The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly looking to retain Luke Kennard after his impressive playoff performances against the Houston Rockets. As seen in a trending post on r/nba, the Lakers acquired Kennard from the Atlanta Hawks in February 2026, and his value has surged following strong showings in the playoffs.
Why it matters: Kennard's playoff performance has shifted perceptions about his future with the Lakers. His ability to score and playmake has become increasingly important as the team navigates challenges in their playoff series.
The Lakers traded Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round pick to acquire Kennard, who is currently on an $11 million expiring contract.
After a hot start in the playoffs, Kennard's performances have raised questions about how much he could demand in free agency.
The Lakers are prioritizing re-signing Austin Reaves this offseason, but retaining Kennard is also high on their list.
Driving the news: Kennard's recent playoff performances have been a rollercoaster. He started strong, scoring 27 points in Game 1 and 23 points in Game 2 against the Rockets, hitting all five of his three-point attempts in the first game.
In Game 3, he scored 14 points but struggled with shooting, hitting only 4-of-12 from the field.
His performance dipped in Games 4 and 5, where he scored just 7 points and 1 point, respectively, leading to concerns about his consistency.
The Lakers still lead the series 3-2, but pressure is mounting as they look to avoid becoming the first team to lose a 3-0 series lead.
State of play: The Lakers are in a precarious position as they head into Game 6 against the Rockets this Friday. Kennard's role has been magnified due to injuries sidelining key players like Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.
With Reaves' return, Kennard's scoring opportunities may be limited, but his playmaking remains valuable.
Kennard averaged 47.8% from three-point range during the regular season, leading the NBA, making him a key asset for the Lakers.
His initial success with the Lakers could lead to a higher asking price in free agency if he continues to perform well.
The big picture: The Lakers' decision to acquire Kennard was strategic, aimed at bolstering their shooting capabilities. His performances have confirmed his value to the team, especially in the absence of other stars.
Kennard's shooting prowess has been a welcome addition, as the Lakers have struggled with their shooting consistency throughout the season.
As the Lakers plan for the future, retaining Kennard could provide them with a reliable scorer and playmaker alongside LeBron James.
His potential to contribute significantly in the playoffs makes him a prime candidate for retention, depending on the team's financial flexibility.
What they're saying: NBA insiders are increasingly projecting that Kennard will be part of the Lakers' future plans. Jake Fischer noted, “More and more, I'm hearing rival team strategists project Kennard to be part of the Lakers' future plans.”
Fischer highlights the tricky nature of the Lakers' offseason, as they balance Kennard's contract negotiations with the need to re-sign Reaves and navigate LeBron James' impending free agency.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Kennard performs in the remaining playoff games, as his contributions could solidify his place on the roster.
By the numbers: Kennard’s playoff statistics have fluctuated significantly.
He scored 27 points in Game 1, followed by 23 in Game 2, but dropped to 14, 7, and just 1 in the subsequent games.
His shooting percentages also fell sharply, particularly from three-point range, where he went 1-of-11 in the last three games.
Before joining the Lakers, Kennard had a stellar season, finishing with a league-leading three-point shooting percentage of 47.8%.
What's next: The Lakers face the Houston Rockets in Game 6 on Friday, where Kennard has a chance to redeem himself after a lackluster performance in Game 5.
A strong outing could bolster his case for a new contract with the Lakers or increase interest from other teams in free agency.
The outcome of this series will significantly impact the Lakers' offseason strategy, including their approach to Kennard's future.
If they advance, the Lakers may face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the next round, adding to the stakes for Kennard's performance.
This article is grounded in a discussion trending on Reddit. Claims from the original post and comments may not represent independently verified reporting.