For the first half of the season, up until the trade deadline, the LA Clippers needed three-point shooting. They simply weren’t good enough in that area, which was one of the most prominent ways the team was held back.
An opportunity to move Luke Kennard was available, given he was on an expiring contract, but instead of making a move, their rival, the Los Angeles Lakers, did. Months later, in the playoffs, Kennard is making the Clippers pay with a series of excellent shooting nights that would’ve done wonders for Tyronn Lue.
In game one versus the Houston Rockets, Kennard went a perfect 5-5 from long distance. That is mind-boggling, though not surprising, considering the level of a shooter he is. The Duke legend didn’t stop there, as, in game two, the heat check continued with another three makes on six attempts.
That said, the Clippers missed a point-blank shot to significantly improve, which carried a ton of meaning because Kennard was already a fan favorite through his first stint.
It brings pain that the Lakers got Luke Kennard for chump change
Had the Los Angeles Lakers given up an arm and a leg for Luke Kennard at the February deadline, the LA Clippers and their fans wouldn’t be upset. The Clippers were focused on their future more than anything, and, understandably, had no business paying a costly price for someone turning 30 in June.
However, all the Lakers had to part ways with was Gabe Vincent and a second-round pick; this is absolutely nothing.
For the Lakers in 2025-26, Vincent played only 29 games, averaging 4.8 points and 1.3 assists, shooting 34.6% from the field and 36.9% from three. He was the pure definition of someone Los Angeles did not need, even the slightest bit.
On top of that, the draft capital the Lakers traded to the Atlanta Hawks is essentially worthless at the moment. Why is that so, if second-round assets can still mean something? Well, the pick is in 2032, which is six seasons away.
So, at the end of the day, the Lakers offered the Hawks nothing for Kennard, who is busy punishing the Clippers for not trading for him in a time of need, and they foolishly accepted.
This is just a sad turn of events, and for the remainder of the first round, and possibly onwards, the Clippers will continue to feel regret for not bringing Kennard back when they had the chance to.
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