The Los Angeles Lakers finally jumped into the fray with the trade deadline nearing. They traded for veteran sharpshooter Luke Kennard from the Atlanta Hawks. The trade seems all about fit, spacing, and shooting. The Lakers landed one of the NBA’s most efficient perimeter threats, and with that move came new questions about his salary, earning money, and what Kennard’s future in Los Angeles might look like.
Why Did the Lakers Add a Sharpshooter at the Deadline With Luke Kennard?
The Lakers acquired Kennard on Thursday morning, sending guard Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round pick in return. The deal came together quickly as Los Angeles looked to address a clear need on the wing.
ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania explained the thinking behind the move in a post on X. “Lakers find a sharpshooter on the wings for Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and LeBron James while the Hawks land a veteran guard, create a $11 million trade exception and pick up an asset,” Charania wrote.
Kennard’s value is simple and very specific. He shoots, and he shoots better than almost anyone in the league.
The 29-year-old guard is averaging 7.9 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game this season. More importantly, he leads the NBA in three-point shooting at 49.7%. For a Lakers team often short on spacing, that number alone explains the urgency.
Kennard’s Contract and Salary Details
Kennard is playing on a one-year, $11 million contract he signed with the Hawks, according to Spotrac. The deal is fully guaranteed, with an average annual salary of $11 million.
For the 2025–26 season, Kennard will carry a base salary of $11 million, a cap hit of $11 million, and a dead cap value of $11 million. The contract is expiring, meaning Kennard is set to become a free agent in 2026.
That timing matters. The Lakers are not locked into a long-term commitment, but they now have a clear evaluation window. If Kennard proves his value alongside LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Austin Reaves, Los Angeles could look to reward him with an extension and a larger payday.
Kennard’s résumé supports that possibility. He was the 12th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons after a standout career at Duke. This is his ninth NBA season and his fifth franchise, following stops with the Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Clippers, and Memphis Grizzlies before Atlanta.
For the Lakers, this is a low-risk, high-fit move. For Kennard, it’s a showcase opportunity on one of the league’s biggest stages, and possibly the setup for his next contract.
