Luke Kennard Flourishes in Expanded Playmaking Role for Lakers
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LOS ANGELES — Guard Luke Kennard is thriving after the Los Angeles Lakers increased his on-ball responsibilities during the closing stretch of the regular season.
The adjustment, introduced in early April, has placed Kennard at the center of more pick-and-roll sets and late-clock possessions. Team officials view the shift as a way to diversify the offense ahead of the NBA playoffs, which begin next week.
Kennard, known primarily as a spot-up shooter, has responded by creating scoring chances for himself and teammates while maintaining his trademark perimeter accuracy. The added responsibilities have also allowed the Lakers to stagger playmaking duties, reducing wear on the club’s primary ball-handlers.
Los Angeles enters the postseason riding a modest winning streak, with coaches crediting Kennard’s versatility for improving lineup balance. The Lakers are expected to continue using the revised rotation when they open their first-round series later this month.
Source: New York Post
