Lakers Acquire Kennard, Eye Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Next?
The Los Angeles Lakers recently made a strategic move by acquiring sharpshooter Luke Kennard from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round draft pick. This decision, made just before the NBA trade deadline, reflects the Lakers’ goal to strengthen their roster while conserving resources for potential future transactions.
Lakers Aim for Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade
As the Lakers look to enhance their championship prospects, acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo remains a top priority. The Milwaukee Bucks opted not to trade the two-time MVP before the deadline. Sources indicate that the Lakers plan to pursue Antetokounmpo during the summer.
Financial Flexibility Ahead
The Lakers are projected to have approximately $60 million in salary-cap space this offseason. This financial flexibility, combined with three first-round draft picks for 2026, 2031, and 2033, positions them well for a trade. Notably, key contracts for LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, and Maxi Kleber are set to expire, further increasing their available funds.
- LeBron James: $52.6 million
- Rui Hachimura: $18 million
- Maxi Kleber: $11 million
Austin Reaves, who declined a player option worth $14.8 million, is expected to re-sign with the Lakers on a lucrative five-year deal that could reach $241 million.
Luke Kennard’s Impact on the Team
Luke Kennard is a proven asset, boasting a remarkable shooting percentage. He currently ranks first in the NBA with a 49.7% success rate from three-point territory this season. His overall performance includes:
- Points per game: 7.9
- Rebounds per game: 2.2
- Assists per game: 2.1
- Field goal percentage: 53.8%
At 6-foot-5, Kennard can create spacing on the court that is beneficial for other key players, including LeBron James and Austin Reaves. While his defensive capabilities may not be as strong as desired, his shooting skills have garnered positive recognition.
Upcoming Challenges
The Lakers are fresh off a successful eight-game road trip, finishing with a 5-3 record. They will be facing the Philadelphia 76ers at Crypto.com Arena shortly. Before the much-anticipated NBA All-Star break, they have five home games scheduled. Following the break, the Lakers will continue to play at home before resuming their road schedule at the end of February.
