Los Angeles Lakers guard Luke Kennard said on Apr. 17 that the team remains confident ahead of their playoff series against the Houston Rockets, despite being short-handed due to injuries.
The Lakers face lowered expectations from outside observers as they prepare for the postseason without key players Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Kennard emphasized that belief within the team is strong, even if others are doubtful about their prospects.
“I think I don’t feel much pressure going into this,” Kennard said after Thursday’s practice. “It’s a thing where we still believe in what we have, who we’re going to start the series with out there and I think everybody believes in that and I think you have to have that belief throughout the entire time no matter how this first game goes, or the second game. It’s a long series, that’s why it can go to seven games.
“Like I said, we believe in what we have. I think being maybe somewhat of an underdog with guys out it kind of gives us this sense of freedom to go out there and just play hard. And again, we’re going to follow our preparation and our work that we’ve put in so far. I think we’re going into it believing that we have a chance.”
Since joining Los Angeles at the trade deadline in exchange for Gabe Vincent’s expiring contract, Kennard has provided an offensive boost and adapted well even when called upon for more ball-handling duties during injuries to teammates.
After the All-Star break, Los Angeles was among the top teams record-wise as they improved performance on both ends of the court. The presence of LeBron James continues to motivate the group heading into playoffs.
Kennard also reflected on playing alongside James—a player he admired growing up—as a meaningful experience since both hail from Ohio.
