With Luka Doncic (Grade 2 left hamstring strain) and Austin Reaves (Grade 2 left oblique injury) out for at least the rest of the regular season, the Los Angeles Lakers are going to need everyone to step up in helping to replace their scoring and playmaking. In the Lakers’ first game since the news came down, it was veteran Luke Kennard who operated as the team’s primary playmaker alongside LeBron James.
Kennard is known primarily as an off-ball player and shooter, but he took on an increased on-ball role and wound up notching the first triple-double of his career against the Dallas Mavericks. And afterwards, Kennard spoke about being comfortable in that role, even though he hasn’t had to do so in a long time.
“Yea it’s something I haven’t really done, especially I haven’t done it this year at all being that involved and having the ball in my hands that much,” Kennard said on Spectrum SportsNet.
“It’s something I’ve done before, I’m comfortable with. Obviously I gotta be better with it, maybe I took some tough shots. But shots are gonna fall, but at the same time it’s just getting everybody connected, being organized out there and just being confident with it which I am. Like I said, being organized and trying to get us a good shot every time down.”
Kennard finished with 15 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists while playing a team-high 41 minutes, but it wasn’t enough as the Lakers came up short in Dallas. While Kennard did a bit of everything, he actually struggled with what people know him for most, shooting. Kennard shot just 5-of-17 from the field, but the guard made it clear that he has to be aggressive for the Lakers right now and he isn’t concerned about protecting his efficiency numbers.
“I still need to be aggressive and look for my shot,” Kennard added. “We can talk about efficiency, percentages, all that. That’s not even a thing for me. It’s being aggressive looking for the right play down the floor every single time and trying to get our team the best look that we can get.
“I haven’t really been in this position much the last however many years. But something I’m looking forward to being better at and getting better with.”
Kennard has one of the best 3-point percentages in NBA history and has always been an efficient player overall, but also has never been a high volume shooter. But with Doncic and Reaves out, Kennard understands he needs to be aggressive as a scorer in order for this Lakers team to win and if his shooting percentage takes a hit then so be it.
Luka Doncic to seek specialized treatment in Europe
Doncic will miss the rest of the regular season and likely the start of the playoffs as well, but the Lakers superstar is planning to go to Europe for specialized treatment in hopes of speeding up his recovery and returning to the team as soon as possible.
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