Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Luke Kennard

How Luke Kennard built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Luke Kennard is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA. A former Duke Blue Devils player, he was drafted 12th overall by the Detroit Pistons in 2017. Throughout his NBA career, he has also played for the Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, and Atlanta Hawks. Kennard is notable for his exceptional three-point shooting ability, currently holding the second-highest career three-point field goal percentage in NBA history and leading amongst active players.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

June 22, 2017: Drafted by Detroit Pistons

On June 22, 2017, Luke Kennard was drafted 12th overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 2017 NBA draft.

October 20, 2017: NBA Debut

On October 20, 2017, Luke Kennard made his NBA debut against the Washington Wizards, scoring 11 points and recording 2 steals in 18 minutes.

December 15, 2017: First NBA Start

On December 15, 2017, Luke Kennard started his first NBA game after Avery Bradley suffered a groin injury, scoring 9 points with 5 rebounds and 4 assists in a win against the Indiana Pacers.

2017: Enters NBA Draft

In 2017, Luke Kennard chose to forgo his final two years of collegiate eligibility and enter the NBA draft, joining Duke teammates Jayson Tatum, Harry Giles, and Frank Jackson.

2017: Drafted by the Detroit Pistons

In 2017, Luke Kennard was drafted by the Detroit Pistons with the 12th pick in the NBA draft.

January 24, 2018: First Career Double-Double

On January 24, 2018, Luke Kennard recorded his first career double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

April 11, 2018: Scores Career-High 23 Points

On April 11, 2018, Luke Kennard recorded a former career-high 23 points in a 119-87 victory over the Chicago Bulls.

December 10, 2018: Records Career-High 28 Points

On December 10, 2018, Luke Kennard recorded a career-high 28 points in a 116-102 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.

November 19, 2020: Traded to Los Angeles Clippers

On November 19, 2020, Luke Kennard was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in a three-team trade that involved the Brooklyn Nets, sending Rodney McGruder, Džanan Musa, and the draft rights of Saddiq Bey and Jaylen Hands to Detroit.

March 22, 2021: Posts 20 points in 18 minutes

On March 22, 2021, Luke Kennard posted 20 points in 18 minutes, becoming the first player in franchise history to log at least 20 points, seven rebounds and four assists with less than 20 minutes of playing time in a game.

December 18, 2021: Scores Season-High 27 Points

On December 18, 2021, Luke Kennard scored a season-high 27 points in a 104–103 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

February 9, 2023: Traded to Memphis Grizzlies

On February 9, 2023, Luke Kennard was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in a three-team trade involving the Houston Rockets.

July 31, 2024: Re-signs with the Grizzlies

On July 31, 2024, Luke Kennard re-signed with the Grizzlies. He made 65 appearances (11 starts) for Memphis in the 2024–25 NBA season, averaging 8.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists.

July 8, 2025: Signs with the Atlanta Hawks

On July 8, 2025, Luke Kennard signed a one-year, $11 million contract with the Atlanta Hawks. He made 46 appearances off of the bench for Atlanta during the 2025–26 NBA season, averaging 7.9 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists.