Luke Kennard, Lakers
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Los Angeles Lakers guard Luke Kennard reacts after scoring on a three point shot, his first points in a Lakers uniform against the Golden State Warriors.
Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick offered a candid and encouraging assessment of Luke Kennard after the sharpshooter’s debut helped steady the Lakers during a short-handed win.
Kennard scored 10 points in his first game with Los Angeles, playing a pivotal role in the Lakers’ 105–99 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night. His presence proved timely as the Lakers navigated the absence of Luka Dončić, who is sidelined with a hamstring issue.
Late in the fourth quarter, Kennard drilled a corner three and followed it with a sharp interior feed to Jarred Vanderbilt for a dunk during an 11–0 run that stretched the Lakers’ lead to 100–88 with 3:41 remaining.
Redick Highlights Kennard’s Feel for the Game
Redick emphasized that Kennard’s value extends beyond box-score production, pointing to his instincts and decision-making.
“Just his ability to make reads and make plays,” Redick said. “He’s not a guy you’re going to give the ball to in isolation and then he’s going to bend the defense. But he’s a smart basketball player. He knows how to play and he knows how to make reads.”
Redick noted that Kennard’s impact often comes one step before the assist.
“He doesn’t always get the assist, but generally speaking he’s going to attack a closeout, get a shot fake and swing the ball, and that leads to something good,” Redick said. “For his first time with us, getting here yesterday, I thought he was really good.”
Kennard finished 4-of-7 shooting, including 2-of-4 from three, with two rebounds, two assists, and a steal in 26 minutes.
LeBron James led six Lakers players in double figures with 20 points and 10 assists. Austin Reaves came off the bench again in his second back from a lengthy absence with 16 points while Rui Hachimura had 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting in another start.
Lakers Lean on Kennard With Dončić Day-to-Day
Kennard’s opportunity could expand as the Lakers manage Dončić’s availability.
Redick confirmed before the game that Dončić is day-to-day with a mild hamstring strain.
“When he’s ready to play, we’ll get him out there,” Redick said.
The Lakers have three games remaining before the All-Star break — against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday, the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday, and the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday.
Redick suggested Dončić’s competitive nature will factor into the decision-making process.
“I’ve been around him as a teammate and as a coach, and I know if he’s able to play, he plays,” Redick added. “I know he wants to be in the All-Star Game, and I know he wants to play against Dallas the game before the All-Star break. He has his team working on him day and night.”
Trade Deadline Addition Addresses Lakers’ Shooting Need
Kennard’s debut underscored why the Lakers targeted him at the trade deadline.
Los Angeles acquired Kennard from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for veteran guard Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round pick, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Entering Saturday, Kennard led the NBA in three-point accuracy (49.7%), offering immediate spacing to a Lakers team ranked 23rd in three-point attempts (33.8 per game) and 21st in percentage (35.0%).
He wasted little time making his mark, knocking down a three-pointer on his first attempt at the 2:23 mark of the first quarter, shooting over the outstretched arm of Warriors forward Gui Santos.
As the Lakers navigate Dončić’s injury and a crowded pre-All-Star break schedule, Kennard’s shooting gravity and feel for the game may quickly become a stabilizing force — and an early validation of Los Angeles’ deadline strategy.