The Los Angeles Lakers acquired sharpshooter Luke Kennard from the Atlanta Hawks on February 5, 2026, sending Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round pick to Atlanta. Kennard leads the NBA with a 49.7% three-point shooting percentage this season. The trade was reported by ESPN's Shams Charania hours before the 3 p.m. ET trade deadline.
You're searching for Luke Kennard because this breaking trade reshapes the Lakers' playoff hopes. This article explains who Kennard is, why the Lakers made this move, what Gabe Vincent brings to Atlanta, and how this trade affects both teams.
Who Is Luke Kennard
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Luke Kennard is a 28-year-old shooting guard from Franklin, Ohio. He stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 206 pounds. The Detroit Pistons selected him 12th overall in the 2017 NBA Draft after two years at Duke University.
Kennard's NBA journey:
- Detroit Pistons (2017-2021): Drafted 12th overall, developed into reliable shooter
- Los Angeles Clippers (2021-2023): Traded for Landry Shamet, four second-round picks
- Memphis Grizzlies (2023): Mid-season trade from Clippers
- Memphis Grizzlies (2023-2025): Full season, career-high shooting percentages
- Atlanta Hawks (2025-2026): Signed in offseason, led NBA in three-point percentage
- Los Angeles Lakers (2026-present): Acquired at trade deadline
Kennard has never won an NBA championship. He has never been selected to an All-Star team. His entire value comes from one skill executed at an elite level: shooting three-pointers.
Kennard's Historic Shooting Numbers
Kennard is shooting 49.7% from three-point range this season on 3.2 attempts per game. This percentage leads the entire NBA. For context, the league average three-point percentage hovers around 36%. Kennard shoots nearly 14 percentage points better than average.
62.1% of his shot attempts this season come from beyond the arc. He is a true specialist. When Kennard shoots, he almost always shoots from three-point range. This makes him predictable but also incredibly valuable when defenses collapse on stars like LeBron James or Luka Doncic.
Career three-point shooting percentages by season:
- 2017-18 (Detroit): 41.5%
- 2018-19 (Detroit): 39.9%
- 2019-20 (Detroit): 39.9%
- 2020-21 (Clippers): 44.9%
- 2021-22 (Clippers): 44.9%
- 2022-23 (Clippers/Grizzlies): 49.4% (led NBA)
- 2023-24 (Grizzlies): 45.0%
- 2024-25 (Grizzlies): 43.3%
- 2025-26 (Hawks/Lakers): 49.7% (leads NBA)
Kennard led the NBA in three-point percentage in 2022-23 at 49.4%. He joined Kyle Korver (2013-15) and Jason Kapono (2006-08) as one of three players in NBA history to lead the league in three-point accuracy in consecutive seasons. With his current 49.7% mark, Kennard is on track to become the first player to lead the NBA in three-point percentage three times.
His 2022-23 season set multiple records. Kennard shot the highest three-point percentage in NBA history by a player averaging at least 2.0 threes made per game (minimum 10 games). He recorded the fourth-highest effective field goal percentage (.666) and the sixth-highest true shooting percentage (.684) in NBA history by a player qualified for the three-point leaderboard.
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Why the Lakers Wanted Kennard
The Lakers ranked 23rd in three-point shooting percentage before the trade. The team struggled to space the floor around LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Anthony Davis. Defenses packed the paint knowing the Lakers lacked reliable outside shooters.
Kennard will thrive as a kick-out option for Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron. When these playmakers drive to the basket and draw defenders, Kennard will spot up on the perimeter. His quick release and deadly accuracy make him a perfect fit for this role.
What Kennard brings to the Lakers:
- Elite floor spacing: Defenses must account for him beyond the arc
- Quick release: Gets shots off before defenders close out
- Catch-and-shoot specialist: Does not need dribbles to be effective
- High basketball IQ: Knows when to shoot and when to swing the ball
- Experience: Eight NBA seasons, multiple playoff appearances
The Lakers offense becomes more dangerous with Kennard. When LeBron drives left, Kennard spots up in the right corner. When Doncic runs pick-and-roll, Kennard relocates to the wing. When Reaves attacks closeouts, Kennard moves to open space. His movement without the ball creates scoring opportunities.
Expect Kennard's volume to increase with the Lakers. He averaged 3.2 three-point attempts per game with Atlanta. NBC Sports projects his attempts will rise significantly. The Lakers will design plays to get him open looks. His role will expand from role player to key rotation piece.
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The Defensive Concern
Kennard is a defensive liability. Multiple reports specifically mention this weakness. At 6-foot-5, he lacks the lateral quickness to stay in front of faster guards. He struggles to fight through screens. Opposing teams will target him in pick-and-roll actions.
The Lakers will need to hide Kennard defensively. Head coach will likely assign him to the opponent's weakest perimeter threat. When elite guards like Stephen Curry or Ja Morant attack, the Lakers will switch defenders or provide extra help.
His offensive value must outweigh his defensive limitations. If Kennard shoots 50% from three and provides gravity that opens driving lanes, the Lakers accept his defensive weaknesses. If he goes cold and teams exploit him on defense, his minutes will shrink in playoff games.
Who Is Gabe Vincent
Gabe Vincent is a 28-year-old point guard from Modesto, California. He stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 200 pounds. Vincent went undrafted in 2018 and played overseas before joining the Miami Heat in 2019.
Vincent's career arc:
- Undrafted in 2018: Played in G League and overseas
- Miami Heat (2019-2023): Rose from two-way contract to playoff starter
- 2023 NBA Finals: Started games for Heat against Denver Nuggets
- Los Angeles Lakers (2023-2026): Signed three-year, $33 million contract
- Atlanta Hawks (2026-present): Acquired in trade deadline deal
The Lakers signed Vincent to a three-year, $33 million contract in 2023. The deal was based on his playoff performance with Miami. Vincent averaged 12.7 points in the 2023 playoffs and provided secondary ball-handling alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.
Vincent struggled to stay healthy with the Lakers. He appeared in only 11 games during the 2023-24 season due to a knee injury that required surgery. He played 45 games in 2024-25. He appeared in 38 games this season before the trade. His availability issues frustrated the Lakers organization.
When healthy, Vincent is a solid rotation point guard. He averaged 6.8 points, 2.5 assists, and 1.8 rebounds in 20.3 minutes per game this season. He shot 35.9% from three-point range. His defense and ability to run pick-and-roll made him valuable when available.
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Why Atlanta Wanted Vincent
The Hawks traded Trae Young earlier this season. They need depth at point guard. Vincent provides experience running an NBA offense. He knows how to manage game flow and make simple reads in pick-and-roll.
Atlanta gets a pick-and-roll specialist. Vincent excelled in this action with Miami. He reads defenses quickly and makes correct passes. When the roll man (Clint Capela or Onyeka Okongwu) dives to the rim, Vincent delivers accurate lobs or pocket passes.
What Vincent brings to Atlanta:
- Backup point guard depth: Fills void left by Trae Young trade
- Playoff experience: Started in NBA Finals for Miami
- Defensive intensity: Guards opposing point guards with effort
- Team-first mentality: Does not need high usage to be effective
- Veteran presence: Helps young Hawks players develop
Vincent's health remains a concern for Atlanta. He has struggled to stay on the court the past two seasons. If injuries continue, the Hawks got minimal value in this trade. If he stays healthy, Vincent provides steady minutes as a rotation guard.
The Financial Side
Luke Kennard makes $14,763,636 this season. He has one more year remaining on his contract at approximately $15 million. The Lakers take on this salary commitment through the 2026-27 season.
Gabe Vincent makes $11 million this season. He has one more year remaining on his contract at approximately $11 million. The Hawks take on less salary than the Lakers in this deal.
The Lakers included a 2032 second-round pick to sweeten the deal. This pick has minimal value. Second-round picks rarely become rotation players. Atlanta accepted the pick as a minor asset to complete the trade.
Both teams shed contracts expiring after next season. The Lakers get shooting help for their championship window. The Hawks get a backup point guard without long-term commitment. The deal works for both sides financially.
How This Trade Affects the Lakers Rotation
Kennard will play 20-25 minutes per game for the Lakers. He slides into the backup shooting guard role. His minutes come off the bench behind Austin Reaves. He will share the court with LeBron James during bench units.
Expected Lakers rotation after trade:
- Starting lineup: Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Anthony Davis
- First guard off bench: Luke Kennard (20-25 minutes)
- Backup big man: Jaxson Hayes
- Wing depth: Max Christie, Jarred Vanderbilt
- Point guard depth: D'Angelo Russell
Kennard will play during crunch time if his shot is falling. Head coach will ride the hot hand. If Kennard makes three or four threes in the first half, he stays on the floor in the fourth quarter. If he misses his first few attempts, his minutes decrease.
The Lakers will run specific plays for Kennard. Expect double screens to get him open. Expect LeBron to find him relocating after drive-and-kicks. Expect Doncic to throw skip passes when defenses help on his drives. Kennard's role is simple: be ready to shoot when the ball finds you.
How This Trade Affects the Hawks Rebuild
Atlanta entered full rebuild mode after trading Trae Young. The team focuses on developing young players and accumulating draft picks. This trade fits the rebuilding strategy.
Vincent gives the Hawks a veteran presence. Young players like Dyson Daniels and Kobe Bufkin learn from Vincent's professionalism. He teaches them how to prepare, how to watch film, how to approach each game with focus.
The Hawks created playing time for young wings. Moving Kennard opens minutes for Kobe Bufkin, A.J. Griffin, and other developing players. The team prioritizes player development over winning games this season.
Atlanta saves approximately $4 million in salary next season. This financial flexibility allows the Hawks to pursue free agents or take on bad contracts for draft picks. The rebuild requires financial maneuverability.
Expert Analysis and Reaction
Kurt Helin of NBC Sports wrote Kennard should thrive as a kick-out option for the Lakers' stars. The spacing he provides makes life easier for LeBron, Doncic, and Davis. Defenses must respect his shooting, creating driving lanes.
Shams Charania reported the deal shortly before the trade deadline. This timing suggests the Lakers prioritized shooting above all other needs. They could have pursued different players but identified Kennard as the best available shooter.
Fantasy basketball analysts note Kennard's minutes should increase. He averaged 19.1 minutes per game with Atlanta. Expect 22-25 minutes with the Lakers. His three-point makes per game should rise from 1.6 to 2.5 or higher.
Lakers fans on social media expressed excitement about the trade. The team desperately needed shooting. Kennard addresses the biggest weakness. Fans hope his arrival helps the Lakers climb the Western Conference standings.
Hawks fans accepted the trade as part of the rebuild. Kennard was not in Atlanta's long-term plans. Getting a rotation player and a second-round pick for a rental makes sense. Vincent fills a need at backup point guard.
What Happens Next
Kennard will join the Lakers immediately. He will likely be available for the next game depending on travel logistics. The Lakers play the Utah Jazz on Thursday, February 5 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Vincent reports to Atlanta after the trade processes. He will meet with coaching staff and learn the Hawks' offensive system. He should be available within a few days.
The trade deadline closes at 3 p.m. ET on February 5, 2026. Both teams finalized this deal hours before the deadline. Neither team plans additional moves before the deadline passes.
The Lakers evaluate their roster construction over the next two weeks. Kennard's impact becomes clear during this period. If he shoots well and the Lakers win games, the trade looks smart. If he struggles or gets exploited defensively, questions arise.
Both teams remain playoff contenders or rebuilders through season's end. The Lakers fight for playoff positioning. The Hawks continue tanking for draft position. The trade serves both teams' goals.
Trade Grade and Final Analysis
Lakers Grade: B+
The Lakers addressed their biggest need by acquiring the NBA's best three-point shooter. Kennard provides elite spacing and should help the offense flow better. His defensive limitations are concerning but manageable in a bench role. The cost was reasonable. Losing Vincent hurts depth, but his injury history made him expendable. The 2032 second-round pick is meaningless. This trade makes the Lakers better for their playoff push.
Hawks Grade: B
Atlanta gets a solid rotation player and a draft pick for a shooter who did not fit their rebuild timeline. Vincent provides veteran leadership and fills the backup point guard role. His injury history is a risk, but the Hawks are not competing this season. The trade clears playing time for young players. The second-round pick has minimal value but costs nothing to acquire. This is a smart rebuilding move.
Winner: Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers won this trade because they got the better player. Kennard is an elite specialist who makes the Lakers offense more dangerous. His shooting will help LeBron, Doncic, and Davis operate with more space. The Lakers are trying to win a championship this season. Kennard brings them closer to that goal. Vincent is a fine player but not a difference-maker. The Hawks are rebuilding and do not need elite shooting right now. The Lakers are contending and desperately needed it.
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