OFFICIAL: Los Angeles Lakers Secure Top Sniper by Signing Memphis Grizzlies Three-Point Specialist in Major Offseason Shooting Upgrade

The Los Angeles Lakers have made a significant move in their quest to build a championship-caliber roster for the 2025-26 NBA season by officially announcing the signing of Memphis Grizzlies’ sharpshooter and three-point specialist, Luke Kennard. The agreement brings one of the league’s most efficient perimeter threats to Los Angeles, a team long in search of reliable floor spacing to complement its superstar core.

According to team sources, the deal is for two years, worth $18.4 million, with the second year being a player option. Kennard, widely regarded as one of the purest shooters in the league, immediately addresses one of the Lakers’ glaring weaknesses from last season — consistent three-point production from the perimeter.

In a statement released by Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka, he emphasized the importance of adding elite shooting to their roster construction, particularly with LeBron James returning for his record-setting 23rd NBA season and Anthony Davis entering his prime.

“Luke Kennard is an exceptional talent whose ability to stretch the floor will be invaluable for our team,” Pelinka stated. “We are committed to surrounding our stars with complementary pieces that give us the best chance to compete for another championship, and adding one of the league’s top shooters was a major priority this offseason.”

Kennard, 28, arrives in Los Angeles after spending the past two seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies, where he quickly established himself as one of the deadliest long-range shooters in franchise history. During the 2024-25 campaign, Kennard shot a remarkable 44.8% from beyond the arc, ranking among the top five in the NBA for three-point percentage for the third consecutive season. His ability to knock down shots from deep, whether off the catch or creating space with step-backs, makes him an ideal fit alongside playmakers like James and Davis.

The Lakers’ need for reliable shooting has been a recurring theme over the past few years. Despite their defensive grit and interior dominance, inconsistent perimeter scoring often plagued them in key playoff moments. With Kennard in the fold, head coach JJ Redick, himself a former three-point specialist, gains a weapon capable of punishing defenses for collapsing on James and Davis in the paint.

“Luke is the type of player that every coach wants,” Redick said during Monday’s introductory press conference. “He understands spacing, he’s unselfish, he moves well without the ball, and most importantly, he makes shots at an elite level. For our offensive philosophy, his skill set is going to open up a lot of opportunities for the entire team.”

Kennard’s addition also represents a strategic pivot for the Lakers, who have been aggressive this offseason in addressing roster needs. Following the recent acquisitions of center Deandre Ayton and veteran guard Malcolm Brogdon, Los Angeles has demonstrated a clear commitment to balancing star power with specialized role players. Kennard’s arrival signals that the front office recognizes the modern NBA’s demand for spacing and efficiency from deep.

Statistically, Kennard’s impact extends beyond just three-point shooting. In 2024-25, he averaged 11.7 points, 2.6 assists, and 2.4 rebounds per game while maintaining an impressive 47.2% field goal percentage overall. While not known for his defensive prowess, his high basketball IQ, off-ball movement, and precise shot selection make him a low-risk, high-reward addition to the Lakers’ system.

Kennard, who was originally drafted 12th overall by the Detroit Pistons in 2017, has built a reputation as one of the NBA’s most efficient marksmen over his eight-year career. His stints with Detroit, the LA Clippers, and Memphis have showcased his ability to seamlessly integrate into different offensive schemes while maintaining his shooting efficiency.

The Ohio native expressed excitement about joining the Lakers and the opportunity to play alongside LeBron James, whom he admired growing up.

“I grew up watching LeBron dominate this league, and now to be able to share the court with him in a Lakers jersey is surreal,” Kennard said. “But beyond that, I’m here to help this team win games. I know my role, I know what I bring to the table, and I’m ready to do whatever it takes to help this group compete for a championship.”

Kennard’s signing comes amid a period of heightened competition in the Western Conference. With teams like the Denver Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks, and Phoenix Suns all boasting formidable rosters, the Lakers’ aggressive moves signal their unwillingness to stand still. By targeting specific weaknesses, notably three-point shooting, Los Angeles is positioning itself to make a deep playoff run.

Notably, Kennard’s playoff experience with both the Clippers and Grizzlies adds further value. Though he has never been considered a superstar, his composure in high-pressure situations, ability to hit clutch shots, and spacing presence make him a playoff X-factor. For a Lakers squad that faced offensive stagnation during their 2025 Western Conference Semifinals exit, Kennard provides a reliable outlet who can thrive under the postseason spotlight.

JJ Redick’s offensive system is expected to emphasize ball movement, pace, and three-point shooting, aligning perfectly with Kennard’s strengths. Analysts believe his presence on the floor will force defenses to make difficult choices — collapse on James or Davis at the risk of Kennard torching them from deep, or stay glued to Kennard and risk giving up easy interior baskets.

“Luke Kennard isn’t just a shooter, he’s a floor general without the ball,” ESPN analyst Richard Jefferson remarked. “His movement, his spacing, and his gravity change how defenses operate. This is a sneaky good signing that could pay major dividends come playoff time.”

Financially, the deal is seen as a smart, cap-conscious move for the Lakers, giving them flexibility heading into future seasons while addressing immediate needs. With Kennard’s player option for the 2026-27 season, both parties maintain optionality based on performance and team trajectory.

As the Lakers’ roster begins to take shape, early projections indicate a starting five of D’Angelo Russell, Luke Kennard, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Deandre Ayton — a lineup blending elite shooting, veteran leadership, size, and versatility. Off the bench, the Lakers boast experienced contributors like Brogdon, Rui Hachimura, and rookie Dalton Knecht, creating depth that will be vital across an 82-game season.

While championship aspirations hinge on health, chemistry, and execution, Kennard’s signing undeniably addresses one of Los Angeles’ most critical weaknesses. For years, opposing teams have dared the Lakers to beat them from deep — with Kennard on board, those days might be over.

Fans have already taken to social media, expressing optimism and excitement for the team’s latest addition. The combination of LeBron James’ playmaking, Anthony Davis’ interior dominance, and Kennard’s perimeter shooting has many believing the Lakers could return to the top of the Western Conference hierarchy.

With training camp just weeks away, all eyes will be on how quickly Kennard integrates into JJ Redick’s system and how his shooting reshapes the Lakers’ offensive identity. For now, Lakers Nation can celebrate the arrival of one of the NBA’s premier snipers, a move that could bring the purple and gold one step closer to hanging banner No. 18 in the rafters of Crypto.com Arena.