The Los Angeles Lakers made a shrewd move at the trade deadline, acquiring Luke Kennard from the Memphis Grizzlies. Kennard has largely delivered on expectations, providing a consistent scoring threat and valuable floor spacing that has diversified the Lakers’ offense. But, as the playoffs approach, a significant defensive concern has emerged, casting a shadow over his contributions. The Lakers’ defensive rating plummets dramatically when Kennard is on the court, raising the question of how much the team can afford to sacrifice on that end of the floor for his offensive capabilities.
The dilemma isn’t about Kennard’s effort, but rather his limitations as a perimeter defender. He’s a nine-year NBA veteran who has participated in four playoff runs, averaging 19.3 minutes per game throughout his career. That experience suggests a familiarity with the heightened intensity and strategic focus of postseason basketball. But knowing what to expect and being able to effectively counter it are two different things and the numbers paint a concerning picture. Currently, the Lakers allow a team-worst 117.5 points per 100 possessions with Kennard on the floor, a stark contrast to the team-best 106.9 points allowed when he’s on the bench. That’s a difference of 10.6 points per 100 possessions – a substantial margin that’s difficult to ignore.
The Defensive Impact: A Significant Drop-Off
The core of the issue lies in Kennard’s struggles defending in isolation. According to Basketball Index, he ranks in the 32nd percentile in perimeter isolation defense. This makes him a clear target for opposing offenses, particularly in the playoffs when game plans are meticulously crafted to exploit weaknesses. Opponents will undoubtedly prioritize attacking Kennard, forcing the Lakers to constantly adjust their defensive schemes or risk conceding easy baskets. This potential for exploitation is what’s fueling the debate within the Lakers’ coaching staff and among fans.
Interestingly, despite the defensive shortcomings, the Lakers are still outscoring opponents by 2.2 points per 100 possessions when Kennard is playing. However, that margin is significantly lower than the team-best 5.9 points per 100 possessions they achieve when he’s on the bench. This suggests that while Kennard’s offensive contributions are valuable, they aren’t fully offsetting the defensive liabilities. The question becomes whether that offensive boost can remain sustainable against the higher caliber of competition the Lakers will face in the playoffs.
The regular season provides a degree of camouflage for defensive weaknesses. Opponent quality fluctuates, and even stretches of challenging games rarely involve facing the same elite team repeatedly. The playoffs, however, are a different beast. The Lakers will be locked into a minimum of four games against a single, highly prepared opponent, one that will relentlessly probe and exploit any vulnerabilities. This focused attack will put Kennard’s defensive capabilities under intense scrutiny.
A History of Defensive Struggles
Kennard’s defensive metrics have been consistently below average throughout his career. While he’s improved as a shooter and offensive player, his defensive limitations have remained a persistent concern. In the 2023-24 regular season, Kennard averaged 10.3 points and 3.3 rebounds in 24.6 minutes per game, shooting 45.7% from the field and 44.4% from three-point range, according to NBA.com. These offensive numbers are undoubtedly a boon for the Lakers, providing much-needed perimeter shooting and scoring punch. But they must be weighed against the defensive cost.
The Lakers’ overall defensive success this season has been predicated on their ability to limit opponents to under 110 points. They boast a 19-4 record when holding teams to that threshold, compared to a 26-21 record when allowing 111 or more. This underscores the importance of defense in their winning formula. The team’s coaching staff, led by Darvin Ham, will need to carefully assess whether Kennard’s offensive contributions are worth the risk of compromising their defensive identity.
One potential solution could be to strategically deploy Kennard in limited minutes, primarily alongside other strong defenders who can assist mitigate his weaknesses. Another option is to utilize him in specific offensive lineups that prioritize spacing and shooting, minimizing his defensive responsibilities. However, these strategies require careful planning and execution, and there’s no guarantee they will be effective against a determined playoff opponent.
the Lakers’ success in the playoffs may hinge on their ability to navigate this Luke Kennard dilemma. They need his shooting and offensive versatility, but they can’t afford to be consistently torched on defense. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Kennard can adapt his game to the demands of postseason basketball, or whether his defensive limitations will prove to be too costly for the Lakers’ championship aspirations. The team’s next test comes on April 14th against the Minnesota Timberwolves, a game that will provide a valuable opportunity to assess Kennard’s performance against a potential playoff opponent.
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