Lakers Acquire Sharpshooter Luke Kennard from Hawks
In a move designed to ignite their playoff push, the Los Angeles Lakers have traded for veteran guard Luke Kennard from the Atlanta Hawks. The deal, reported by ESPN's Shams Charania, sends guard Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round pick to Atlanta, providing the Lakers with much-needed perimeter shooting to complement stars like Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves.
The Trade Breakdown
The Lakers, sitting at 22nd in the league for 3-point percentage at just 34.8%, have long sought a reliable sharpshooter. Kennard, a 29-year-old ninth-year NBA veteran, fits the bill perfectly. He's connecting on a career-high 49.7% from beyond the arc this season, averaging 7.9 points in 46 games off the bench for the Hawks.
A Lakers insider described Kennard as a "laser"—the team's term for elite shooters—who thrives on the open looks created by Doncic's playmaking, James' drives, and Reaves' off-ball movement. This acquisition addresses a glaring weakness in LA's offense, where spacing has hampered their high-powered stars.
For the Hawks, the return includes Vincent, a 29-year-old veteran averaging 4.8 points in his seventh season. Atlanta also pockets an $11 million trade exception and the future draft pick, assets that could fuel their ongoing rebuild. The Hawks, mired in a down year, are prioritizing flexibility and youth development over short-term contention.
Kennard's Career Trajectory
Drafted 12th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2018, Kennard has bounced between teams, honing his craft as a specialist. His career 44.2% three-point shooting clip ranks among the league's best, but injuries and role changes limited his impact early on. Since joining the Hawks last season, he's found a niche as a microwave scorer, often erupting for bursts of threes that swing games.
This season's efficiency surge isn't a fluke; Kennard's quick release and off-screen movement make him ideal for the Lakers' system under coach Darvin Ham. Imagine him spotting up as Doncic orchestrates the offense—pure synergy. At 6-foot-5 with a smooth stroke, Kennard also adds defensive versatility without sacrificing his primary role.
Impact on the Lakers' Title Hopes
Los Angeles enters the trade deadline eyeing contention, but their shooting struggles have been a Achilles' heel. With Doncic's arrival last summer via a blockbuster deal shaking up the league, the Lakers' core boasts unparalleled talent. Yet, without reliable outside threats, defenses pack the paint, stifling James' twilight drives and Reaves' mid-range game.
Kennard's addition could elevate LA's offense into the top tier. Projections suggest his presence might boost their effective field goal percentage by 2-3 points, per advanced analytics from ESPN's Kevin Pelton. Fantasy basketball managers are buzzing too—Kennard's minutes could double in LA, making him a waiver-wire gem with All-Star upside.
However, the Lakers aren't done wheeling and dealing. Sources indicate they'll pursue more moves, but with $60 million in projected cap space this summer, any additions must preserve financial flexibility. This prudent approach signals LA's long-term vision: contending now while building for a post-LeBron era.
Broader NBA Trade Landscape
This deal is part of a frenzied deadline that's reshaped the league. Just hours earlier, reports swirled of the Warriors shipping Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Knicks for Kristaps Porzingis. The Mavericks, meanwhile, offloaded Anthony Davis to the Wizards in a shocking overhaul, while the Clippers sent Paul George to the Raptors in a three-team swap.
Even Lonzo Ball is hitting free agency after a Bulls trade, and the Cavaliers swapped James Harden for Darius Garland with the Clippers. These moves highlight teams like the Wizards and Jazz thinking ahead to 2027, stockpiling All-Stars for future contention. As Pelton notes in his trade grades, the Lakers' acquisition of Kennard earns an A-, balancing immediate help with asset preservation.
The NBA's power rankings reflect this chaos: LA climbs into the top five, but pressure mounts on stars across the board. With the 2026 All-Star Game looming in Los Angeles—featuring new uniforms inspired by the city's vibe—these trades set the stage for a thrilling second half.
What It Means for Fans Down Under
For Australian NBA enthusiasts, this trade hits close to home. The NBL's influence on global hoops grows yearly, and players like Matthew Dellavedova paved the way for Down Under talents to eye the NBA. Kennard's shooting clinic could inspire young Aussies honing their jumpers, while Lakers games—streamed via ESPN Australia—promise more must-watch moments.
As the deadline dust settles, one thing's clear: the Lakers are all-in on a championship run. Kennard's laser focus from deep might just be the spark that lights the purple and gold fire.
This article was informed by reports from ESPN, including insights from Shams Charania and Dave McMenamin. All stats current as of February 6, 2026.