In the absence of the Lakers duo star guards, Luke Kennard has stepped up to average 21.3 points on 71% TS while shooting 52.9% from behind the arc against the Rockets so far
Through the series so far he’s at 21.3 points on 71% TS, shooting 52.9% from three. Obviously that’s probably not sustainable forever, but the bigger thing is the way he’s getting them. He’s not just standing there waiting for one wide open corner three a quarter.
Feels like JJ has really pushed him to stop passing up good looks and actually shoot like an elite shooter. Kennard has always had the touch, but sometimes he plays like he needs the perfect shot. In this series he’s been way quicker with it, and the Lakers kind of need that with so much creation missing.
Small sample, but 20+ a night on that efficiency against Houston is a pretty ridiculous boost from a guy who was probably not supposed to be carrying this much offense.
Source: https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/luke-kennard-stats-in-the-2026-playoffs