{"id":150784,"date":"2026-02-09T09:59:15","date_gmt":"2026-02-09T09:59:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=150784"},"modified":"2026-02-09T09:59:15","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T09:59:15","slug":"report-jj-redick-didnt-hold-back-after-luke-kennards-lakers-debut-and-fans-didnt-expect-this-reaction-after-one-strong-performance-the-conversation-around-kenn","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=150784","title":{"rendered":"REPORT: JJ Redick didn\u2019t hold back after Luke Kennard\u2019s Lakers debut \u2014 and fans didn\u2019t expect this reaction. After one strong performance, the conversation around Kennard is already changing fast. Is this the start of something big in LA?"},"content":{"rendered":"

JJ Redick Praises Luke Kennard After Strong Lakers Debut in Win Over Warriors<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"JJ<\/p>\n

The Los Angeles Lakers received an immediate boost from newly acquired guard Luke Kennard, and head coach JJ Redick did not hesitate to praise the sharpshooter after his impressive debut. Kennard played a key role in helping the Lakers secure a 105\u201399 victory over the Golden State Warriors, offering timely scoring and smart decision-making during a short-handed performance.<\/p>\n

With Luka Don\u010di\u0107 sidelined due to a hamstring injury, the Lakers needed contributions from across the roster. Kennard delivered exactly that in his first appearance for Los Angeles, showcasing the shooting efficiency and basketball IQ that made him a priority trade target ahead of the NBA deadline.<\/p>\n

Luke Kennard Makes Immediate Impact in Lakers Debut<\/h2>\n

Luke Kennard wasted little time proving his value to the Lakers. In his first game with the team, he scored 10 points and provided critical plays during the closing stretch of the contest. While his scoring total may not stand out at first glance, his timing and efficiency made a significant difference in the outcome.<\/p>\n

Late in the fourth quarter, with the game still competitive, Kennard delivered one of the night\u2019s defining sequences. He knocked down a corner three-pointer and then followed it with a precise interior pass to Jarred Vanderbilt, leading to a powerful dunk. Those plays were part of an 11\u20130 Lakers run that extended the lead to 100\u201388 with just 3:41 remaining, effectively putting the game out of reach.<\/p>\n

Kennard finished the night shooting 4-of-7 from the field and 2-of-4 from three-point range. He also contributed two rebounds, two assists, and a steal across 26 minutes, demonstrating his ability to impact the game beyond scoring.<\/p>\n

JJ Redick Highlights Kennard\u2019s Basketball IQ and Decision-Making<\/h2>\n

\"JJ<\/p>\n

Following the win, Lakers head coach JJ Redick offered a candid and encouraging assessment of Kennard\u2019s performance. Redick emphasized that Kennard\u2019s true value goes far beyond his box score numbers, pointing to his intelligence and feel for the game as major assets.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust his ability to make reads and make plays,\u201d Redick explained. \u201cHe\u2019s not a guy you\u2019re going to give the ball to in isolation and then he\u2019s going to bend the defense. But he\u2019s a smart basketball player. He knows how to play and he knows how to make reads.\u201d<\/p>\n

Redick noted that Kennard\u2019s contributions often come one step before the assist \u2014 the kind of subtle impact that doesn\u2019t always show up in statistics but can transform offensive flow.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe doesn\u2019t always get the assist, but generally speaking he\u2019s going to attack a closeout, get a shot fake and swing the ball, and that leads to something good,\u201d Redick said. \u201cFor his first time with us, getting here yesterday, I thought he was really good.\u201d<\/p>\n

The coach\u2019s comments reflect confidence in Kennard\u2019s ability to quickly adapt to the Lakers\u2019 system and contribute meaningfully, even with limited time to integrate.<\/p>\n

Lakers Overcome Injuries to Secure Victory<\/h2>\n

The Lakers\u2019 win over the Warriors was especially notable given the absence of Luka Don\u010di\u0107. The superstar guard is currently dealing with a mild hamstring strain, leaving Los Angeles without one of its primary offensive engines.<\/p>\n

Despite the setback, the Lakers managed to produce a balanced offensive effort. LeBron James led the team with 20 points and 10 assists, continuing his strong leadership and playmaking. Rui Hachimura added 18 points on an efficient 7-of-10 shooting performance, while Austin Reaves contributed 16 points off the bench in his second game back after a lengthy absence.<\/p>\n

Six Lakers players finished the game in double figures, highlighting the team\u2019s depth and resilience. Kennard\u2019s presence added crucial spacing and stability, allowing the offense to function smoothly even without Don\u010di\u0107 on the floor.<\/p>\n

Kennard\u2019s Role Could Expand With Don\u010di\u0107 Day-to-Day<\/h2>\n

With Don\u010di\u0107 currently listed as day-to-day, Kennard\u2019s role in the Lakers\u2019 rotation could continue to grow in the coming games. Redick confirmed before the Warriors matchup that the star guard is recovering from a mild hamstring strain and will return when fully ready.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen he\u2019s ready to play, we\u2019ll get him out there,\u201d Redick said.<\/p>\n

The Lakers face a challenging schedule leading up to the NBA All-Star break, with matchups against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, the San Antonio Spurs, and the Dallas Mavericks. Managing Don\u010di\u0107\u2019s health will be a priority, and Kennard\u2019s shooting and playmaking could prove essential during this stretch.<\/p>\n

Redick also acknowledged Don\u010di\u0107\u2019s competitive nature, suggesting that the All-Star guard will push to return as soon as possible.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been around him as a teammate and as a coach, and I know if he\u2019s able to play, he plays,\u201d Redick noted. \u201cI know he wants to be in the All-Star Game, and I know he wants to play against Dallas the game before the All-Star break. He has his team working on him day and night.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Lakers Address Shooting Needs With Trade Deadline Move<\/h2>\n

Kennard\u2019s strong debut validated the Lakers\u2019 decision to acquire him at the trade deadline. Los Angeles traded veteran guard Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for the sharpshooter, according to reports from ESPN insider Shams Charania.<\/p>\n

The move was designed to address a clear weakness in the Lakers\u2019 offensive profile. Entering the weekend, the team ranked near the bottom of the NBA in three-point attempts and percentage, creating spacing challenges around their star players.<\/p>\n

Kennard arrived as one of the league\u2019s most accurate three-point shooters, leading the NBA with a remarkable 49.7% shooting from beyond the arc. His ability to stretch the floor immediately adds a new dimension to the Lakers\u2019 offense, forcing defenses to respect his range and opening driving lanes for teammates.<\/p>\n

He demonstrated that impact early, knocking down a three-pointer on his very first shot as a Laker just over two minutes into the first quarter. The shot, taken over Warriors forward Gui Santos, set the tone for his confident and efficient debut.<\/p>\n

A Potential Stabilizing Force for the Lakers<\/h2>\n

\"JJ<\/p>\n

As the Lakers navigate injuries and a packed schedule before the All-Star break, Kennard\u2019s presence could become increasingly valuable. His shooting gravity creates spacing, while his decision-making helps maintain offensive flow. Even when not scoring, his movement and passing contribute to efficient possessions.<\/p>\n

For a team with championship aspirations, adding a reliable shooter and smart playmaker at midseason can make a significant difference. Kennard\u2019s early performance suggests he could quickly become an integral part of the rotation, especially in lineups alongside LeBron James and Luka Don\u010di\u0107 once the latter returns to full health.<\/p>\n

The Lakers\u2019 victory over the Warriors offered an encouraging glimpse of what Kennard can bring. If he continues to perform at a high level, his addition may prove to be one of the most impactful moves of the season.<\/p>\n

With momentum building and key players expected to return soon, Los Angeles appears poised for a strong push in the second half of the season \u2014 and Luke Kennard could play a central role in that journey.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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