League executives increasingly believe the Los Angeles Lakers plan to keep guard Luke Kennard once he reaches free agency this summer, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer.
Kennard, 29, is finishing an expiring $11 million contract that the Lakers inherited in a February deal that sent Gabe Vincent’s expiring contract to Atlanta. Initially viewed as a short-term addition, the veteran shooter has since become a key piece in head coach JJ Redick’s rotation.
The former Duke standout sparked Los Angeles to three wins over the Houston Rockets in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs and continues to log significant minutes. Fischer reported that rival front offices now expect the Lakers to “want to retain” Kennard after his postseason showing.
Because Kennard will enter the market with non-Bird rights, the Lakers can offer only a modest raise above his current salary unless they use available cap space. Los Angeles is projected to have enough room to increase his pay while also guaranteeing him a consistent role under Redick, a fellow Duke alumnus.
The 6-foot-5 guard has proven valuable beyond his perimeter shooting. When injuries sidelined Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, Redick asked Kennard to handle the ball more frequently, and he responded with his most productive stretch in purple and gold. Kennard has said he is willing to “do whatever it takes” to help the Lakers win.
Los Angeles views Kennard as a natural complement to its core of Doncic, LeBron James and Reaves, making him a priority once free agency opens in July.
Source: LakersNation.com
