Report: Lakers looking to re-sign Luke Kennard after season

The Lakers may not be done with Luke Kennard after this season.

In fact, Los Angeles has strong interest in re-signing the veteran shooter this offseason, according to Ashish Mathur of Lakers Daily. And based on how this has gone so far, it’s easy to see why.

Kennard arrived at the trade deadline in the deal that sent Gabe Vincent to Atlanta. Since then, Kennard has done what he always does. Space the floor. Knock down shots. Fit in.

Through 18 games with the Lakers, Kennard is averaging 9.5 points while shooting 56.9 percent from the field and 46.4 percent from deep. On the season, he’s hitting 48.8 percent from three, the best mark in the NBA.

That kind of efficiency tends to stick.

More importantly, it translates next to stars. The Lakers view Kennard as an ideal complement alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, sources said. He doesn’t need the ball. He just punishes you when he gets it.

The results have followed. Los Angeles is 12-6 with Kennard in the lineup and has climbed to third in the Western Conference.

Looking ahead, the Lakers are projected to have roughly $60 million in cap space, per ESPN. That gives them flexibility. It also raises the stakes.

There is already buzz about a potential pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo. If that ever materializes, shooting becomes even more critical.

That’s where Kennard comes in.

He’s one of the most reliable shooters of his era, entering this offseason second all-time in three-point percentage behind Steve Kerr. At 29, he fits the timeline. And the role.

The Lakers have decisions to make. LeBron James, Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes are headed for free agency. Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton hold player options.

But one thing seems clear: Kennard didn’t just fit. He made sense. And the Lakers appear interested in making it last.