JJ Redick Drops a Bombshell on Lakers' Trade: Is This Move a Game-Changer or a Total Bust?

In a significant move ahead of the NBA trade deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers have acquired Luke Kennard, one of the league's premier three-point shooters. This acquisition comes as Lakers head coach JJ Redick expresses his enthusiasm for incorporating Kennard's shooting talent into the team's dynamic, especially in light of their ongoing shooting struggles. Following their recent 119-115 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, Redick shared his excitement about Kennard's arrival, stating, “I’ve known him for about 12 years now, and I think he’s one of the best shooters in the NBA. I’m going to highly encourage him to shoot more and not turn down shots.”

Redick's comments highlight the critical need for the Lakers, who currently rank 21st in three-point shooting percentage at .349 and 23rd in three-pointers made per game (11.8). With their shooting inefficiency evident, Kennard's ability to hit the three-pointer—averaging 3.0 made threes every 36 minutes over his career—could provide the boost the Lakers desperately need. Redick noted that Kennard isn't just a shooter; he can also initiate offensive plays through off-ball movements, which could contribute significantly to the team's overall performance.

“I think one of the underrated parts of his game is his ability to move and create second actions and move the basketball,” Redick explained. “He’ll be a corner threat, and he’ll be an off-ball threat, and we’re excited to have him.” This adaptability could allow the Lakers to diversify their offensive strategies, potentially alleviating pressure on their star players, including LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

However, the Lakers' optimism faces a setback with the news that Doncic suffered a hamstring injury during the game against the Sixers. This marked only the tenth time this season that James, Doncic, and fellow guard Austin Reaves have played together. Redick provided an update on Doncic’s condition, mentioning, “He felt some soreness in his hamstring, so he didn’t feel like it was good enough to go back in, and neither did our medical team.” The team is awaiting imaging results to determine the severity of the injury.

According to sports doctor Dr. Evan Jeffries, the implications of a grade 1 hamstring strain could sideline Doncic for 1-2 weeks, which would unfortunately mean missing the upcoming All-Star Game in Los Angeles. A grade 2 strain could extend his absence to four-to-six weeks, pushing his return to mid-March, a scenario that would impact his eligibility for postseason awards and All-NBA honors. Presently, Doncic has the third-shortest odds to win the MVP award, trailing only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic.

The Lakers' acquisition of Kennard comes at a crucial juncture, where every game is pivotal as they seek to secure a favorable position before the playoffs. Redick’s strategic emphasis on encouraging Kennard to take more shots could revitalize a Lakers offense that has not lived up to expectations this season. With the trade deadline behind them, the Lakers now face the challenge of integrating Kennard into their system while managing the uncertainties surrounding Doncic's health.