Lakers 2-for-1 Trade Rating: Purple and Gold Acquire Sharpshooter Kennard, Rated B+; Hawks Clear Surplus Assets, Also Rated B+

On February 6th Beijing time, the Lakers executed a 2-for-1 trade at the NBA trade deadline, sending Vincent and a 2032 second-round pick to the Hawks and acquiring sharpshooter Kennard in return. ESPN subsequently rated the trade —

Lakers trade rating: B+

For the Lakers, purely considering this trade, it can be seen as a good upgrade to their peripheral roster.

Since the Westbrook trade about four and a half years ago, the Lakers’ biggest weakness has consistently been versatile wing players who can both attack and defend; their second biggest need has been outside shooting — initially to create offensive space for LeBron James, now to support Doncic.

This season, the Lakers rank 22nd in the league in three-point shooting percentage, 23rd in both three-pointers made and attempts. Only forward Hachimura has shot over 37% on more than 100 three-point attempts. In contrast, except for three teams (Pelicans and Magic also have only one player meeting this standard, and Trail Blazers have none), other teams have multiple players reaching this shooting level.

The Lakers originally hoped second-year wing Knecht would fill the shooting gap, but his shooting performance has dropped sharply this season — after hitting 38% from three in his rookie year, it has plummeted to 31% this season. Because of this, since December, he has only played more than 15 minutes in three games.

Kennard’s arrival perfectly addresses this issue. He is arguably the most consistent pure shooter currently in the league, leading with a 49% three-point shooting percentage this season, marking the third time in five seasons he has posted such outstanding shooting numbers. Over the past five years, his lowest three-point percentage was still 43% (last season). Although Kennard’s defense is a clear weakness, having started only 11 games in the last two seasons, few can match his bench scoring threat from beyond the arc.

By trading Vincent, the Lakers do give up some ball-handling and on-ball defense — Vincent is averaging 19.3 minutes per game this season. However, the Lakers have ample opportunities to fill this gap through the buyout market, and their current salary is below the luxury tax apron, allowing them to sign a 15th player at any time.

There is an additional benefit in this deal: Kennard’s salary this season is $500,000 less than Vincent’s, saving the Lakers over three times that amount in repeat luxury tax — totaling $1.625 million. The downside is that the 2032 second-round pick traded away was the Lakers’ only remaining tradable second-round pick.

Hawks trade rating: B+

After the arrival of Cory Kispert, Kennard’s role as a pure shooter was partially replaced, and the Hawks later acquired Buddy Hield from the Golden State Warriors via trade, making Kennard a surplus asset. For a player signed last summer as a full free agent, getting some valuable assets in return is an ideal outcome for the Hawks.

If this had happened last November-December, when Keaton Wallace was still struggling as a backup point guard, Vincent’s arrival could have provided significant help to the Hawks. But after acquiring CJ McCollum in the Trae Young trade, Wallace gradually fell out of the rotation. In the final year of his contract, Vincent will likely serve as injury insurance for the Hawks, ready if needed.