The Los Angeles Lakers’ trade deadline acquisition of Luke Kennard proved to be a big one as he stepped up in the playoffs in the absence of the team’s injured stars.
Kennard seemed to fit in perfectly with the Lakers organization on and off the court and there was mutual interest in making it a long-term partnership as the 30-year-old hit free agency this offseason. Ultimately, Kennard decided to sign with the Phoenix Suns, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.
Free agent sharpshooter Luke Kennard has agreed to a two-year, $13 million deal with the Phoenix Suns, with a player option for the second season, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/rXhDalEdhF
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2026
Shooting will always be at a premium in the NBA, so Kennard landing a deal of this nature was the expected outcome all along.
In 78 games (six starts) with the Lakers and Atlanta Hawks last season, Kennard averaged 8.4 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists while shooting a league-leading 47.8% from 3-point range on 3.1 attempts per game. While the 3-point shooting is definitely impressive, the volume was relatively low.
Kennard was big for the Lakers in the playoffs when both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves went down with injuries. He started five of the team’s 10 postseason games and averaged 11.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists with a 47.4% from deep on 3.8 attempts.
Luke Kennard enjoyed first season with Lakers
After the Lakers were eliminated from the playoffs, Kennard spoke about how much he enjoyed playing for the team, even if it was a short stint.
“When I first got traded here, it was how can I make an impact? Like, I want to make an impact, I want to go win and be a part of something special,” Kennard said. “I think just playing for the Lakers and playing with some of the greats of the game, you don’t take it for granted. I didn’t and it’s an honor. I’m blessed to be in the position that I was in.
“I think for me as a player, just to be a part of an organization like this is something special. You see it firsthand and like I said, I’m just blessed to be able to be a part of it. Obviously going into Year 10 next year, I wanna win. That’s a big thing for me. Wherever that may be, obviously I’m a free agent but gonna spend some time with my family and decide on some stuff later.
“But like I said, I’ve been honored and blessed to be part of this organization. Whether it’s here or somewhere else, it’s been a lot of fun.”
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