Luke Kennard’s arrival in Los Angeles was meant to address a clear weakness, but early signs suggest it may do far more than that. After the Lakers’ win over the Golden State Warriors, both Rob Pelinka and JJ Redick spoke candidly about why the front office targeted Kennard at the deadline and how his skill set could reshape the team’s offensive identity heading into the postseason.
Rob Pelinka Explains Why Lakers Moved Quickly for Luke Kennard
Pelinka didn’t mince words when discussing the decision to trade Gabe Vincent and a second-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks for Kennard. For the Lakers’ president of basketball operations, the appeal was obvious.
“When you get to add the best shooter in the game to your group at the deadline, it’s a great opportunity,” Pelinka said. “So, we seized it.”
This wasn’t just any trade. It was a pressing move for the franchise that was in the bottom ten in three-pointers made and percentage this season. Kennard’s reputation as an elite marksman (44% from three for his career and almost 50% this season in Atlanta) changes how defenses can guard LA, especially with LeBron James and Luka Doncic in the picture.
Pelinka also highlighted Kennard’s versatility within the rotation. He specifically pointed to potential lineups that could maximize spacing, envisioning Kennard and Rui Hachimura flanking the Lakers’ core playmakers.
“You can see an all-shooting lineup with Rui and Luke and maybe [our main] three guys if you decide to go small in a playoff series,” Pelinka said.
Beyond the on-court fit, Pelinka stressed flexibility. With apron penalties looming across the league, the Lakers want to remain swift, ready to capitalize if more players become available. Kennard’s expiring contract adds another layer of optionality as Los Angeles balances short-term contention with long-term planning.
JJ Redick Sees More Than Just Shooting From Kennard
While Kennard’s shooting grabs headlines, Redick believes his offensive value goes deeper. The HC emphasizes decision-making and ball movement, which Kennard displays.
“He can just consistently make the right play,” Redick said, adding that Kennard “can be a guy that starts your offense in some ways.”
That trust showed up immediately. In his Lakers debut against Golden State, Kennard finished with 10 points, two rebounds, two assists, and a steal in 26 minutes, shooting 4-of-7 from the field and 2-of-4 from beyond the arc. His shooting gravity stretched the Warriors’ defense and opened lanes for others, a key factor in Los Angeles’ 105-99 win.
Kennard’s fit looks even more intriguing once Dončić returns. Luka is one of the league’s best creators of corner threes, and Kennard’s ability to relocate, punish closeouts, and make quick reads gives the Lakers another reliable outlet when defenses collapse. Even when run off the line, Kennard has shown he can hit mid-range shots or make the extra pass, traits Redick values in a motion-heavy offense.
The Lakers also see Kennard as a clear upgrade over Vincent, whose tenure in Los Angeles never matched expectations. No surprises, Kennard is motivated. He’s playing on an expiring deal and positioning himself for a new contract.
Defense remains a big question mark, however. Stronger opponents come in to exploit things. But as far as Pelinka and Redick are concerned, the calculation is simple — elite sharpshooting and offense can easily tilt the playoff rounds. After just one performance, it’s clear the Lakers believe Kennard brings exactly that.