Lakers reportedly plan to re-sign $11M gamble that fits perfectly with Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves

The Los Angeles Lakers made a notable move at the trade deadline by acquiring one of the league’s best shooters, Luke Kennard. While the deal was relatively small financially, it has already made a significant impact for Los Angeles.

“The Los Angeles Lakers have acquired guard Luke Kennard from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for guard Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round pick, the team announced on Thursday night. Kennard is shooting a career-best 49.7% from 3-point range this season, giving the Lakers a sharpshooter on the wings for Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and LeBron James,” ESPN wrote.

The Lakers have enjoyed immediate success with Kennard since his arrival. Before suffering an injury, he quickly developed strong chemistry with Luka Doncic.

“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,” Lake Show Life’s Syvatoslav Rovenchuk wrote.

The Lakers are expected to be active spenders this offseason, and Kennard’s production has reportedly made the organization interested in bringing him back long term.

“It is increasingly anticipated leaguewide that the Lakers will want to retain the recently acquired Luke Kennard after his strong first-round series against Houston. ... More and more, though, I'm hearing rival team strategists project Kennard to be part of the Lakers' future plans,” NBA insider Jake Fischer of The Stein Line said.

Kennard has been a valuable addition for Los Angeles because of his ability to heat up offensively at any moment. With multiple ball handlers on the floor, head coach JJ Redick has more flexibility to create spacing and open looks for the sharpshooter.

Los Angeles is expected to prioritize adding winning players around Doncic and Austin Reaves this offseason. Kennard is currently on a $11 million deal, so it should not cost too much money to re-sign the guard. Based on the early chemistry Kennard has shown with the roster, it makes plenty of sense for the Lakers to pursue keeping him in LA long term.

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