The atmosphere at the American Airlines Center on Easter Sunday felt a bit empty. It was as if a major star was missing. Sure, there were still notable players like LeBron James and the young talent, Cooper Flagg, on the court, but Luka Doncic’s absence left a significant void for the Dallas Mavericks. Also missing were Austin Reeves and Kyrie Irving.
This scenario opens the door for various players on the Los Angeles Lakers to step up. One of those players is Luke Kennard.
For the Lakers, the focus has shifted from merely surviving without their two top scorers, who typically combine for 58 points each game, to forging a new identity in their absence. The hope is to maintain this momentum throughout the regular season and into the initial rounds of the NBA Playoffs.
“Both of those players are going to strive to get back,” Lakers head coach JJ Redick remarked about Doncic and Reeves. “It’s our job to extend the season so they can come back.”
Without a key player to drive the team, the Lakers ended up losing 134-128 to the Mavericks. However, Kennard’s performance offered a slight silver lining.
Kennard, picked 12th overall in the 2017 draft, was brought in from the Atlanta Hawks on February 5 in exchange for Gabe Vincent and a future second-round pick. Initially regarded as a shooting specialist who could help improve the Lakers’ struggling three-point stats, he suddenly found himself taking on a new role.
Replacing Doncic as the starting point guard, Kennard was required to play a playmaker role for the first time in his nine-year career.
Before this match, he had been averaging 8.1 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. Remarkably, after two and a half quarters, he achieved his first career triple-double with 15 points, 16 rebounds, and 11 assists. Additionally, he boasted a +8 rating, the best among Lakers players on the court.
“It’s an encouraging sign. He did a great job,” Redick stated about Kennard’s performance. “For him to play 41 minutes and handle the ball so much is not normal for him… but he did some great things.”
But while it was a promising game, it’s essential to consider that one game can’t erase years of being a specialist shooter. Requiring Kennard to emulate Doncic isn’t just ambitious; it seems risky.
But honestly, what other choices do the Lakers have?
Without Doncic and Reeves, not only does the offense shrink, it risks collapsing entirely. The dynamics shift. At age 41, James is expected to carry the team’s offensive load, but he can’t dominate for every minute. If others don’t step up consistently in decision-making and shooting, the Lakers risk becoming predictable and easy to defend against.
“We’re going to play with a lineup that hasn’t played together all season,” Redick mentioned before the game. “Everyone knows we need to step up. We need all hands on deck.”
Kennard has to be one of those hands.
He needs to be aggressive, not just selective. This means taking shots without hesitation and recognizing when to drive rather than just passing the ball. The focus has to be on creating offense while manipulating defenses. Things started off well when he threw a lob to James during the third quarter.
Yet, to think the Lakers can outscore any team lacking Doncic and Reeves would be a mistake. The margin for error has significantly diminished. Communication, physicality, and effort have become essential for survival. While Kennard needs to expand his offensive game, his involvement on defense is equally crucial.
The real issue on Sunday wasn’t even the offense; it was the defense. The Lakers, who had been holding opponents to about 115 points per game, allowed 134 points to a Mavericks team that was already struggling this season.
“It’s a big change without those two guys,” Kennard acknowledged after the loss. “We did some really good things offensively, but defensively, we need to improve. That’s what we have to focus on going forward.”
Kennard isn’t being asked to clone Doncic—that would be unrealistic. Instead, he’s expected to stretch his game and adapt in real-time without much preparation. This can be a moment for growth or a chance to reveal any weaknesses.
“Having the ball in my hands is something I’ve never done before,” Kennard reflected on his new responsibilities. “We need to improve. Our shots will fall, but it’s crucial to connect with the team, stay organized, and have confidence. I’m excited to keep growing.”
If Kennard can maintain even a fraction of this performance—perhaps double-digit assists, keeping defenses honest, and competing on defense—the Lakers might stay afloat.
But, if he defaults back to being just a spot-up shooter, well, the Lakers’ season could end sooner than they hope.
