Luke Kennard Brings 'Blender' Offense to Lakers

Veteran sharpshooter praised for creating open looks for teammates

Mar. 2, 2026 at 7:47pm

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After a dominant win over the Warriors, Lakers coach JJ Redick highlighted the impact of newly acquired guard Luke Kennard, who has quickly integrated into the team's offense. Redick praised Kennard's ability to "start the blender" and create open shots for the Lakers' stars through his screening, playmaking, and shooting threat.

Why it matters

The Lakers have struggled to find consistent production from their supporting cast around LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves. Kennard's versatile skill set provides a much-needed boost to their second unit and could be a key factor in the team's playoff push.

The details

Kennard showcased his off-ball movement and screening ability, ghosting a back screen before relocating for an open 3-pointer. His shooting gravity also allowed him to create a driving lane and kick-out pass to an open teammate. Redick praised Kennard's "connective offense" and ability to make the right reads and plays.

  • Kennard's 16-point performance against the Warriors on February 28, 2026 was his highest scoring total since being traded to the Lakers on February 5.

The players

Luke Kennard

A veteran sharpshooter who was recently traded to the Lakers, known for his elite 3-point shooting and ability to create offense for his teammates.

JJ Redick

The Lakers' head coach, who highlighted Kennard's impact in creating open looks for the team's stars through his screening, playmaking, and shooting threat.

Luka Doncic

One of the Lakers' three best players, along with LeBron James and Austin Reaves.

LeBron James

One of the Lakers' three best players, along with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

Austin Reaves

One of the Lakers' three best players, along with Luka Doncic and LeBron James.

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What they’re saying

“And, boy, Luke Kennard, he just starts the blender for us. We frankly have not had a ton of blender starters.”

— JJ Redick, Lakers Head Coach

“Obviously, Luka gets two on the ball, AR gets two on the ball, LeBron will get two on the ball. But just to be able to create a closeout and then make the right read and right play from there … Luke was huge for our offense.”

— JJ Redick, Lakers Head Coach

“His ability to make plays, getting to the paint, uses his (shooting threat); because he shoots the ball so well, a lot of teams like to run him off the line. But his ability to get into the lane and make plays for others as well has been a big part of what we want to do, too. Just making that extra pass, those kick-out plays and those extra ones, he's damn good at it.”

— LeBron James

What’s next

The Lakers will look to continue integrating Kennard into their offense as they push for a playoff spot in the highly competitive Western Conference.

The takeaway

Kennard's versatile skill set as a shooter, passer, and screener has provided a much-needed boost to the Lakers' supporting cast, allowing their stars to thrive by creating open looks and extra possessions through his "blender" offense.