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The Los Angeles Lakers are focused on keeping shooting guard Luke Kennard as the elite 3-point threat hits free agency.
Kennard is on an expiring $11 million deal that he inked with the Atlanta Hawks over the offseason.
He was traded to the Lakers for Gabe Vincent, a move that is a true masterstroke from the president of basketball operations, Rob Pelinka.
However, Kennard’s success has increased his value, and without a long-term deal in place, the Lakers will need to either pay up or risk losing a true difference-maker.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luke Kennard (10) shoots the ball as Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (15) defends during the third quarter during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
The Lakers do not lack salary cap space, with one of the most money coming off the books over the offseason.
Kennard is one of a few free agents, including Austin Reaves, LeBron James, and Rui Hachimura, who will also hit the market.
Pelinka will be facing tough decisions, but according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Lakers are intent on keeping Kennard.
He is currently 30 years old and has a career 44.2 three-point shooting percentage, proving to be a great floor spacer.
For a player like Luka Doncic, Kennard can give the Slovenian more space to operate. Additionally, if the Lakers bring back Reaves and James, Kennard also fits their game.
The problem for the Lakers is that paying all their free agents leaves them with no flexibility. Reaves will need to be paid, and James’ postseason play shows his value is still high to a contending team as well.
Hachimura, especially if Kennard is paid, will be the odd man left out, though that leaves a player who needs replacing.
The post Lakers Eye Luke Kennard Re-Signing as Priority Move appeared first on LA Sports Report.
Continue reading...
Kennard is on an expiring $11 million deal that he inked with the Atlanta Hawks over the offseason.
He was traded to the Lakers for Gabe Vincent, a move that is a true masterstroke from the president of basketball operations, Rob Pelinka.
However, Kennard’s success has increased his value, and without a long-term deal in place, the Lakers will need to either pay up or risk losing a true difference-maker.
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Los Angeles Lakers guard Luke Kennard (10) shoots the ball as Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (15) defends during the third quarter during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
The Lakers do not lack salary cap space, with one of the most money coming off the books over the offseason.
Kennard is one of a few free agents, including Austin Reaves, LeBron James, and Rui Hachimura, who will also hit the market.
Pelinka will be facing tough decisions, but according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Lakers are intent on keeping Kennard.
He is currently 30 years old and has a career 44.2 three-point shooting percentage, proving to be a great floor spacer.
For a player like Luka Doncic, Kennard can give the Slovenian more space to operate. Additionally, if the Lakers bring back Reaves and James, Kennard also fits their game.
The problem for the Lakers is that paying all their free agents leaves them with no flexibility. Reaves will need to be paid, and James’ postseason play shows his value is still high to a contending team as well.
Hachimura, especially if Kennard is paid, will be the odd man left out, though that leaves a player who needs replacing.
The post Lakers Eye Luke Kennard Re-Signing as Priority Move appeared first on LA Sports Report.
Continue reading...
