Even in retirement, the competitive spirit of JJ Redick remains as fierce as ever, a driving force behind his desire to coach the Los Angeles Lakers. His passion for the game was on display during a recent discussion about Lakers’ wing Luke Kennard, who is on the verge of achieving a historic milestone in 3-point shooting. When asked how many 3-point shots Kennard would make out of 100 attempts in an open gym, Redick, a celebrated shooter during his own 15-season NBA career, confidently remarked, “Probably somewhere around what I would shoot.”
Redick’s self-assuredness is backed by a remarkable career that saw him maintain a 3-point shooting percentage of 47.5% during the 2015-16 season with the Clippers, a record he holds dear. But his playful banter with Kennard reveals a deeper camaraderie and respect for the current Lakers sharpshooter. “Catch and shoot — I was a better movement shooter than Luke,” he joked, though the tone suggested he believed it to be partially true.
Kennard, for his part, has been making waves in the league this season. As he approached a game against the Timberwolves, he was shooting an astounding 50% from beyond the arc, a feat that only six players in NBA history have achieved over an entire season. These include shooting legends such as Steve Kerr and Kyle Korver, making Kennard’s pursuit both impressive and historic.
“It’s incredibly impressive,” Redick acknowledged of Kennard’s shooting prowess. “He’ll have a six-minute run and take one, and he’ll sit for 15 minutes in real time and then come back in and take another one.” This ability to maintain performance in sporadic shooting situations is a testament to Kennard’s skill and adaptability, traits that have been honed through experience.
Entering the game against Minnesota, Kennard had also recently been traded to the Lakers, where he found himself benefitting from playing alongside superstars like Luka Doncic and LeBron James. “Recently, I’ve gotten some of the most open looks I’ve had all year, and in my career,” Kennard noted, emphasizing how the presence of elite players opens up the floor for him, allowing him to find his rhythm and contribute effectively to the team’s offensive flow.
Kennard’s mindset regarding his shooting is refreshingly straightforward. He focuses less on his percentage and more on getting quality attempts. “It would be really cool [to achieve a high percentage],” he said, “but at the same time, it’s just trying to get attempts and just being aggressive in that aspect.” This approach highlights a key principle in basketball: the importance of confidence and rhythm over mere statistical outcomes.
The Lakers have recognized Kennard’s potential and are encouraging him to take even more shots. “Every time Luke shoots the ball, we think it’s going in,” teammate Jake LaRavia remarked, highlighting the trust the team has in Kennard’s abilities. This belief not only boosts Kennard’s confidence but also enhances the team’s overall offensive strategy, which has needed a spark, particularly in their shooting game.
In a league where the ability to shoot from distance can change the dynamics of a game, Kennard’s rise as a sharpshooter is not just a personal achievement but a vital asset for the Lakers’ aspirations. As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Kennard can join the ranks of NBA greats who have reached similar shooting heights, making his journey one of the most exciting narratives in basketball today.
Reviewed by: News Desk
Edited with AI assistance + Human research
