Earlier this week, we pointed out that with the fast start Lakers wing Luke Kennard had to these playoffs, not only was he potentially pushing the team forward in a tense postseason, but he was also perhaps doing the kind of work that his accountant will appreciate. That’s because–though Kennard has come back to Earth in his last two games (eight total points, 3-for-12 shooting), both Lakers losses–his run of success in the second half of the season and now in the postseason has caught attention around the league.
Kennard led the NBA in 3-point shooting this season, at 47.8%. There was not much made of his acquisition from the Hawks at the trade deadline, and, in fact, the move to bring him in was larded with frustration–Lakers fans had wanted more at the deadline.
But Kennard has proven to be a useful piece. With free agency looming for him, and the final $11 million on his deal expiring this summer, Kennard has not only earned himself some money, he has may well have earned himself a return engagement with the Lakers.
Lakers Not Making Big Splash Move in Free Agency?
That can be taken as both good and bad news for Lakers fans. For those hoping to see L.A. make a wild splash with a free-agent signing or a trade, given the Lakers’ ample cap space of nearly $50 million, re-signing Kennard is probably not the splash that was in mind. But he could be part of an across-the-board upgrade in role players that comes along with keeping Austin Reaves, Luka Doncic and, maybe, LeBron James in place for 2026-27.
That’s news from longtime NBA reporter Jake Fischer of the Stein Line newsletter, who writes:
“More and more, though, I’m hearing rival team strategists project Kennard to be part of the Lakers’ future plans. Kennard will be a non-Bird free agent, but there are multiple pathways that the Lakers could explore to keep him in the fold in a nod to the role he has earned in purple and gold under fellow Duke alumnus JJ Redick.”
Lakers Unsure of Luke Kennard Price
Of course, it will all go back to how much Kennard wants and what, exactly, is available to the Lakers in free agency. They’ve been linked to the major names on the trade market–Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kawhi Leonard among them–but they could bring in a star via free agency. Their interest in Jazz restricted free agent Walker Kessler is most relevant, but they could make plays for the likes of Peyton Watson or Jalen Duren.
Kennard will likely get a bump up from the $11 million he earned this season, maybe in the vicinity of the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, $15 million.
Take Luke Kennard Free Agency ‘With a Grain of Salt’
One Western Conference executive said that both with Marcus Smart (who can be a free agent) and Kennard, their recent play for the Lakers should be taken, “with a grain of salt.” And that was before both produced duds in Game 5 vs. the Rockets.
But, the exec added: “Luke has always been more versatile than he gets credit for but he does not get a chance to show it much. Now, he is putting that on display a little bit. He is a secondary ballhandler. He is defending. The thing about both of these guys, they’re probably making themselves some real money in free agency.”
It may be the Lakers who pay that real money this summer.
Lakers Changing Course on Luke Kennard Free Agency