The Lakers and Hawks struck a deal that checks multiple deadline boxes for both sides.
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Atlanta is acquiring guard Gabe Vincent and the Lakers’ 2032 second-round pick in exchange for sharpshooter Luke Kennard.
Finding shooting was a priority for Los Angeles, and Kennard delivers. The 29-year-old is hitting 49.7 percent from three in 46 games this season and fits cleanly alongside a roster in need of spacing. He also shares a Duke background with head coach JJ Redick.
Vincent never found his footing in L.A. after signing in 2023, appearing in just 40 games across two seasons due to injuries. He now gets a fresh start in Atlanta ahead of unrestricted free agency.
Financially, the deal is neutral. Kennard earns $11 million, Vincent $11.5 million, both expiring. The Lakers did part with their final available second-round pick, but Yossi Gozlan of The Third Apron notes the $500K in savings could matter on the buyout market.
Atlanta creates an $11 million traded player exception by rolling over the TPE from last year’s Bogdan Bogdanovic deal. Per Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Hawks plan to keep both Vincent and Buddy Hield.
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