Lakers would be stupid to not offer him a new deal this summer. He’s a great fit alongside both Luka and AR since they both are the focus of the opponent’s defense.
some blasts from the past on there. i can still remember that 20-game stretch where it looked like oj mayo figured things out...
Super impressed by Kennard. Would love for the Lakers to keep him. Got a great mindset on him and his skillset compliments the Lakers. Defensively, he's just limited by his physical attributes but he genuinely tries his best. It's a lot better than I think people have been lambasting him for. Just can't guard those quicker dudes with a quick first step. Shooting wise, it feels like every shot is automatic. I just wish he had more plays drawn for him. Other teams know how to cover him but it seems criminal that he's only getting 3-4 3PA per game with how historically great he can shoot. Pleasantly surprised with how he hustles and can also create. Knows how to draw multiple defenders and get guys wide open shots.
At least he tries and is smart on defense, it’s not for lack of that, it’s just physical limitations. But yeah, so far not as bad as advertised
he's basically been as good or better than gabe on defense and like A ZILLION times better than gabe on offense.
To say he's exceeded my expectations would be a massive understatement. Getting rid of gabe at the same time remains unfathomably satisfying. Many people made fun of this move, but it may prove pretty impactful short and long-term.
Kennard seems to be in the right spot defensively most of the time and he really tries. If he gets beat off the dribble, it's due to his athletic limitations, but his IQ makes up for it. I will be livid if he is not on the team next year.
Most Lakers fans were happy, but at the same time, many people were very disappointed that this was the only move. I also remember a lot of comments suggesting that it was a lateral move that didn't change much, because Voincent is supposedly still a much better defender than Luke.
Sitting in my usual glass half full bubble watching Luke do everything he does well “besides” shoot the hell out of the ball from deep …. I’ve felt the same as Raj C about his defense. True story. But then being somewhat self aware I’ve kept my mouth shut about it.
Luke,” Redick added, “that’s what he does.” The Lakers were shooting 34.9% from three before the trade, 21st in the league. Since acquiring Kennard, the Lakers are shooting 39.2% from three-point range, ranking second in the NBA during that stretch. MVP Kennard, shooting 50% from the three-point line, is on track to become just the sixth NBA player to shoot 50% or better from three over an entire season. There are some players in the NBA who couldn’t hit 50 out of 100 three-pointers in an empty gym, Redick said.
While I stan for Luke just as much as you, this is not mathematically correct. At his volume, over 14 game, can't possibly have that impact. The jump coincided with Luka getting his shot together (he shot something like 46%? over the last 10 or soe games)...
