Overview
- Luke Kennard has fueled the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2-0 start against the Houston Rockets with back-to-back high-scoring games.
- He posted a playoff career high of 27 points on a perfect 5-for-5 from three in Game 1, then added 25 points in Game 2 while playing 42 minutes.
- Through two games, he has shot 72.7% from three with strong marks on twos and free throws, giving Los Angeles a true three-level threat.
- Injuries to starting guards Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves shifted more ball-handling and playmaking to Kennard, a role he says he welcomes.
- LeBron James called him more than a shooter, and JJ Redick has designed actions to free him as a passer and scorer, though coverage notes his hot shooting could cool as the series continues.