Lakers’ $11M gamble continues to be Luka Doncic’s much-needed pillar, forming an exciting duo originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Los Angeles Lakers are trying to stay out of the Play-In Tournament with about 20 games remaining in the regular season. LA is also preparing for a big summer as it looks to build around franchise star Luka Doncic. However, Doncic wants to win as soon as possible with the Lakers.

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“Dončić being just 26 gives the Lakers a far longer timeline to build a championship-contending team, but that doesn’t mean they can slow down and take their time. Dončić told Lakers president Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick in May that he’s not interested in taking the slow approach in building a contender,” CBS Sports’ Jasmyn Wimbish wrote.

The Lakers made one move at the trade deadline to help Doncic, and it is going surprisingly well so far.

“The Los Angeles Lakers have acquired guard Luke Kennard from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for guard Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round pick, the team announced on Thursday night,” ESPN wrote.

Doncic and Kennard are starting to emerge as one of the league’s most productive duos when they share the floor. Their chemistry also creates more opportunities for players like Austin Reaves and LeBron James.

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“During the last six games, the pair have played 88 minutes together. During that time, Doncic and Kennard have posted an offensive rating of 125.7 on the court. That is the fourth most of any duo who have shared the hardwood for at least 50 minutes. What is doubly notable about that is the three two-man combinations above them too. Each of those features one of either Doncic or Kennard. Between Luka and Luke, there has to be some sort of nickname in there for this new dynamic duo in Los Angeles. If they keeping performing like they have thus far, it will be owed to them,” Lake Show Life’s Syvatoslav Rovenchuk wrote.

With this early success, it will be interesting to see whether the Lakers are willing to bring Kennard back this summer when free agency opens. LA faced criticism for the trade, but the move is clearly benefiting Doncic on the court.

The Lakers are trying to create distance from the Play-In Tournament, and Kennard’s impact could play a major role in that push. The recent play of Doncic and Kennard suggests the pair should remain together moving forward.