Luke Kennard ranks second in NBA history in career three-point field goal percentage at 44.6%, trailing only Seth Curry among active and retired players with at least 500 three-point attempts. Over eight NBA seasons, Kennard has made 831 of 1,862 three-point attempts. His 2022-23 season shooting percentage of 49.4% set the record for highest three-point percentage in NBA history by a player averaging at least 2.0 threes made per game.
You're researching Luke Kennard's shooting statistics because his trade to the Lakers puts him on a championship contender where his elite shooting becomes even more valuable. This article breaks down his career shooting numbers, explains what makes his accuracy historic, and shows how his percentages compare to the greatest shooters in NBA history.
Career Three-Point Shooting Breakdown by Season
Kennard has shot above 39% from three-point range in every NBA season except his rookie year. His consistency separates him from volume shooters who experience wild fluctuations. The steady accuracy proves his mechanics remain sound regardless of team, system, or role.
Here is his complete season-by-season three-point shooting record. In his 2017-18 rookie season with Detroit, Kennard shot 41.5% from three on 2.5 attempts per game across 73 games. He appeared in 64 games during 2018-19 and shot 39.9% on 3.5 attempts per game while dealing with shoulder injuries. The 2019-20 season saw him play 28 games and maintain 39.9% accuracy on 4.1 attempts per game before knee problems ended his season early.
His first year with the Clippers in 2020-21 marked a breakthrough. Kennard shot 44.9% from three on 3.1 attempts per game over 58 games. This percentage ranked third in the NBA among qualified shooters. The improved accuracy came from increased practice time with Clippers shooting coaches and better shot selection.
The 2021-22 season cemented Kennard as an elite shooter. He led the NBA in three-point percentage at 44.9% while making 2.7 threes per game on 6.0 attempts. He played 70 games and started 13 times. This season earned him a spot in the MTN DEW 3-Point Contest during All-Star Weekend, where he finished second.
The 2022-23 season produced historic numbers. Split between the Clippers and Grizzlies, Kennard shot 49.4% from three-point range on 4.3 attempts per game. He made 161 of 327 three-point attempts across 59 games. This percentage led the NBA and set multiple records.
Memphis re-signed Kennard in 2023, and he shot 45.0% from three during 2023-24 on 3.8 attempts per game. He appeared in 65 games. The Grizzlies traded him to Atlanta before the 2024-25 season. With Memphis during 2024-25, he shot 43.3% from three on 3.5 attempts per game in 47 games.
The current 2025-26 season shows Kennard back at historic levels. Through 38 games with Atlanta before his Lakers trade, he shot 49.7% from three on 3.2 attempts per game. This percentage again leads the entire NBA. He is on pace to become the first player ever to lead the league in three-point accuracy three times.
READ HOW THIS IS CONNECTED TO LUKE KENNARD
The Historic 2022-23 Season
Kennard's 49.4% three-point shooting in 2022-23 set the highest mark in NBA history by a player averaging at least 2.0 threes made per game with a minimum of 10 games played. The previous record was 48.9% set by Steve Novak in 2011-12, but Novak averaged only 1.5 threes made per game.
The season also produced the fourth-highest effective field goal percentage (.666) in NBA history by a player qualified for the three-point leaderboard. Effective field goal percentage adjusts for the fact that three-pointers are worth more than two-pointers. Kennard's .666 eFG% means his shot selection and accuracy made him one of the most efficient scorers in league history.
His true shooting percentage of .684 ranked sixth all-time among qualified players. True shooting percentage accounts for free throws, two-point field goals, and three-point field goals. Only a handful of players in NBA history have been more efficient scorers when all shot types are considered.
Kennard joined Kyle Korver (2013-15) and Jason Kapono (2006-08) as one of three players in NBA history to lead the NBA in three-point percentage in consecutive seasons. Korver led in 2013-14 and 2014-15. Kapono led in 2006-07 and 2007-08. Both players are remembered primarily as elite shooters. Kennard now joins this exclusive club.
The March 24, 2023 Performance Against Houston
On March 24, 2023, Kennard scored 30 points against the Houston Rockets while playing for the Memphis Grizzlies. He shot 10-for-11 from three-point range. The 10 made threes set a Memphis Grizzlies franchise record, surpassing the previous mark of nine threes set by Mike Miller twice and Jaren Jackson Jr. once.
His 90.9% three-point shooting percentage (10 of 11) tied the highest three-point percentage in NBA history by a player who made 10 or more threes in a game. Only Klay Thompson and Ty Lawson had previously achieved this feat. Thompson went 10-for-11 from three on January 23, 2015 against Sacramento. Lawson went 10-for-11 on April 9, 2011 against Golden State.
The performance showcased what Kennard does best. He attempted 11 three-pointers and only one two-pointer. He scored efficiently without needing to create off the dribble. His teammates found him in rhythm, and he knocked down open looks. The Grizzlies won 151-114.
This game occurred during Kennard's best statistical stretch. In his final 13 games with Memphis that season, he averaged 15.2 points while shooting 58.1% from three-point range and making 4.2 threes per game. Teams struggled to defend him because the Grizzlies had multiple playmakers who could find him when defenses collapsed on Ja Morant.
Career Regular Season Totals
Kennard has played 516 regular season games over eight NBA seasons. He started 106 of those games, primarily coming off the bench as a shooting specialist. He has averaged 21.7 minutes per game throughout his career. Limited minutes reflect his defensive weaknesses and the fact that elite shooting alone does not warrant starter minutes in the modern NBA.
His career averages tell the story of a pure shooter. He scores 8.1 points per game on 46.1% shooting from the field and 44.6% from three. He grabs 2.2 rebounds and dishes 2.1 assists per game. These numbers show a player whose value comes almost entirely from spacing the floor and making open threes.
Kennard has made 831 career three-pointers on 1,862 attempts. For comparison, Stephen Curry has made 3,782 career threes on 8,785 attempts for 43.0%. Kennard's percentage is higher, but his volume is far lower because he plays fewer minutes and has never been a first or second option on offense.
His 89.3% career free throw shooting demonstrates excellent shooting touch. In 2022-23, he shot 94.9% from the free throw line, the second-highest mark in the NBA that season. Shooters who excel from three typically shoot well from the line, and Kennard follows this pattern.
Playoff Performance Statistics
Kennard has appeared in 33 playoff games over his career. He played in five games during the 2019 playoffs with Detroit, nine games in 2021 with the Clippers, 11 games in 2022 with the Clippers, three games in 2023 with the Clippers, and five games in 2023 with Memphis.
His playoff three-point shooting percentage is 42.2% on 2.0 makes per game. This represents a slight drop from his regular season 44.6% but still ranks among the best playoff three-point percentages for players with at least 30 playoff games. Maintaining accuracy under playoff defensive pressure demonstrates mental toughness and refined shooting mechanics.
In the 2023 playoffs with Memphis, Kennard averaged 7.2 points while shooting 52.2% from the field and 50.0% from three in five games against the Lakers. The Lakers won the series 4-2, but Kennard proved he performs in high-pressure situations. The Lakers front office remembered his performance against them, which likely influenced their decision to trade for him in 2026.
Comparing Kennard to All-Time Great Shooters
Steve Kerr holds the all-time NBA record for career three-point percentage at 45.4% on 726 makes from 1,599 attempts over 15 seasons. Kennard currently ranks second among all players (active and retired) at 44.6%. Seth Curry ranks third at 44.4%. Hubert Davis ranks fourth at 44.1%.
Among active players with at least 500 three-point attempts, Kennard ranks first in three-point field goal percentage. Seth Curry ranks second. Stephen Curry ranks 14th at 43.0% despite being the greatest high-volume three-point shooter in history. The difference is volume and difficulty. Stephen Curry creates his own shots off the dribble and faces extreme defensive attention. Kennard takes mostly catch-and-shoot attempts with space.
Kyle Korver finished his career at 42.9% from three on 2,450 makes from 5,715 attempts. Korver played 17 seasons and maintained elite accuracy while taking far more attempts than Kennard has in eight seasons. Kennard will need to sustain his percentage over a longer career to match Korver's legacy as an all-time shooter.
Reggie Miller shot 39.5% from three on 2,560 makes from 6,486 attempts over 18 seasons. Ray Allen shot 40.0% on 2,973 makes from 7,429 attempts over 18 seasons. These Hall of Fame shooters took far more difficult shots and created their own offense. Kennard's higher percentage reflects easier shot opportunities, not necessarily greater shooting skill.
Duke University College Statistics
Kennard played two seasons at Duke from 2015 to 2017. He appeared in 73 games with 47 starts and averaged 15.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 31.2 minutes per game. His shooting percentages were 46.2% from the field, 38.3% from three, and 86.7% from the free throw line.
As a freshman in 2015-16, Kennard averaged 11.8 points while shooting 41.8% from three. As a sophomore in 2016-17, he averaged 19.5 points while shooting 43.8% from three and 85.6% from the free throw line. The improved sophomore numbers earned him First Team All-ACC honors and Second Team All-American recognition.
He was named MVP of the 2017 ACC Tournament after leading Duke to the championship. His free throw percentage at Duke ranks second in school history. The Blue Devils had one of the most prestigious basketball programs in college sports, and Kennard stood out as an elite shooter even in that context.
Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski praised Kennard's work ethic and shooting mechanics. Kennard spent hours in the gym working on his release and footwork. This dedication to craft explains his sustained NBA success. Shooters who master fundamentals in college maintain accuracy throughout their professional careers.
High School Career and Early Development
Kennard attended Franklin High School in Franklin, Ohio near Dayton. As a senior, he was named Parade National Player of the Year, one of the highest honors in high school basketball. He was named Ohio Gatorade Basketball Player of the Year as both a junior and senior.
He finished his high school career with the second-most points in Ohio history, three spots ahead of LeBron James. Only Jon Diebler scored more points in Ohio high school basketball history. This scoring production at the high school level demonstrated Kennard's natural shooting ability from a young age.
Kennard also played quarterback for the Franklin High School football team, lettering three years. Interestingly, he shot basketball left-handed but threw footballs right-handed. This cross-dominance is unusual but not unheard of among elite athletes.
Franklin High School retired Kennard's number 10 in 2020. The ceremony recognized his achievements as the greatest player in school history. He represented Franklin, Ohio on the national stage and inspired younger players in the community.
Shot Mechanics and Why He Shoots So Well
Kennard's shooting form features a quick release with minimal wasted motion. He catches the ball with his shooting pocket already prepared. His feet land in rhythm with the pass. He rises straight up without drifting forward or backward. The ball leaves his hand at the peak of his jump.
His left-handed shot has a high arc, giving the ball a better chance to drop through the rim even on slight misses. Shooting coaches praise his follow-through, which remains consistent on every attempt. His wrist snaps the same way whether he shoots a wide-open corner three or a contested wing three.
Kennard does not need many dribbles to get his shot off. He excels as a catch-and-shoot player. NBA player tracking data shows 89% of his three-point attempts come with zero dribbles. He catches and shoots in one fluid motion, giving defenders minimal time to contest.
His footwork allows him to shoot off curls, pin-downs, and flare screens. He relocates constantly without the ball, reading defensive rotations and finding open space. Players with lower basketball IQ stand in one spot waiting for passes. Kennard moves to get open, then delivers the shot before help arrives.
Why His Numbers Will Help the Lakers
The Lakers ranked 23rd in team three-point percentage before acquiring Kennard. Adding the NBA's most accurate three-point shooter addresses their biggest weakness. When LeBron James or Luka Doncic drives to the basket and defenders collapse, Kennard will spot up on the perimeter ready to shoot.
Expect his attempts per game to increase from 3.2 with Atlanta to 5.0 or more with the Lakers. If Kennard maintains his 49.7% accuracy on increased volume, he becomes one of the most valuable role players in the NBA. Five makes on 10 attempts per game would provide 15 points of efficient offense without requiring plays designed for him.
The Lakers will run actions to free him. Anthony Davis sets screens for Kennard coming off pin-downs. LeBron drives left and kicks to Kennard in the right corner. Doncic runs pick-and-roll and swings to Kennard when his defender helps. These simple plays maximize his elite shooting skill.
This article connects to the main Lakers trade analysis by providing the statistical foundation for understanding Kennard's value. The trade makes sense when you realize the Lakers acquired the NBA's second-most accurate career three-point shooter at exactly the moment their championship window requires elite spacing.
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