Key Points
-
Lakers acquire sharpshooter Luke Kennard from the Atlanta Hawks
-
Trade sends Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round pick to Atlanta
-
Kennard is shooting a career-best 49.7 percent from three this season
The Los Angeles Lakers have addressed a key roster need by acquiring guard Luke Kennard from the Atlanta Hawks, according to multiple reports.
The deal sends guard Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round draft pick to Atlanta. The Hawks also create an estimated $11 million trade exception as part of the move.
Kennard, 29, has been one of the NBA’s most efficient three-point shooters this season, converting 49.7 percent of his attempts while coming off the bench. For his career, he is a 44.2 percent shooter from beyond the arc, giving the Lakers a reliable floor spacer.
Los Angeles views Kennard’s shooting as a strong fit alongside Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves, helping open driving lanes and improve half-court efficiency.
Kennard is averaging 7.9 points per game across 46 appearances this season and is shooting better than 53 percent from the field overall. While defense was not his primary appeal in the deal, the Lakers prioritized elite shooting as they push toward the postseason.
Vincent, also 29, averaged 4.8 points per game this season and struggled to carve out a consistent role amid injuries and rotation changes.
League sources indicate the Lakers are unlikely to make additional moves before the trade deadline, opting instead to preserve flexibility for the offseason, when significant salary cap space and future draft assets become available.
