The Lakers are facing a challenge with Luke Kennard.
He tends to hesitate too much.
Kennard could be the pivotal player in the upcoming playoff series against the Thunder, a team recognized for its outstanding defense. With Luka Doncic out of the picture, the Thunder might crumble under the pressure from LeBron James and Austin Reeves.
The Lakers are desperate for more scoring options. They need a sharpshooter to stretch the floor and provide reliable three-point shooting.
That’s where Kennard comes in.
At the start of the Lakers’ first-round matchup against the Rockets, it seemed as though Kennard was finally realizing his potential. It felt like Coach JJ Redick had finally unlocked his skills.
After Doncic and Reeves left the series, Kennard transitioned from being just a three-point shooter to the Lakers’ main playmaker. He averaged 25 points in the first two games, skillfully directing the offense.
“He’s known as a sniper, but he’s much more than that,” LeBron James remarked following the Lakers’ victory in Game 2.
After that win, though, Kennard’s presence on the court diminished.
Upon Reeves’ return in Game 5, Kennard’s impact was virtually nonexistent.
In Game 5, he went 0-for-4, and in Game 6, he made just 1 of 6 attempts.
This isn’t going to cut it against a Thunder squad that consistently puts five strong defenders on the floor.
They will be facing elite talents like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who excels on both ends, Chet Holmgren’s formidable defense, and Lou Dort’s lockdown skills.
“The Thunder are one of the best teams in NBA history,” Redick noted during practice. “It’s the truth. They’re impressive.”
Kennard really needs to shake off his slump. He must regain his confidence and become a genuine offensive threat if the Lakers hope to succeed.
All last week, Redick’s message to Kennard was clear: “Be aggressive.”
It’s not just advice anymore; it’s a necessity.
The Lakers are no longer up against a flawed Rockets team. They’re facing the reigning champions, bolstered by the current MVP, Gilgeous-Alexander.
“The pressure we felt from Houston is nothing compared to what’s coming from OKC,” Redick emphasized.
The Lakers battled the Thunder throughout the season. In a game without Doncic in February, James and Reeves were left gassed after a close loss.
Things only went downhill from there.
In a disheartening 43-point defeat to the Thunder in early April, both Doncic and Reeves suffered injuries. They lost again by 36 points soon after, struggling to even reach 100 points in those games.
Without Doncic—who led the league in scoring with an average of 33.5 points—it’s unlikely the Lakers will find success early in this series.
During the series against the Rockets, James, at 41 years old, boosted his scoring to an average of 23.2 points per game, while Reeves contributed 18.5 points after returning in Game 5.
That was enough against the undermanned Rockets, but it won’t suffice against the Thunder.
The Lakers need Kennard to step up as their third leading scorer—to be aggressive and take those shots.
However, that’s not really his usual approach.
Reaves might need to take him aside and share insights on how he’s adapted this season. After the early struggles of their star trio, a new dynamic emerged with Doncic at the top, Reaves next, and James following.
This shift required Reaves—who went undrafted in 2021—to step into the role of second option over James, a significant adjustment for both players.
But as the team aligned around this new strategy, their offense flourished, winning 16 of 18 games.
Kennard, who led the league in three-point shooting this season, must also reshape his mindset.
He should play with the confidence of a star, even when sharing the court with talents like James and Reeves.
Kennard should view himself as a scorer. He must make his impact felt.
He can truly be the game-changer in this series.
It all starts with believing in himself.
