The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves grappling with pressing questions after a disappointing 113-110 defeat to the Phoenix Suns. Despite shooting a respectable 37.9 percent from the three-point line, the game exposed critical deficiencies—namely in their perimeter defense and three-point shooting prowess. The acquisition of Luke Kennard at the trade deadline was anticipated to provide a much-needed boost to this struggling aspect, yet it has turned out to be a strategic miscalculation. If the Lakers are to effectively maneuver through the challenges of the 2025-26 season, they must reassess their tactics surrounding Kennard and an urgent need for 3-and-D wings.
Lakers Focus on Offseason as Kennard Trade Develops Unexpectedly
Luke Kennard, who leads the NBA in three-point field goal percentage this season, paradoxically only attempted one three-pointer during his 21 minutes on the court against the Suns. Instead of utilizing his shooting skills, Kennard has become a reluctant participant in beyond-the-arc play, averaging a mere 2.1 attempts per game since joining Los Angeles. His lack of aggressiveness in shooting deep reflects a concerning trend, raising questions about the very purpose of his trade from the Detroit Pistons.
| Stakeholder | Before the Kennard Trade | After the Kennard Trade |
|---|---|---|
| Lakers | Low three-point shooting efficiency (ranked 23rd) | Continued struggle with three-point shooting |
| Luke Kennard | High three-point field goal percentage leader | Reluctant shooter, not maximizing his capabilities |
| Phoenix Suns | Strong three-point shooting team | Dominated Lakers in three-point attempts and makes |
Struggles in Three-Point Shooting
The glaring statistic of the night was how the Lakers were outperformed in three-point shooting categories, with the Suns hitting 22 to the Lakers’ 11. This pervasive trend has cemented the Lakers’ position in the lower echelons of the league, ranking 23rd in three-pointers made and 19th in three-pointers allowed per game. This systemic failure in perimeter shooting raises a crucial question: what is the strategy moving forward? Consistently losing the three-point battle not only jeopardizes their playoff aspirations but also reveals deeper systemic issues within the team’s roster construction.
The Ripple Effect Across Leagues
The implications of the Lakers’ performance reach far beyond the Staples Center. Teams across the NBA will closely monitor Los Angeles’ choices at the upcoming NBA Draft and free agency. A push for the right 3-and-D wings could impact market dynamics, particularly affecting franchises in Canada, the UK, and Australia that track NBA trends for potential adoption in their own leagues. The urgency for effective perimeter defenders and sharpshooters could reshape the offseason landscape, influencing player movements globally.
Projected Outcomes: The Road Ahead
As we look forward, several key developments are worth monitoring:
- Kennard’s Adaptation: Watch how Kennard adjusts his gameplay in the coming matches. Is he merely taking time to acclimate, or is this indicative of a larger issue?
- Trade Opportunities: The Lakers must consider potential trades or free agent signings to fill their gaps in shooting and defense. Who will emerge as viable acquisitions during the offseason?
- Playoff Seeding: The Lakers’ ability to win games will directly affect their playoff positioning. If they cannot rectify their three-point deficiencies, expect drastic movements within the Western Conference standings.
In closing, the Lakers must confront these reality-checks if they are to harness the potential of their roster. The clock is ticking, and with the offseason looming, strategic upgrades are not just an option—they are imperative for success.
