Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round pick in return.
Kennard arrives in Los Angeles as the NBA’s top 3-point shooter this season, hitting 49.7 percent from deep on over three attempts per game, immediately addressing a glaring need for spacing and perimeter scoring that’s plagued the Lakers.
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The 27-year-old has long been one of the league’s most reliable shooters, averaging 44.2 percent from beyond the arc over his career and leading the NBA in 3-point percentage three times, including a career-best 54 percent in 2023 with the Grizzlies.
Beyond shooting, Kennard brings overall offensive efficiency, hitting the rare 50/40/90 benchmark this season with 53.8 percent from the field, 49.7 percent from three, and 91.4 percent from the free-throw line, proving he is more than just a corner shooter.
The trade does carry trade-offs, as Kennard‘s arrival does not fully solve the Lakers‘ defensive struggles. Gabe Vincent was a lockdown defender and provided consistent effort, something Kennard cannot replicate at the same level.
Vincent‘s energy and tenacity were crucial under coach JJ Redick, who emphasizes commitment on both ends. While adding elite shooting helps offensively, Los Angeles risks weakening their defensive identity, especially in critical playoff moments.
Kennard also adds versatility with his playmaking ability, having averaged over three assists per game with the Grizzlies and 4.1 per game with the Pistons, giving the Lakers occasional ball-handling depth and creating space for LeBron to operate.
Overall, while the trade doesn’t fix all defensive issues, Kennard’s elite shooting, efficiency, and playmaking give the Lakers much-needed offensive versatility, making him a valuable addition for the stretch run and potential playoff push.
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Philadelphia will challenge the Lakers‘ perimeter defense, and Kennard‘s addition could be key for spacing the floor, letting LeBron operate and orchestrate while giving Los Angeles more options from deep against a veteran-heavy Sixers squad.
LeBron‘s leadership will be on display as the Lakers seek consistency, spacing, and scoring efficiency, while defense remains a work in progress. The team will aim to leverage Kennard‘s shooting while minimizing defensive lapses.
The Lakers face the Philadelphia 76ers at the Staples Center on Thursday, February 5, with tip-off at 22:00 ET/19:00 PT. Fans can watch the game live on broadcast or via streaming platforms, ensuring full access to the matchup.
