Luke Kennard said on Apr. 9 that the Los Angeles Lakers are focused on a “next man up” mentality as the team deals with injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, who have both been ruled out for the remainder of the regular season and likely the start of the postseason.
The absence of two primary ball-handlers has led to changes in roles for several players. Kennard, now taking on more responsibility, said after Tuesday night’s loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, “Yeah, just that you gotta take it one game at a time and we’re going up to Golden State to win. That’s gotta be our mindset moving forward. And obviously, yeah, it’s tough when you got guys that that are out but next man up. We’re gonna fight, play hard and we’re gonna compete to win.”
Kennard recently recorded his first career triple-double with 15 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists against Dallas over the weekend. He followed this performance with 10 points, two rebounds and nine assists in the loss to Oklahoma City.
Reflecting on his expanded responsibilities handling the ball, Kennard said he is adapting: “Not bad. Just trying to be poised, under control,” he said. “Trying to get everybody organized but not terrible, obviously. I feel like I can shoot the ball a little bit better, but I’m getting my shots in different ways and just finding the rhythm and stuff like that. But it’s something I’ll be better with and I’m confident in where they have me out there right now and just continuing to grow with that.”
Kennard also described how communication with coaching staff has helped him adjust: “We talk about it pregame, in meetings just different situations and we walk through stuff and talk about it,” he said. He added that limited practice time due to travel means much of their preparation comes from watching film or talking through plays rather than court work.
As playoffs approach without Doncic or Reaves available soon for return, Kennard acknowledged their absence will continue shaping team strategy.
