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The Los Angeles Lakers have strong interest in re-signing Luke Kennard this offseason, sources told Lakers Daily.
Kennard becomes an unrestricted free agent this offseason. The Duke product signed a one-year, $11 million contract with the Atlanta Hawks last offseason. He was traded to the Lakers for Gabe Vincent at the February trade deadline and has been a terrific fit in Los Angeles.
In 17 games with the Lakers, Kennard is averaging 9.5 points per game while shooting 56.9 percent from the field and 46.4 percent from beyond the arc. The lefty leads the NBA in 3-point shooting percentage at 48.8 percent.
The Lakers believe Kennard is a perfect fit alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves and will express heavy interest in keeping the Ohio native once free agency starts, sources said. Los Angeles is projected to have $60 million in cap space this offseason, according to ESPN.
The Purple and Gold are an impressive 11-6 with Kennard in the lineup. The sharpshooter has helped the Lakers rise in the Western Conference standings, as JJ Redick and co. are in third place in the West.
Kennard has been in the NBA since 2017. He has played for the Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Hawks and Lakers. The 29-year-old holds career averages of 9.6 points per game while shooting 44.2 percent from 3. Kennard is second in NBA history in 3-point shooting percentage, trailing only Steve Kerr.
The Lakers are expected to pursue a trade for Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason, sources said. If Los Angeles acquires Antetokounmpo, the team needs shooters around the future Hall of Famer and Doncic to legitimately compete for a championship, and Kennard certainly fits the bill of an elite shooter.
It will be fascinating to see what the Lakers’ roster looks like next season. LeBron James, Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes become unrestricted free agents this offseason, and Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton hold player options for next season.
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