How Luke Kennard Will Impact Lakers’ Rotation
The Los Angeles Lakers have acquired sharpshooter Luke Kennard from the Atlanta Hawks in a deal for Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round pick.
Kennard is one of the best three-point shooters in the league, averaging 7.9 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, shooting 53.8 percent from the field, and a league-leading 49.7 percent from three.
He should be a key piece off the bench for LA, who has needed another scoring punch.
Luke Kennard LEADS THE LEAGUE in 3PT percentage 🤯
Certified SNIPER 🎯 https://t.co/Yv3h9F798S pic.twitter.com/MM0KbDBtlL
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) February 5, 2026
Both Vincent and Kennard were on expiring contracts, but this deal saves the Lakers $500,000, giving them more flexibility to add a player on the buyout market. That could be Rob Pelinka’s best way to add another valuable player, as he has been hesitant to take on long-term salaries to maintain cap flexibility for the offseason.
For LA, this trade is an upgrade, as Kennard adds more offense and shooting, and he should thrive around the playmakers of Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves.
The Los Angeles Lakers get one of the best shooters in the league in Luke Kennard for Gabe Vincent and a second.
They save $500,000 in the process, giving them more apron flexibility for the buyout market.
The Lakers are now out of second-round picks to trade. pic.twitter.com/IsikEm1B7m
— Yossi Gozlan (@YossiGozlan) February 5, 2026
He instantly becomes the Lakers’ best three-point shooter, and his efficiency makes him a valuable addition.
However, this move won’t put LA over the top. This deal doesn’t improve their defense, which they need to do to become championship contenders. It is also unlikely that the Lakers will make any more moves ahead of the deadline, preserving cap flexibility for the offseason.
The purple and gold are also now out of second-round picks, giving them fewer assets to move around in another deal.
Luke Kennard is the newest Lakers and is the best three-point shooter they’ve had in a long time, but they will need to add more to become title contenders.
