Luke Kennard described his Los Angeles Lakers debut as a process built on preparation and decision-making after a 105-99 win over the Golden State Warriors on Saturday, February 7, at crypto.com Arena. The guard scored 10 points and contributed during a late 11-0 run as the Lakers improved to 32-19, fifth in the Western Conference.
“I mean it’s huge to play at a place like this. I mean biggest stage in basketball. It’s something special and I think for me expectation was obviously get a win,” Kennard said. “But for me just to be aggressive out there, try to make plays when I can and have an impact whether that’s it’s shooting, passing, screening, rebound, anything it is.”
Los Angeles secured its third straight victory despite missing Luka Doncic because of a mild hamstring strain and center Deandre Ayton due to a knee injury. LeBron James led the home side with 20 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds, while Rui Hachimura added 18 and Austin Reaves finished with 16.
Kennard emphasized how film work helped accelerate his transition into JJ Redick’s system. “Oh yeah. I mean obviously when you’re on a new team you got to learn a lot of new things and new people how guys play, obviously plays and defensive coverages,” he said. “And for me, it’s been a big thing throughout my entire career. Nine years now.”
The former Duke standout said studying edits prepared him for spacing and timing within the offense. “I studied a lot of it today. A lot of the play calls and defensive coverages. And there’s still some things I need to pick up on,” Kennard said. “Same with Bron and AR. Same thing.”
One of the key moments came when Redick drew up an after-timeout action that freed Kennard for a three-pointer, a sequence built on screening and ball movement. “Yeah. It’s a great play. I mean, when you have a play drawn up for you, especially come out of a timeout, you want to execute it,” he said. “Maxi set an incredible screen, great pass by AR and just a good play by by coach.”
Execution down the stretch became the difference as Golden State shot 14 of 51 from three-point range and struggled to sustain runs. “I thought for us as a team, our execution was big, especially down the stretch,” Kennard said. “You know, they played hard… but for us to stay composed and hit some big shots and execute down the stretch was huge for us.”
Defensively, Kennard pointed to communication within the Lakers’ zone scheme as a way to build chemistry quickly with new teammates. “Obviously with the zone, communication’s huge. I think it makes you use your voice a little bit more,” he said. “So, you get more comfortable with them out there.”
Kennard added that constant dialogue with coaches and teammates helped simplify his role during the debut. “I was asking a lot of questions, probably too many, but at the same time, they were real positive and encouraging and helping me out with with everything.”
The Lakers will host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night, while the Warriors, led by Moses Moody’s 25 points, return home to face Memphis.
