Luke Kennard Settles In as High-Impact Reserve for Lakers
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LOS ANGELES — After 13 games with the Los Angeles Lakers, guard Luke Kennard says he is finding his rhythm as the team’s primary bench marksman.
The 29-year-old arrived at the trade deadline and has already reached double-figure scoring in four contests, including a 15-point outing on March 6 against the Indiana Pacers at Crypto.com Arena. Kennard is shooting better than 50 percent from three-point range, giving head coach JJ Redick a reliable movement shooter to complement stars Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves.
“Our ball movement has progressed very well over the last few games,” Kennard said. “For me, it’s just being ready to shoot if I have a shot, and if not, keep the offense going — driving, kicking, creating opportunities and advantages any chance we can.”
Although he leads the league in three-point percentage, Kennard’s volume remains modest. Doncic urged him to be more aggressive after the Pacers game, encouragement Kennard welcomed. “He’s one of the best scorers to ever play,” Kennard noted. “It just builds confidence to play off him. He draws a lot of attention and finds guys, so I just have to be ready to shoot.”
Redick has praised Kennard for putting the defense “in the blender,” a term the coach uses for sequences where constant ball and player movement generate open looks. Kennard believes the chemistry will only improve as the season progresses. “I’m excited to see where we can keep going and grow together as a group,” he said.
With the Lakers seeking additional scoring punch off the bench, Kennard’s efficiency and willingness to fire could prove decisive as the playoff race tightens.
Source: Lakers Nation
