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Despite possessing a world-class squad, the LA Lakers are still actively searching for distinguished talents to rope in and make the prospects of the franchise even better. In this aspect, countless trade rumors linking the Lakers with different players keep on emerging. One more of the sort has come to the fore.
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Grizzles' Guard on Lakers' Radar
Speculations are rife that the Lakers are hellbent on adding a sharpshooter to the squad this offseason and could pursue Memphis Grizzlies' guard Luke Kennard in the process.
Luke Kennard, who is a six-foot-five shooting guard, has earned a reputation as one of the league's most consistent three-point shooters. This season, he's shooting 44.6% from beyond the arc, keeping his career average at 43.9%. His ability to stretch the floor and regularly make shots makes him a great fit for the Los Angeles Lakers, who are looking for floor spacers to complement their elite players.
Luke Kennard's affordability is another element that makes him an appealing choice for the Lakers. Kennard is currently earning $9.3 million in the final year of his deal and has never made more than $15 million per year. This financial flexibility is critical for the Los Angeles Lakers, who must balance hefty contract commitments to Doncic and James.
As Colin Keane of the Sporting News notes: "Surrounding Luka Doncic with floor spacers at every position who can destroy you from three will be a recurring priority for Lakers GM Rob Pelinka until Doncic retires."
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Luke Kennard's NBA Career
Luke Kennard's NBA career began when he was picked by the Detroit Pistons in 2017. After two and a half seasons in Detroit, he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, where he continued to showcase his impressive shooting ability. He was moved to the Memphis Grizzlies in 2022 and has since become a valuable member of the team.
As an approaching unrestricted free agent, Kennard is likely to garner interest from a number of franchises, including the Los Angeles Lakers. The Grizzlies will most certainly want to keep him, but the Lakers' front office, led by General Manager Rob Pelinka, is known for its astute negotiation techniques.
