Lakers officially cut ties with 6-foot-5 ex-Duke star guard

The Los Angeles Lakers have lost two sharpshooters following the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.

Rui Hachimura, who shot 56.9% from long range in the regular season and 44.4% in the playoffs, is joining the Los Angeles Clippers on a two-year deal. 

Additionally, Luke Kennard, a 47.8% three-point shooter in the regular season and a 47.4% sharpshooter in the postseason, has agreed to leave the Lakers for a multi-year contract with the Phoenix Suns. 

The 6-foot-5 former Duke star is now officially a former Laker after getting his free agent rights with the franchise renounced on Wednesday.

“The Los Angeles Lakers have officially renounced the free agent rights to LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Dion Waiters, Luke Kennard, Marcus Smart, Maxi Kleber, Nick Smith Jr, Jared Dudley, Avery Bradley, Jaxson Hayes, Markieff Morris, and Wayne Ellington,” HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto revealed Wednesday.

Kennard began the 2025-26 campaign with the Atlanta Hawks, but was traded to the Lakers via a midseason trade. Given Kennard was a 39.9%+ career perimeter shooter upon joining Los Angeles in early February, the expectations for the 30-year-old were high. 

It’s no secret that Kennard delivered, but the Lakers clearly wanted to add more versatility to their new-look roster, explaining why they recently added established three-and-D wing Quentin Grimes to their roster. 

Still, Kennard had a good run with the Lakers, albeit a short one.

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