Luke Kennard highlighted team execution and flow in the Lakers’ 120-101 victory over the Washington Wizards on Monday at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Kennard scored 19 points off the bench, matching Jaxson Hayes’ output, as Los Angeles improved to 49-26 overall and 7-6 without Luka Doncic this season.
“Shout out Jaxs. Three for three on the year. Is that what it is? It’s impressive 100%,” Kennard said, acknowledging Hayes’ early-season efficiency from deep.
Kennard explained the offensive flow behind his performance. “Spacing, guys, making good reads, being ready to shoot. But yeah, just kind of playing within the flow of the game, not trying to force anything, not trying to overcomplicate things. I thought we did a good job there, especially after the first quarter, executing there in the second quarter and second half just playing well, letting the game kind of—you know, control, how we kind of controlled the pace and what we wanted to do.”
LeBron James led the Lakers with a triple-double, scoring 21 points with 12 assists and 10 rebounds, marking his 1,228th career victory to tie Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for most wins in NBA history. Austin Reaves added 19 points and nine assists, while Deandre Ayton contributed 12 points and seven rebounds.
Kennard also reflected on his adjustment and enjoyment since joining the team. “I’ve been enjoying it every single day to be on a team like this and knowing we’re going to be in the postseason, we’re going to be playing for something. As a player that has been in the league for, I mean, this is my ninth year, knowing that you’re going to have a chance, and I truly believe that. I know everybody in this locker room believes that.”
The Lakers overcame a one-point deficit after the first quarter, going on an 11-0 run to take control. “Obviously, there are some things we can clean up. That’s what these last games are going to be. And then hopefully control where we are in the standings. So, yeah, we’re taking it day by day. We need to focus on the things that we can control, and then when the time comes, I know we’re going to be ready to go,” Kennard said.
Washington was led by Will Riley’s 20 points and Justin Champagnie’s 18, but the Wizards dropped their 19th game in 20 contests. Los Angeles remained in contention for the Pacific Division and a postseason berth, pending Phoenix’s results.
