Lakers’ Luke Kennard emphasizes communication in return to L.A.

LOS ANGELES — Luke Kennard has only been a Laker for two weeks. His first practice was Thursday.

But even 14 days has been enough to notice the defensive intensity his new team has showcased over the last month.

And for Kennard, the primary defensive goal given to him by the coaching staff since he arrived has been communication.

“When you think of a zone, you think it’s easy. You just kind of have to stand there, but there’s a lot to it, lot of dynamics, a lot of movement, a lot of communication,” Kennard told the Southern California News Group on Friday. “(Coaches have emphasized) getting back in transition, stopping the ball, making sure you’re guarding your area, and just communicating really well out of it.”

Kennard mentioned the likes of guard Marcus Smart and forward Jake LaRavia helping set the tone for the team defensively, something that Coach JJ Redick reiterated during his pregame press conference on Friday.

“Having Jake or Smart out there, regardless of who the other four starters are, those guys can take the tougher defensive matchups,” Redick said.

Kennard added: “They’re great on that end of the floor, and just they compete as well. And that’s big when you got guys that are good at it, and then they communicate and they just compete. It definitely sets the tone for us as a team. And I think it kind of gets everybody going.”

Kennard has swiftly moved into the center of the Lakers’ bench rotation, shooting 62.5% from the field and 45.5% from 3-point range over his first four games back in Los Angeles. With guard Austin Reaves no longer on a minutes restriction, Redick moved forward Rui Hachimura to the bench, leaving the Lakers’ two best 3-point threats on the bench as scoring options who can spark games going forward – and potentially improve the Lakers’ 35% 3-point shooting (21st in the NBA going into Friday’s games).

When it comes to acclimating back to Southern California – where he played for the Clippers in Crypto.com Arena from 2020-2023 – Kennard said it’s been smooth sailing so far.

“It’s definitely helped, knowing my way around a little bit, but it’s been great,” Kennard said. “I mean, the people have been great. The (Lakers have) helped me out with everything, my family, all that, just moving stuff. And now we’re excited to be back. I’m excited to play here, play for the Lakers. It’s a huge stage, and I’m looking forward to it.”

NOTES

Fewer than 24 hours after the Lakers published a clean bill of health on their injury report, LeBron James was adjusted to questionable on Friday afternoon with left knee soreness.

Chalk it up to waking up sore, Redick said, adding that James appeared “fine” after Thursday’s practice. As it turned out, the 41-year-old star still played Friday night against the Clippers, being upgraded to available in the evening and into the starting lineup for the team’s first game since the All-Star break.