With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves sidelined, Los Angeles Lakers wing Luke Kennard has taken on a a lot bigger function as a ball-handler and facilitator, and he has delivered, recording 31 assists over the previous 4 video games, in keeping with Thuc Nhi Nguyen of The Los Angeles Instances.
Head coach JJ Redick recommended the veteran participant for his professionalism and talent to adapt to totally different duties, whereas LeBron James highlighted Kennard’s all-around recreation slightly than simply his taking pictures.
“He’s only a ball participant,” James mentioned. “… Individuals simply form of gave him the narrative of simply being a shooter. However he does so many extra issues.
“He can deal with the ball, he can rebound the ball, he could make performs. … And what we’re lacking proper now, we want it [from him]. We’d like it increasingly more than ever.”
Elsewhere, veteran ahead Jarred Vanderbilt spoke about his latest sideline alternate with Redick following Friday’s win over Phoenix, as relayed by Dave McMenamin of ESPN.
Vanderbilt downplayed the scenario, saying it has already been addressed internally.
“We talked about it, we moved on from it,” Vanderbilt mentioned. “At this level within the season, we each understand that is the group we obtained. So it’s undoubtedly not a time for anyone to separate.”
Lakers Notes: LeBron, Playoff Seed, Kennard, Vanderbilt https://t.co/86cumbX1fa pic.twitter.com/EI1mkzXPsq
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) April 11, 2026
