Lakers Trade for Luke Kennard, Sending Gabe Vincent and 2032 Second-Round Pick to Hawks
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The Los Angeles Lakers have obtained guard Luke Kennard from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for guard Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round draft pick, the teams announced Thursday.
Kennard, 29, arrives with one of the league’s most accurate outside shots. The nine-year veteran owns a career 44.2% mark from three-point range, tops the NBA this season at 49.7%, and has recorded 14 games with at least three made threes. In 46 appearances for Atlanta, he is averaging 7.9 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists while shooting a career-best 53.8% from the field and 91.4% at the line.
Los Angeles ranks 22nd in three-point percentage and 23rd in makes per game. Team officials expect Kennard’s gravity to create additional space for playmakers Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and LeBron James.
Kennard has never shot below 39.4% from deep in any season and has eclipsed 43% in each of the last six campaigns. The former Duke standout—an All-American in his final college season—will suit up for his fifth NBA franchise after previous stops with Detroit, the LA Clippers and Memphis before signing with Atlanta last offseason.
Vincent, who joined the Lakers in July 2023, struggled to stay on the floor. Knee and ankle issues limited the 27-year-old to 11 games in his first season and sidelined him for 20 contests this year. When available, he provided steady ball-handling, perimeter defense and secondary scoring.
The trade comes as Los Angeles weighs larger offseason moves. League observers view the club as a potential suitor for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is expected to remain in Milwaukee through the trade deadline.
Source: Lakers Nation
