Gilbert Arenas gave the Los Angeles Lakers an F for their trade deadline, criticizing the Luke Kennard deal as uninspiring and even saying that the team at least should have floated a Giannis-for-LeBron rumor just to win the marketing battle.
The Los Angeles Lakers made just one move ahead of this year's February 5 trade deadline, acquiring sharpshooter Luke Kennard from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round pick.
Los Angeles Lakers / Schedule
Despite actively searching for a 3-and-D wing, the Lakers ultimately settled on Kennard, as there were limited options on the market that could address their lack of athleticism and perimeter defense.
Former three-time All-Star Gilbert Arenas was unimpressed, giving the Lakers an F grade for their trade deadline activity.
"I'm giving them an F because they traded a F player for a F player," Arenas said. "This player averages 6, then you subbed him out for somebody who averages 8.
"Did we get more athletic? No. Did we get faster? No," he continued. "We got a better shooter for another guy who's going to sit in the corner. We are star-studded over here. This is Hollywood. We didn't even put our name in the trade boxes.
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"Who's the marketing team over there? I would've hit Shams [Charania] and say, 'Hey, we're about to make a play for Giannis. We're trading LeBron for Giannis.' Boom, headlines around the world."
Kennard is a career 44.2% three-point shooter and is converting an impressive 49.7% from beyond the arc this season, though concerns remain about his defensive impact.
The Lakers currently sit at 32-19 on the season, placing them fifth in the Western Conference.
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