The Los Angeles Lakers’ 113-110 loss to the Phoenix Suns on April 15, 2026, has sparked a critical evaluation of their roster construction and trade decisions. The defeat, which came on the heels of a 17-12 start to the 2025-26 NBA season, highlighted the Lakers’ struggles with three-point shooting and perimeter defense—issues that the team hoped to resolve by acquiring Luke Kennard at the trade deadline.

Three-Point Shooting Lags Behind Expectations

Despite shooting 37.9 percent from three-point range in the game, the Lakers were outperformed by the Suns, who sank 22 three-pointers compared to Los Angeles’ 11. Phoenix attempted 50 three-point shots to the Lakers’ 29, a disparity that underscored the team’s inability to keep pace with the evolving pace of the NBA.

Kennard, who leads the league in three-point field goal percentage in the 2025-26 season, attempted just one three-pointer in 21 minutes of play. That figure is far below the 2.1 attempts per game he averaged before joining the Lakers, raising concerns about his role on the team.

Trade Deadline Acquisition Fails to Address Key Needs

The Lakers acquired Kennard in a trade that cost them Gabe Vincent and their last remaining second-round draft pick. The move was intended to address a pressing need: the Lakers ranked 23rd in three-point field goals made and 19th in three-point field goals allowed per game entering the 2025-26 season.

Instead of becoming a three-and-D wing, Kennard has largely played within the arc, a departure from his reputation as one of the league’s best three-point shooters. This has led to questions about the value of the trade and the Lakers’ ability to address their perimeter needs.

“If he wasn’t brought in to space the floor and he’s known to be a subpar defender, then what difference did the Lakers hope he would make?” asked one NBA analyst, highlighting the concerns surrounding Kennard’s role.

Need for 3-and-D Wings in the 2026 Offseason

The Lakers’ struggles in the three-point shooting and defense categories have forced the team to confront a pressing need: acquiring 3-and-D wings in the 2026 offseason. The team’s current ranking—23rd in three-point field goals made and 19th in three-point field goals allowed—suggests that their current roster is ill-equipped to compete in the modern NBA.

With the 2026 NBA Draft approaching and free agency looming, the Lakers must act decisively to address their perimeter needs. The team’s inability to find a consistent three-and-D wing has left them in a precarious position, especially as the Western Conference continues to evolve with teams like the Suns, Warriors, and Grizzlies making strides in three-point shooting and defense.

“There’s still time to turn things around, but the Lakers can’t possibly ignore the need for 3-and-D wings at the NBA Draft or in free agency,” said a front-office insider, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

While Kennard may still be adjusting to the Lakers’ system, the trade’s outcome has left the team with a critical question: Was the acquisition of Kennard the right move to address their pressing needs, or did the Lakers once again miss the mark in their roster construction?