Lakers’ $11M gamble reportedly playing for future alongside Luka Doncic this postseason originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Los Angeles Lakers made the decision to trade for Luke Kennard, which was their only move at the trade deadline. While Luka Dončić was healthy, Kennard and he formed a strong offensive pairing.

“During the last six games, the pair have played 88 minutes together. During that time, Doncic and Kennard have posted an offensive rating of 125.7 on the court. That is the fourth most of any duo who have shared the hardwood for at least 50 minutes. What is doubly notable about that is the three two-man combinations above them too. Each of those features one of either Doncic or Kennard. Between Luka and Luke, there has to be some sort of nickname in there for this new dynamic duo in Los Angeles. If they keeping performing like they have thus far, it will be owed to them,” Lake Show Life’s Syvatoslav Rovenchuk wrote.

With the two playing well together on the court, the Lakers have shown real interest in re-signing him.

“The Los Angeles Lakers have strong interest in re-signing Luke Kennard this offseason, sources told Lakers Daily,” Lakers Daily’s Ashish Mathur wrote.

Kennard got off to a hot start against the Houston Rockets but cooled off as the series went on. Now, he will need to prove he is worthy of another contract by performing against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

“Kennard may be playing for his future in Los Angeles. The Lakers traded for him and would like to bring him back, but LA will be contending for the foreseeable future. If the 6’5 wing continues to struggle in the playoffs, the Lakers may be forced to rethink their plans. Fans have seen this before. Kennard’s hesitancy to fire away from 3-point can be a problem. He likes to take and make open looks. Those dwindle in the playoffs. The opposing team is locked in on tendencies and isn’t going to let one of the best shooters in NBA history get open,” Lake Show Life’s Tyler Watts wrote.

Kennard is one of the most efficient shooters in the NBA, but he can still show hesitation when it comes to letting shots fly. That cannot be the case in the playoffs, when defenses are locked in and opportunities are limited.

Kennard is currently on an $11 million deal, and his next contract is expected to be in a similar range. This upcoming series against the Thunder will serve as an important audition for the left-handed sharpshooter.

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