With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves sidelined, Los Angeles Lakers wing Luke Kennard has taken on a much larger role as a ball-handler and facilitator, and he has delivered, recording 31 assists over the past four games, according to Thuc Nhi Nguyen of The Los Angeles Times.
Head coach JJ Redick commended the veteran player for his professionalism and ability to adapt to different responsibilities, while LeBron James highlighted Kennard’s all-around game rather than just his shooting.
“He’s just a ball player,” James said. “… People just kind of gave him the narrative of just being a shooter. But he does so many more things.
“He can handle the ball, he can rebound the ball, he can make plays. … And what we’re missing right now, we need it [from him]. We need it more and more than ever.”
Elsewhere, veteran forward Jarred Vanderbilt spoke about his recent sideline exchange with Redick following Friday’s win over Phoenix, as relayed by Dave McMenamin of ESPN.
Vanderbilt downplayed the situation, saying it has already been addressed internally.
“We talked about it, we moved on from it,” Vanderbilt said. “At this point in the season, we both realize this is the group we got. So it’s definitely not a time for anybody to separate.”
Lakers Notes: LeBron, Playoff Seed, Kennard, Vanderbilt https://t.co/86cumbX1fa pic.twitter.com/EI1mkzXPsq
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) April 11, 2026
