Luke Kennard: Is Gabe Vincent leaving the Lakers?
Luke Kennard: Is Gabe Vincent leaving the Lakers?
The Los Angeles Lakers have made a late-season roster move aimed squarely at fixing one of their most glaring weaknesses: perimeter shooting. According to ESPN insider Shams Charania, the Lakers are acquiring sharpshooter Luke Kennard from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for guard Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round draft pick.
For a Lakers team fighting to solidify its playoff positioning in the Western Conference, the trade represents a calculated bet on offense—specifically, elite three-point shooting at a time when spacing and efficiency matter more than ever.
Why Luke Kennard Matters to the Lakers
Luke Kennard arrives in Los Angeles with one of the most reliable shooting résumés in the NBA. Over his career, Kennard has connected on 44.2% of his three-point attempts, a number that already places him among the league’s most efficient long-range shooters. This season, however, he has taken things to another level.
Kennard is currently leading the NBA in three-point percentage, knocking down an eye-popping 49.7% of his attempts. That efficiency stands in sharp contrast to the Lakers’ struggles from beyond the arc. As a team, Los Angeles is shooting just 34.8% from three-point range, ranking near the bottom of the league in both makes and attempts.
The Lakers currently sit sixth in the Western Conference standings, narrowly ahead of several teams chasing playoff positioning. With limited margin for error, adding a high-volume, high-efficiency shooter could significantly impact late-game execution and overall offensive balance.
A Boost for a Struggling Lakers Offense
Statistically, the Lakers have been one of the league’s least productive three-point shooting teams. They rank 25th in both three-pointers made and attempted this season, a troubling indicator in a league increasingly dominated by spacing and perimeter scoring.
Kennard directly addresses that problem. He ranks among the NBA’s top reserve shooters, converting 74 of his 149 three-point attempts this year. Notably, he has made at least 100 three-pointers in each of the past five seasons, underscoring his consistency and durability as a shooting threat.
While Kennard may not be a high-usage scorer, his presence alone forces defenses to adjust—opening driving lanes for stars and improving floor spacing for the Lakers’ half-court offense.
What Atlanta Gets in Return
The Hawks receive Gabe Vincent, who signed with the Lakers following a breakout postseason run with the Miami Heat that helped propel them to the 2023 NBA Finals. Unfortunately, Vincent’s time in Los Angeles never fully gained traction.
Injuries limited his availability, and when healthy, Vincent struggled to find rhythm. He is averaging 4.8 points per game while shooting 34.6% from the field this season. Still, Atlanta appears willing to take a chance on Vincent’s upside and experience as a rotation guard.
More importantly, the Hawks also receive a 2032 second-round pick and generate a valuable $11 million trade exception by absorbing Vincent’s contract. According to reports, Atlanta plans to retain Vincent rather than flip him immediately.
Part of a Busy Deadline for the Hawks
This trade is just one piece of a broader flurry of activity by the Hawks ahead of the trade deadline. Atlanta has reportedly acquired Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield in one deal, added Jock Landale in another, and completed a separate trade involving Duop Reath and draft picks.
The accumulation of assets and trade flexibility suggests Atlanta is positioning itself for future roster maneuvering rather than short-term contention.
Short-Term Gamble, Long-Term Flexibility
Both Kennard and Vincent are on expiring contracts and will become unrestricted free agents this summer. That reality makes this trade a relatively low-risk move for both sides.
For the Lakers, it’s a clear win-now decision. For the Hawks, it’s a chance to maintain flexibility while collecting future assets and a trade exception.
If Kennard’s shooting translates to meaningful playoff contributions, this deal could quietly become one of the more impactful moves of the season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who did the Lakers trade for Luke Kennard?
The Lakers traded Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks.
Why did the Lakers want Luke Kennard?
Los Angeles needed reliable three-point shooting, and Kennard is currently the NBA’s most accurate shooter from deep.
What does Atlanta gain from this trade?
The Hawks receive Gabe Vincent, a future second-round pick, and an $11 million trade exception.
Are Kennard and Vincent under contract long-term?
No. Both players are on expiring contracts and will be unrestricted free agents this summer.
Will Luke Kennard start for the Lakers?
Kennard is expected to play a key rotation role, particularly as a floor spacer off the bench.