Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick said on April 7 that Luke Kennard performed well as the team’s lead guard in a recent game against the Dallas Mavericks, despite key players Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves being out. Kennard, who is typically known for his three-point shooting, recorded a triple-double with 15 points, 16 rebounds, and 11 assists.
Redick said that the team had to simplify its offense to adjust for missing players and give Kennard the best chance to succeed in an expanded role. He acknowledged there were mistakes during the game but praised Kennard’s effort. “We talked a lot about simplifying the initial play call and getting into second actions,” Redick said on Spectrum SportsNet. “I think overall the guys did a really good job of that. I think we were 22-1 or 23-1 with 29 or more assists, now there’s two losses there. But it’s an encouraging sign. I think he did a nice job. We gotta figure out what can be the second ball-handler, obviously 41 minutes is too much for him. Him having to handle as well, that’s not a normal thing for him and probably contributed to him not having a great shooting night. But I thought he did some amazing things. I think it was the first triple-double of his career.”
Redick also pointed out that relying too much on Kennard as a primary ball-handler could reduce his effectiveness from long range and tire him out over extended minutes.
The Lakers are currently adapting their strategies due to injuries among key players like Doncic and Reaves. The coaching staff hopes Marcus Smart will return soon to take over primary ball-handling duties while LeBron James may need to contribute more in this area.
Kennard has adjusted his role since joining Los Angeles at the trade deadline and has become an important contributor by spreading defenses with his outside shooting ability.
The team continues searching for solutions amid injuries but remains focused on making adjustments until their roster returns to full strength.