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Luke Kennard of the Los Angeles Lakers addressed the media on Thursday, April 16, ahead of the opening-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets, focusing on preparation, adaptability, and execution under short-handed conditions.
Kennard opened by highlighting how this postseason differs from earlier experiences, stating, “Obviously I feel like other teams I’ve been on in the playoffs have been a little bit more healthy. So just working on things that we think are going to work, going over game plan.”
He emphasized the intensity of the current preparation block, adding, “We’ve had a really good three days these last three days together and again just continuing to grow off of that. Our focus level is really high right now which is key and it’s going to be huge for us going forward.”
The Lakers have been adjusting lineups due to absences of key creators like Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, which has shifted offensive responsibilities across the roster.
Kennard explained that recent games provided experimentation opportunities, saying, “The last few games since they both were out it’s given us an opportunity to look at some things that we might try to see in the playoffs. Different lineups, different ways that we can use different guys and different schemes we can use.”
He also stressed that playoff execution must elevate, stating, “The level of everything, execution and the way you play has to be a step higher than what it’s been. We’re a little short-handed and we know that but we’ve been preparing really well.”
Attention has also been placed on Bronny James, with Kennard noting, “He’s been great… he’s played really well for us and we’re going to need him. He plays hard. He does the little things that we’re going to need.”
Kennard referenced his earlier playoff experience with Detroit when discussing readiness for expanded responsibility, saying, “I was like a main guy on the team. So I’ve just kind of been thinking back to that and how I prepared and how teams were kind of guarding me in certain situations.”
On mental adjustments, he added, “A little bit just different shots that I might get, stuff I’m working on after practice and stuff like that. So definitely just being more comfortable with the ball in certain situations.”
The Lakers have used altered rotations and additional in-practice reps to build cohesion, which Kennard described: “It kind of just goes back to when Luka and AR got hurt… I’ve been in a lot of actions with LeBron and our bigs and just different guys out there.”
Physical preparation has also been emphasized, including conditioning work. Kennard said, “Just a little conditioning thing… you got to be really well conditioned to play against a team like that.”
Looking ahead to the matchup with Houston and Kevin Durant, Kennard highlighted rebounding and defensive discipline, stating, “Getting a lot of defensive rebounds… and then obviously just making it tough on their scorers.”
He concluded by reinforcing the team’s mindset entering the series, saying, “We believe in what we have… it kind of gives us this sense of freedom to go out there and just play hard.”
