The Los Angeles Lakers were not expected to be big spenders at the trade deadline, as they are preparing more for the summer rather than making major moves now. However, the organization did make a small move, trading Gabe Vincent to the Atlanta Hawks for Luke Kennard.
“The Los Angeles Lakers have acquired guard Luke Kennard from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for guard Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round pick, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania on Thursday. Kennard is shooting a career-best 49.7% from 3-point range this season, giving the Lakers a sharpshooter on the wings for Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and LeBron James,” ESPN wrote.
The move also gives the Lakers some flexibility if an appealing buyout candidate becomes available. Kennard is making less than Vincent, which helps create room for a potential in-season signing.
“Kennard is making $500K less than Gabe this year so the Lakers have a little extra room under that first apron to sign a buyout player if no other trades are made,” Laker Nation’s Daniel Starkand wrote.
Los Angeles now has several names it could pursue once things become official. One player to watch is veteran Chris Paul, who has been out of action since the Los Angeles Clippers sent him home.
“As one of the league’s storied franchises, the Lakers are always in win-now mode. Adding a seasoned floor general like Paul should only help their championship push, and in turn, give the future Hall of Famer his ring,” ClutchPoints’ Paolo Mariano wrote. “While Paul would only get limited minutes playing behind Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Marcus Smart in the backcourt, his ability to control the pace, make split-second decisions, and set up teammates should only bode well for the Lakers. Paul showed in his pitstop with the San Antonio Spurs that at this juncture of his career, he doesn’t need the ball all the time to be effective.”
This type of move would be beneficial for the Lakers, as it would also bring another mature voice into the locker room. There can never be too much veteran leadership, and Paul would fit well on the roster.
Ultimately, it will come down to where Paul feels gives him the best chance to win a championship. He is nearing the end of his career, and the one thing he has yet to accomplish is winning an NBA Finals.
