Los Angeles — Since arriving at the trade deadline, guard Luke Kennard has wasted little time taking advantage of the space created by the Los Angeles Lakers’ star-studded backcourt.
Through his first 14 games in purple and gold, the longtime sharpshooter is averaging 10.4 points while converting 59.8% of his field-goal attempts and 51.1% of his shots from beyond the arc. Kennard attributed those numbers to the attention defenses pay to Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves.
“There are players in this league you face and think, ‘Damn, that’s special,’” Kennard said after Monday’s practice. “Playing against Luka over the years, I saw how open his teammates were from three, especially when I was with the Clippers. Now I’m the one getting those looks, and it’s been great.”
Kennard admitted he expected quality opportunities when he was acquired, but the volume and efficiency have surpassed his projections. “Being around him every day is pretty special,” he added. “It’s been more than I anticipated, for sure.”
Across 60 combined games with the Lakers and the Atlanta Hawks this season, Kennard is shooting an even 50% from deep, a mark few players sustain for a full campaign. “It would be really cool if that happened,” he said. “But the focus is on getting attempts and staying aggressive. Whatever happens, happens.”
Redick Applauds Kennard’s Complete Game
Head coach JJ Redick, who once competed for Duke like Kennard, praised the guard’s growth beyond spot-up shooting. “He’s developed into an elite shooter and a fantastic playmaker,” Redick noted. “The gravity of his shot opens the floor, lets him touch the paint and gets the blender started for us.”
With Kennard capitalizing on the extra attention drawn by the Lakers’ primary creators, Los Angeles hopes his hot hand continues as the postseason approaches.
Source: LakersNation.com
