Luke Kennard has built a reputation as one of the NBA’s most reliable three-point shooters. Known for his smooth shooting stroke, high basketball IQ, and efficient offensive play, Kennard continues to be a valuable role player wherever he goes. During the 2026 NBA offseason, he became one of the most talked-about free agents after leaving the Los Angeles Lakers to sign with the Phoenix Suns, making headlines across the league.
Whether fans are searching for Luke Kennard’s Lakers tenure, his new Suns contract, career stats, or the latest NBA news involving Marcus Smart, this article covers everything you need to know.
Luke Kennard’s NBA Journey
Luke Kennard entered the NBA after an impressive collegiate career at Duke University. Selected 12th overall in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons, he quickly earned recognition for his elite perimeter shooting.
Throughout his NBA career, Kennard has played for several franchises, including the Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Lakers, and now the Phoenix Suns.
His greatest strength has always been his shooting efficiency. Defenders cannot afford to leave him open beyond the three-point line, making him one of the league’s premier floor spacers.
Luke Kennard and the Lakers
Luke Kennard joined the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2025-26 season in a move designed to improve the team’s outside shooting.
The trade proved beneficial for both Kennard and the Lakers. He immediately became an important contributor off the bench, providing valuable spacing alongside the team’s star players.
His shooting ability forced opposing defenses to extend beyond the arc, creating driving lanes and improving the Lakers’ overall offensive flow.
Kennard also delivered several memorable performances, including clutch three-pointers and one of the best shooting stretches of his career. During the playoffs, he continued to provide consistent scoring while maintaining elite efficiency from long range.
Luke Kennard Signs with the Phoenix Suns
One of the biggest NBA free agency stories involved Luke Kennard leaving Los Angeles for Phoenix.
Kennard agreed to a two-year, $13 million contract with the Suns. The agreement reportedly includes a player option for the second season, giving both the player and franchise flexibility moving forward.
Phoenix targeted Kennard because of its need for elite perimeter shooting after several offseason roster changes.
His arrival gives the Suns another dependable outside shooter capable of complementing their offensive stars while strengthening the team’s second unit.
Luke Kennard Contract Details
Luke Kennard’s latest contract reflects the market value of experienced role players who specialize in shooting.
Contract Overview
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Two-year deal
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Total value: $13 million
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Player option in Year Two
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Signed during 2026 NBA free agency
For Phoenix, the signing is considered excellent value considering Kennard’s proven ability to stretch defenses and shoot efficiently from beyond the arc.
Luke Kennard Stats
Kennard’s career numbers demonstrate why he remains one of the NBA’s most respected shooters.
Among his strengths are:
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Excellent three-point percentage
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Reliable free-throw shooting
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Efficient field-goal percentage
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Strong assist-to-turnover ratio
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Smart decision-making
During his Lakers stint, Kennard averaged double-digit scoring while leading the NBA in three-point percentage during the regular season, showcasing the consistency that has defined his career.
What Makes Luke Kennard So Valuable?
Not every NBA player needs to score 25 points per game to impact winning.
Kennard contributes by:
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Creating spacing
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Knocking down open threes
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Making quick decisions
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Moving without the basketball
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Limiting turnovers
Modern NBA offenses rely heavily on floor spacing, making players like Kennard extremely valuable.
His ability to punish defensive mistakes forces opponents to stay attached to him, opening opportunities for teammates.
Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart
Although Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart play different styles of basketball, both became notable names during the 2026 offseason.
Marcus Smart declined his player option with the Lakers and entered free agency after an impressive defensive campaign. Meanwhile, Kennard departed Los Angeles to join Phoenix.
Their simultaneous departures marked a significant roster transition for the Lakers.
Smart is known primarily for his elite perimeter defense and leadership, while Kennard specializes in offensive efficiency and outside shooting.
Both players filled important but very different roles during their time in Los Angeles.
Luke Kennard’s Shooting Ability
Few players in today’s NBA possess Kennard’s level of shooting consistency.
His shooting mechanics feature:
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Quick release
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Excellent balance
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Smooth follow-through
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Deep shooting range
These qualities allow him to thrive in catch-and-shoot situations as well as coming off screens.
Coaches value his ability to stretch defenses without requiring high usage.
Why the Suns Wanted Kennard
The Suns entered free agency looking to improve their bench scoring and perimeter shooting.
Kennard checks every box.
His experience, professionalism, and shooting make him a perfect complementary player.
Rather than dominating the basketball, Kennard thrives by moving without it, fitting seamlessly into Phoenix’s offensive system.
NBA analysts believe his arrival could significantly improve the Suns’ offensive spacing during the 2026-27 season.
Career Highlights
Some of Luke Kennard’s biggest accomplishments include:
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First-round NBA Draft selection
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Multiple seasons shooting above 40% from three-point range
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Established reputation as one of the NBA’s best shooters
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Productive playoff performances
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Valuable contributor for several playoff contenders
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Successful transition from the Lakers to the Suns in free agency
These achievements reflect both his consistency and adaptability throughout his professional career.
What’s Next for Luke Kennard?
The next chapter begins in Phoenix.
With the Suns aiming to compete in the Western Conference, Kennard is expected to play an important role as one of the team’s primary perimeter shooters.
If he maintains his elite shooting percentages, he could become one of the best value signings of the 2026 offseason.
Fans will also watch closely to see how his chemistry develops with Phoenix’s core players and whether he can help the franchise make a deep playoff run.
Final Thoughts
Luke Kennard continues to prove that elite shooting remains one of the NBA’s most valuable skills. His move from the Lakers to the Suns represents an exciting opportunity for both player and franchise.
With a two-year contract, proven NBA production, and a reputation as one of basketball’s most accurate three-point shooters, Kennard is well-positioned for another productive season.
As the NBA landscape evolves and teams prioritize spacing more than ever, Luke Kennard’s value continues to rise. Whether you’re following his latest stats, contract details, Lakers departure, Suns debut, or offseason headlines alongside Marcus Smart, Kennard remains one of the league’s most dependable and efficient role players.
