LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers finally made a trade, albeit a smaller one than many hoped. Atlanta Hawks reportedly agreed to trade Luke Kennard to the Lakers in exchange for Gabe Vincent, according to multiple reports. Atlanta also receives Los Angeles’ 2032 second-round pick.
Trade Grades: Lakers Solve Glaring Issue With Luke Kennard Trade With Hawks
The Lakers Solve Their Shooting Issues
Adding Kennard gives the Lakers much-needed three-point shooting. Los Angeles ranks 23rd in both three-pointers made (12.0) and attempted (34.0). Kennard ranks 14th among reserves in made threes (74-for-149) and has made at least 100 threes in each of the last five seasons. He also leads the NBA in three-point percentage at 49.7%.
The Lakers sent Gabe Vincent and their final second-round pick in a deadline day trade to acquire a proven deadeye shooter in Luke Kennard. He is an underrated swingman who consistently ranks among the league’s most accurate shooters. He is also having his best defensive season in five years. His defensive numbers suffered while he played on rebuilding Memphis teams. He now gives Los Angeles a low-cost, high-efficiency perimeter threat.
Kennard is on an expiring contract, allowing the Lakers to maximize 2026 cap flexibility. They save roughly $500,000 in the process, which improves their apron flexibility for the buyout market. They could have just under $50 million in cap space while still retaining the ability to re-sign Austin Reaves after he declines his player option.
Grade: B-
The Hawks Get Rid of an Expendable Wing
Vincent signed with the Lakers after a strong postseason run with Miami in 2023. He struggled with injuries in Los Angeles and now heads to Atlanta averaging 4.8 points per game while shooting 34.6 percent from the field.
Atlanta made several moves ahead of the deadline, including acquiring Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield in one trade, Jock Landale in another reported swap, and Duop Reath plus two picks in a completed deal. By acquiring Vincent, the Hawks, per Charania, also create an $11 million trade exception.
Atlanta keeps its salary cap situation neutral by swapping Luke Kennard for Gabe Vincent. The Hawks now hold eight second-round picks and generate an $11 million trade exception. They absorb Vincent into a $13.1 million exception that expires today. That effectively restarts the clock on an expiring exception. They use it on Vincent and then create a new one by trading Kennard. This is strong asset management by Atlanta.
Grade: B
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