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The Los Angeles Lakers appear to be interested in a new wing player after its other trade targets, like Jonathan Kuminga, look out of reach.
The Los Angeles Lakers have strong interest in extending upcoming free agent Luke Kennard to a longer contract. NBA fans view the Lakers as one of the most important teams this offseason due to having a lot of cap space and a strong desire to build a contending roster around Luka Doncic. Kennard was acquired at the trade deadline and has become part of the Lakers rotation heading into the playoffs.
Time will tell how much Kennard plays in the postseason, but Los Angeles already wants to keep him. Lakers Daily’s Ashish Mathur reported the following:
“The Los Angeles Lakers have strong interest in re-signing Luke Kennard this offseason, sources told Lakers Daily. Kennard becomes an unrestricted free agent this offseason. The Duke product signed a one-year, $11 million contract with the Atlanta Hawks last offseason.”
The Lakers will have more than enough cap space to sign Kennard and keep him on the team for a few more seasons. Kennard is not expected to have a large asking price and could even give them a team-friendly deal for the ideal situation of getting open three pointers by playing with Doncic longer.
Fast Chemistry With Luka Dictating Future
Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka gambled on Kennard fitting into the Lakers system and playing well with Doncic. The two players have shown strong chemistry whenever they are on the court together since Luka is known for enhancing the career of three-point shooters.
Lake Show’s Svyatoslav Rovenchuk shared the following stat:
“During the last six games, the pair have played 88 minutes together. During that time, Doncic and Kennard have posted an offensive rating of 125.7 on the court. That is the fourth most of any duo who have shared the hardwood for at least 50 minutes. What is doubly notable about that is the three two-man combinations above them too. Each of those features one of either Doncic or Kennard.”
The Lakers are scoring points and finding great looks when these two share the court together. Recent success has come thanks to Kennard and others providing stronger depth than before the deadline. Kennard’s addition to the lineup sees the Lakers with an 11-6 record since then.
Lakers Will Make Big Changes This Summer
The Lakers are expected to add better defenders to make up for the current team’s weakness. A trio of Doncic, Austin Reaves, and an older LeBron James can’t shut down other stars at this stage in the game.
Kennard has helped the Lakers outscore opposing teams, but the Lakers will look to improve their defense this summer. This actually helps Kennard’s case since they’ll lose some other players who contribute more offensively and require his outside shooting even more next year.
James is the biggest name expected to leave if he finds a better option to retire, like the rumored Cleveland Cavaliers reunion. Kennard and other shooters will get more time in Luka’s offense since Doncic is an engine designed to draw double teams. The Lakers found a diamond in the rough this trade deadline, who should remain with the franchise.