When the Los Angeles Lakers made the trade for Luke Kennard at the NBA Trade Deadline, it didn’t make big headlines. In fact, many fans may have overlooked the move altogether. But as the playoffs approach, it’s becoming clear that this quiet acquisition may have solved one of the Lakers’ biggest offensive problems.
The trade, which sent Gabe Vincent and a 2032 draft pick to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Kennard, was met with some skepticism. After all, Kennard was averaging just 9.8 points per game with the Hawks and hadn’t quite lived up to his potential as a lottery pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.
But in his short time with the Lakers, Kennard has already shown flashes of the player he can be, and it’s clear that he could be a crucial piece for the team’s playoff run. So why is Kennard emerging as the Lakers’ playoff X-factor? Let’s take a closer look.
First and foremost, Kennard brings much-needed shooting to the Lakers’ roster. With the injury to Anthony Davis and the inconsistencies of other players, the Lakers have struggled to find consistent outside scoring. But Kennard is shooting an impressive 44.4% from beyond the arc in his time with the Lakers, providing a valuable threat from deep.
Not only does Kennard’s shooting open up the floor for his teammates, but it also adds another dimension to the Lakers’ offense. With his ability to knock down shots from anywhere on the court, Kennard forces defenders to stay close to him at all times, creating more space for players like LeBron James and Andre Drummond to operate.
But it’s not just his shooting that makes Kennard an important piece for the Lakers. He also brings versatility and playmaking ability to the table. At 6’5″, he has the size to play multiple positions and is not afraid to create for his teammates. In a recent game against the New York Knicks, Kennard recorded a career-high 6 assists, showing that he can be a valuable facilitator as well.
Moreover, Kennard’s high basketball IQ and strong decision-making make him a valuable asset in crucial moments of the game. In the Lakers’ recent matchup against the Denver Nuggets, he came up clutch in the final minutes, hitting a crucial three-pointer and making a steal on the defensive end to help secure the win.
But perhaps the most underrated aspect of Kennard’s game is his defense. While not known as a lockdown defender, he has shown the ability to stay in front of his man and make timely rotations on defense. In a team that prides itself on its defense, Kennard’s contributions on that end of the court should not go unnoticed.
As the playoffs approach, the Lakers will need all hands on deck to make another run at the championship. With Kennard emerging as a key player, the team’s chances of success become even greater. His shooting, playmaking, and defense make him a perfect fit for the Lakers’ system, and his ability to step up in big moments could prove to be the difference-maker in a close playoff series.
It’s also worth noting that Kennard is just 24 years old and is still developing as a player. With more experience and the guidance of veteran players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, his potential is limitless. The Lakers may have struck gold with this trade, and it could pay off in the long run.
In conclusion, while the Los Angeles Lakers’ trade for Luke Kennard may not have made big headlines, it’s becoming clear that it could be a game-changing move for the team. His shooting, versatility, and high basketball IQ make him a valuable addition to the roster, and his contributions could be the X-factor in the Lakers’ playoff success. So let’s not overlook the importance of this quiet acquisition, as it could prove to be the missing piece in the Lakers’ championship puzzle.