The Los Angeles Lakers made a move ahead of Thursday’s NBA trade deadline.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the team is parting ways with the veteran Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round pick. They will receive the veteran sharpshooter, Luke Kennard, in exchange.
The Lakers acquire the 29-year-old former Duke standout well before he wraps up his one and only season with the Atlanta Hawks. Considering the Lakers have been in the market for a veteran sharpshooter for months now, fans seem optimistic about the idea of the team bringing in Kennard as a Vincent replacement on the roster.
Lakers Fans Are Liking the Deal
“Bro, we actually got value of Vincent, this is a W,” a fan wrote on Lakers Reddit. “The 2nd hurts a bit but I’ll take it, some shooting and an actual rotational player,” another added.
There’s no question about whether or not Kennard can play. Since 2017, he’s had a steady role in the league, appearing in over 500 games.
Coming from the Hawks, Kennard came off the bench for 46 games. He shot 53 percent from the field and knocked down a career-high 49 percent from three on 3.2 attempts per game. He leaves Atlanta after averaging 7.9 points per game.
“Not bad, it’s something,” a Lakers fan claimed. “I like this move, actually,” said another.
The Lakers have been on the hunt for players with noted two-way value. While Kennard doesn’t instantly boost the defensive side of the ball, there’s no question he can shoot efficiently from deep. Throughout his career, he has made 44 percent of his attempts from three.
Lakers fans are excited about the idea of Luka Doncic getting another sharpshooter next to him. Most of all, there was some notable excitement about the exit of Vincent. “Addition by subtraction” was a phrase often written on Lakers Reddit. Vincent leaves the organization after three seasons. This year, he averaged just 4.8 points on 34 percent shooting from the field.
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