Lakers trade Gabe Vincent to Atlanta for Luke Kennard, reports say

Published: Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 4:15 pm

Lakers Bolster Shooting with Kennard Acquisition

The Los Angeles Lakers have acquired sharpshooting guard Luke Kennard from the Atlanta Hawks in a trade finalized just hours before the NBA trade deadline. The Lakers sent guard Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round pick to Atlanta in exchange.

The move addresses a key area of concern for the Lakers, who currently rank 22nd in the league in 3-point percentage. Kennard, a career 44.2% three-point shooter, has been particularly effective this season, shooting nearly 50% from beyond the arc while averaging 7.9 points per game in 20.5 minutes off the bench.

The trade provides the Lakers with a much-needed boost in offensive firepower. Kennard's ability to stretch the floor is expected to complement the team's existing core, including players like Luca Doncic and LeBron James.

Vincent, who struggled to find his rhythm with the Lakers, averaged 5.6 points in 20.6 minutes per game. He also battled injuries during his tenure with the team.

Kennard is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the season. The Lakers will be responsible for a portion of his $11 million salary. The trade also provides the Lakers with a slight financial advantage, saving them $500,000. This could potentially give them some flexibility if they decide to make another move before the deadline.

BNN's Perspective: The Lakers' decision to acquire Kennard is a sensible move. Addressing their shooting woes is crucial for their playoff aspirations. While the team will need to assess Kennard's fit and potential contract negotiations, the trade appears to be a low-risk, high-reward opportunity to improve their offensive capabilities.

Keywords: Lakers, Luke Kennard, Gabe Vincent, trade, NBA, shooting, three-point percentage, Atlanta Hawks, Rob Pelinka, LeBron James, Luca Doncic, free agent, deadline

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