The Los Angeles Lakers made a single move before the NBA trade deadline, bringing in guard Luke Kennard to boost one of the league’s worst three-point attacks.
Who and what
Kennard, 29, arrives from the Atlanta Hawks after leading the NBA in three-point percentage through the first half of the 2025-26 season. He hit 49.7% of his attempts while averaging 3.2 shots from beyond the arc per game.
When and where
The deal was completed ahead of Thursday’s deadline. Kennard debuted for Los Angeles on Feb. 7 at Crypto.com Arena in a matchup against the Golden State Warriors.
How the fit looks
Head coach JJ Redick is expected to encourage a higher shot volume for the left-handed shooter, who will now share the floor with LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Kennard connected on 61.7% of his threes in January, and the Lakers hope his presence will stretch defenses that have routinely collapsed on James and Doncic.
The Ohio connection
Kennard owns a unique link to his new teammate: he surpassed James’ longstanding Ohio prep scoring record while starring at Franklin High School. The feat has surfaced several times in conversation between the two players. Kennard told ESPN Los Angeles the milestone remains a “big-time accomplishment,” adding he may mention it to James in the locker room.
James acknowledged the record during a 2026 press availability, calling Kennard “a laser from the three-point line” and joking after the guard’s Lakers debut that the pair still needed to “have a conversation” about the mark. James noted Kennard once played for his AAU program, quipping that the connection “kinda makes us even.”
Next steps
Los Angeles ranks near the bottom of the NBA in three-point accuracy this season, and management is banking on Kennard to add reliable spacing without overhauling the roster. The veteran previously spent three years with the Clippers (2020-23) and said he is excited to return to Southern California.
The Lakers resume play Friday night, when Kennard is expected to log his second appearance in purple and gold.
Source: LakersNation.com
