While the Los Angeles Lakers' Thursday morning trade isn’t considered a blockbuster, it will benefit the franchise in the long run.
Per ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Lakers agreed to trade a veteran point guard to the Atlanta Hawks for the NBA’s top three-point shooter.
“The Los Angeles Lakers are trading Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks for Luke Kennard,” Charania reported on X/Twitter.
“Lakers find a sharpshooter on the wings for Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James while the Hawks land a veteran guard, create a $11 million trade exception, and pick up an asset.”
The Lakers entered the year in desperate need of an elite three-point shooting wing who could defend at a high level. While Kennard isn’t a world-class defender, he’s currently leading the league in three-point shooting efficiency, making him a great addition to JJ Redick’s club.
The Duke product is averaging 7.9 points per game while shooting 53.8% from the field and 49.7% from three-point land in 46 games with the Hawks. It’s safe to say that when Doncic drives and is immediately met with a help defender, he’ll feel more than comfortable locating Kennard on the perimeter.
The 29-year-old is shooting 44.2% from deep for his career. It’s safe to say the Lakers’ trade was a win-win, as they surrounded Doncic with a lethal long-range shooting and finally moved on from Vincent after an underwhelming stint.
More NBA: Lakers cut ties with veteran point guard, acquire NBA's top three-point shooter via trade