Luke Kennard delivered a standout efficiency for the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night time on the American Airways Heart, recording his first profession triple-double with 15 factors, 16 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 134-128 loss to the Dallas Mavericks.
Chatting with reporters postgame, Kennard described the problem of adjusting to a bigger on-ball function. “I haven’t actually carried out it this 12 months in any respect, being that concerned and having the ball in my palms that a lot,” he stated. “It’s one thing I’ve carried out earlier than. I’m comfy with it, and clearly I received to be higher with it.”
Kennard acknowledged the impression of lacking Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, the Lakers’ high two scorers, for the remainder of the common season. “For me, I knew among the stints I’d run, on-ball and off-ball, type of a mix of each. We had some actually good issues offensively, however it’s going to be protection for us and that’s what now we have to hold our hat on going ahead.”
Regardless of falling behind by 22 factors early, Kennard praised the workforce’s resilience as they reduce the deficit to 5 within the fourth quarter. “It was nice to see,” he stated. “We ran some lineups they haven’t seen all 12 months, and once we had been down, we stayed collectively. We nonetheless received that man on the market to steer us and be the voice we want. Everyone competed and received us again into it, giving us an opportunity.”
Kennard additionally addressed the problem of balancing his conventional off-ball taking pictures function with elevated playmaking duties. “I nonetheless must be aggressive and search for my shot,” he stated. “Effectivity and percentages aren’t the factor for me. It’s being aggressive, searching for the precise play, and getting our workforce the perfect look we will each time down.”
LeBron James led the Lakers with 30 factors and 15 assists, whereas rookie Cooper Flagg scored 45 factors for Dallas, serving to the Mavericks finish a 14-game dwelling shedding streak—their longest in 32 years. P.J. Washington Jr. added 13 of his 15 factors after halftime to gas the comeback. The Lakers’ offense confirmed flashes, together with a third-quarter alley-oop dunk from Kennard, however they by no means overcame the deficit.
The Lakers, now tied for third within the Western Convention with the Denver Nuggets, return dwelling to face Oklahoma Metropolis on Tuesday. Kennard emphasised that whereas Sunday’s loss was robust, the main target stays on development and adjustment with out Doncic and Reaves. “It’s one thing I’m wanting ahead to getting higher at,” he stated. “Being organized, assured, and making an attempt to get us a very good shot each time down.”
