The Los Angeles Lakers just got the best shooter in the league. Getting Luke Kennard isn’t a blockbuster move, but it’s one that clearly makes the team better, even if only slightly. The real question is whether that small upgrade was worth the cost and what it says about the bigger picture.
The Lakers acquired Kennard from the Hawks in exchange for Gabe Vincent and a second-round pick, targeting a weakness that has followed this roster all season: inconsistent three-point shooting.
Kennard isn’t just good from deep — he’s elite, leading the league in three-point percentage and owning one of the purest jumpers in the game. JJ Redick has already made it clear he wants him firing even more, as his shot volume is relatively low for someone who shoots that accurately.
A Clear Upgrade Over Gabe Vincent
On the court, the upgrade over Vincent is real and immediate. Vincent struggled to find rhythm and consistency, while Kennard provides the necessary spacing for the Lakers’ offense to thrive.
His gravity opens driving lanes, creates easier reads, and gives the offense a natural flow that often felt stuck earlier in the season. Even if Kennard never becomes a high-volume scorer, his presence forces adjustments.
More Than Just a Shooter
What doesn’t get talked about enough is how underrated Kennard is as a playmaker. He’s not just a stand-still shooter. When defenders close out hard, he can attack the lane, make the extra pass, and keep the offense moving. He’s comfortable making reads on the move and has a quiet ability to connect plays. When the ball finds him, it doesn’t stick — and that kind of quick decision-making helps keep the offense from stalling.
Still Not Contenders
This isn’t a move that changes the Lakers’ ceiling. It makes them better, but doesn’t make them contenders. They needed spacing, and they got it. But the gap between being improved and being dangerous in a playoff series is still there. Kennard helps clean up the offense. He doesn’t solve the bigger roster issues like athleticism, defense, or depth.
Was It Worth a Second-Round Pick?
Draft picks in today’s NBA are extremely valuable. Giving up a second-round pick for a marginal upgrade doesn’t seem like a prudent move. Now they don’t have any tradeable second-round picks. These moves may feel harmless in the moment, but over time, they add up. That second-round pick might not matter today, but those are the exact types of assets that help you grease the wheels in bigger deals later.
This is another example of questionable asset management. The Lakers keep saying they want flexibility, and technically, they still have it. They didn’t lock themselves into long-term money. But flexibility isn’t just about cap space — it’s about having tradable pieces when the right opportunity appears. Giving up a pick for a marginal upgrade chips away at that.
What Happens Next
To be fair, there are still moves that could be made. The buyout market is still coming. The Lakers could add another piece or two without giving up assets, and that’s where this front office has a chance to make up ground. If they find an athletic defender or a rotation-level contributor, this trade starts to look more like part of a larger plan instead of a standalone move.
For now, this move is just a marginal upgrade. Kennard is clearly an upgrade over Vincent. The offense will look better. The team is better than it was last week. But the Lakers are still not in the contender tier. It’s a basketball fit that helps today, paired with another small dent in your future.
