​The Los Angeles Lakers have officially severed ties with a 6-foot-5 former Duke star guard, marking the end of his stint with the franchise after the 2025-26 season. The news comes amid a broader reshaping of the Lakers’ roster, as the team confirms the free-agent rights for several veterans have been renounced. The Sporting News notes this development and highlights that the Lakers’ decision follows a period of roster movement that saw notable departures and strategic acquisitions.
Rui Hachimura, who demonstrated exceptional efficiency from beyond the arc during the regular season, shooting 56.9 percent on three-pointers and 44.4 percent in the playoffs, has agreed to join the Los Angeles Clippers on a two-year deal. In addition, Luke Kennard, a sharpshooter who posted 47.8 percent from three in the regular season and 47.4 percent in the postseason, has decided to leave the Lakers for a multi-year contract with the Phoenix Suns.
The Wizards-turned-Laker, the 6-foot-5 former Duke standout, is now officially a former Laker after the franchise renounced his free-agent rights on Wednesday, alongside several other players. HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported that the Lakers have renounced the free-agent rights to LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Dion Waiters, Luke Kennard, Marcus Smart, Maxi Kleber, Nick Smith Jr., Jared Dudley, Avery Bradley, Jaxson Hayes, Markieff Morris, and Wayne Ellington.
Kennard’s journey with the Lakers began midseason after a trade from the Atlanta Hawks, where he had started the 2025-26 campaign. Upon joining Los Angeles in early February, Kennard carried a career perimeter shooting mark of over 39 percent, raising expectations for what he could contribute to a retooled Lakers lineup. His performance did not disappoint in terms of scoring efficiency, and his presence helped the team pursue a more versatile, three-and-D blueprint, especially as the Lakers added established wings like Quentin Grimes to bolster their rotation.
Despite Kennard’s strong run with the Lakers, the franchise appears to be prioritizing other directions, allowing him to pursue opportunities elsewhere. The deal that sent many veterans into new chapters reflects the Lakers’ broader strategy to fine-tune a roster built for sustainability and peak performance in the competitive landscape of the league.
In other related developments across the league, the Clippers secured a significant addition at the expense of the Warriors and Spurs, while other headlines noted ongoing debates about Lakers’ roster decisions and the implications for future seasons. As teams continue to navigate salary cap realities and long-term planning, the conversation around which players fit best within each organization’s vision remains at the forefront of NBA discussions. The Sporting News and other outlets will continue to monitor and report on how these changes shape team dynamics, on-court performance, and postseason potential in the years ahead.