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Lakers explore Jaden Hardy's potential role as a key shooter

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 14, 2026, 6:35 PM

Last updated Aug 14, 2026

Lakers explore Jaden Hardy's potential role as a key shooter

Summary

The Los Angeles Lakers are considering a significant role for guard Jaden Hardy as a volume shooter following their recent trade involving Deandre Ayton. Acquired alongside future draft picks, Hardy's $6 million salary could help address the Lakers' reliance on perimeter shooting, particularly after Luke Kennard's departure in free agency. Hardy averaged 2.5 made three-pointers per game last season, a higher mark compared to Kennard's average. His shooting efficiency and willingness to shoot may provide the Lakers with an option to improve their three-point performance, which ranked low last season. The team has flexibility with Hardy's contract, allowing them to move him if necessary during the season.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Lakers acquire Jaden Hardy in the Deandre Ayton trade.
•Hardy has a potential role to fill the shooting gap left by Kennard.
•He averaged 2.5 made threes on 42% shooting last season.
•Lakers ranked 14th in three-point percentage last year.
•Hardy’s contract provides flexibility for trades if needed.

Latest Updates

6:35 PMYahoo Sports — Lakers Could Find Unexpected Role for Overlooked $6 Million Guard

What they're saying

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The Lakers could find an unexpected role for Jaden Hardy, with the $6 million guard potentially filling a key shooting void. The post Lakers Could Find Unexpected Role for Overlooked $6 Million Guard appeared first on HEAVY.
— Yahoo Sports

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