After acquiring Luka Doncic last February, the Los Angeles Lakers have not made any other major moves to upgrade the roster around him. They have mainly worked within the margins to improve their team and maintain as much long-term flexibility as possible.
It’s not that the Lakers don’t have talent around Doncic. You could do a lot worse than having Austin Reaves and LeBron James as Doncic’s co-stars.
James especially has stepped up his play over the last month, while Reaves has picked up where he left off after a long layoff due to a calf injury.
LA will likely be more aggressive this summer as they are projected to have more cap space and up to three tradeable first-round picks this summer.
However, it did not stop them from adding a key role player at the deadline and one that could help them come playoff time.
Luke Kennard has been a great fit thus far with the Lakers
Kennard has been one of the NBA’s most underrated shooters over the last few seasons. Swapping Gabe Vincent out for him at the deadline was a shrewd move by Rob Pelinka and one that has helped LA immensely.
Kennard is averaging eight points per game and shooting 46 percent from three-point range. Overall on the season, he is knocking down an absurd 48 percent of his threes. His volume isn’t very high, but teams know he is very much a threat from beyond the arc.
Doncic, Reaves, and James are all at their best when they have floor-spacers next to them. They have all shown that at various points throughout their careers. Kennard is the perfect fit next to them. In over 1,000 possessions, the team has a 123.8 offensive rating and a +2.0 net rating with Kennard on the court.
His catch-and-shoot prowess is what allows him to shoot a high percentage from three. He is knocking down almost 50 percent of his catch-and-shoot threes. His release is also lightning quick, so if a defender closes out just a split second late, that is all the time Kennard needs to get his shot off.
Kennard’s shooting could be the playoff X-factor the Lakers have been lacking. They are going to have to lean into their offense if they want to go far in the postseason and Kennard should be able to help them with that come spring.