Luke Kennard made an impressive start with the Los Angeles Lakers, scoring 10 points in his debut against the Golden State Warriors. The sharpshooter, recently traded from the Atlanta Hawks, embraced the high stakes of playing in Los Angeles. He highlighted the team as the 'biggest stage' in the NBA.
On Saturday at Crypto.com Arena, Luke Kennard stepped onto the court for the first time as a Los Angeles Laker, facing the visiting Golden State Warriors. Acquired from the Atlanta Hawks just ahead of the NBA trade deadline, the veteran guard delivered a solid performance, tallying 10 points, two rebounds, and two assists. He shot 57.1 percent from the field and 50 percent from beyond the three-point line.
Speaking to the media after the game, Kennard reflected on the intensity of donning the Lakers uniform. "It's the biggest stage in the NBA," he said, underscoring the pressure and prestige of playing in Los Angeles. The Lakers targeted Kennard for his elite outside shooting, where he leads the league with a 49.7 percent success rate from three-point range this season.
Under head coach JJ Redick, Kennard expects ample opportunities to contribute offensively. "I'll be hunting a shot," the guard affirmed, aligning with the team's need for improved three-point production amid ongoing defensive challenges. This addition bolsters the Lakers' roster for the remainder of the 2025-26 campaign, providing a reliable perimeter threat as they navigate the season's latter stages.
