The Los Angeles Lakers added veteran sharpshooter Luke Kennard just before the trade deadline, sending Gabe Vincent and a second-round draft pick to the Atlanta Hawks.
Kennard, 29, arrived at the Lakers’ practice facility on Friday and told ESPN Los Angeles hosts John Ireland and Steve Mason he is thrilled to rejoin the city where he previously spent three seasons with the L.A. Clippers.
“I’m just so excited … to play for the LakeShow,” Kennard said. “It’s such a big stage and a great opportunity to play with some of the best to ever do it.”
Clearing the final hurdles
The guard hopes to make his debut on Saturday night against the Golden State Warriors, pending completion of league-required physicals. “Hopefully that will be done by today,” he noted. “I’m ready.” If the paperwork is not finalized in time, Kennard would likely debut on Monday versus the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Immediate shooting boost
Los Angeles pursued Kennard to bolster its perimeter attack. He owns a 44.2% career three-point mark and currently leads the NBA by hitting 49.7% from deep this season.
Redick’s endorsement
Assistant coach JJ Redick, a fellow Duke alumnus, welcomed the new addition. “I think he’s one of the best shooters in the NBA,” Redick said, adding that he will urge Kennard to stay aggressive. Redick praised Kennard’s off-ball movement and playmaking, calling him both “a corner threat” and “an off-ball threat.”
The Lakers face Golden State on Saturday, a game in which Luka Doncic is expected to be sidelined. Kennard’s availability would give Los Angeles another scoring option as it navigates the Western Conference playoff race.
Source: LakersNation.com
