Championship, Extension, and a Porsche! Kendrick Nunn’s Journey After Disastrous Lakers Stint – Could He Return to the NBA?

Kendrick Nunn, a name familiar to many NBA fans, has been in the spotlight recently for his continued success overseas. The former Miami Heat standout, who helped lead the team to the 2020 NBA Finals, recently signed a contract extension with Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos. According to European basketball sources, Nunn inked a two-year deal with the club, with an NBA opt-out clause that would allow him to terminate the contract should an NBA team come calling. The financial details of the contract remain undisclosed.

Nunn’s extension with Panathinaikos comes after a remarkable debut season in Europe, where he not only impressed on the court but also earned a Porsche Turbo S, complete with a sports package, courtesy of the Panathinaikos owner. Valued at around $300,000, this luxurious gift is a symbol of the appreciation for Nunn’s contributions to the team. This chapter in his career follows a turbulent few years in the NBA, particularly during his ill-fated tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Kendrick Nunn's European Success Story

After going unsigned in the NBA free agency market last offseason, Nunn made the bold decision to take his talents to Europe, signing with Panathinaikos. The move turned out to be a career revival. Over the course of the 2023-2024 season, Nunn played 35 games, averaging 16.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game while shooting an impressive 46.6% from the field, 41.0% from beyond the arc, and 95.9% from the free-throw line.

Nunn's performances helped Panathinaikos secure the EuroLeague championship, a prestigious title in European basketball. In the championship game, Panathinaikos staged a thrilling comeback against Spanish giants Real Madrid, winning 95-80. Nunn played a pivotal role, scoring 21 points, grabbing three rebounds, and dishing out three assists in 24 minutes of action. His efforts in the final drew praise from across the basketball world, with NBA stars such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Dennis Schröder, and Scottie Pippen among the attendees.

Beyond his club success, Nunn has also been exploring international opportunities. He recently applied for Turkish citizenship with hopes of being naturalized and representing the Turkish national team in future FIBA competitions. His transition to European basketball has been seamless, and the former Heat guard seems to be thriving in this new chapter of his career.

The Lakers Debacle: What Went Wrong?

While Nunn has found success in Europe, his time with the Los Angeles Lakers is a chapter many fans would rather forget. After a breakout year with the Miami Heat, where he averaged 14.6 points and shot 38.1% from three-point range during the 2020-2021 season, Nunn entered free agency in 2021. The Lakers quickly scooped him up, offering him a two-year, $10.25 million contract with a player option for the second year. At the time, this was the Lakers’ most significant signing of the offseason, and expectations were high that Nunn would bring his scoring punch to a Lakers team aiming for another title.

Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned. Nunn missed the entire 2021-2022 season due to a knee injury, a blow that left the Lakers short-handed in the backcourt. His absence was especially costly, as the team, headlined by an aging LeBron James and Anthony Davis, struggled throughout the season, ultimately missing even the play-in tournament. Just a year removed from winning the 2020 NBA Championship, the Lakers were suddenly on the outside looking in, and Nunn’s injury was one of the many factors that derailed their season.

Nunn returned to action in the 2022-2023 season, but his performance was far from what the Lakers had hoped for. In 39 games, he averaged just 6.7 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 0.9 assists while shooting 40.6% from the field and 32.5% from three-point range. His true shooting percentage of 50.3% was a significant drop-off from his time in Miami, and he struggled to find consistent minutes in a crowded Lakers backcourt.

The Lakers, desperate to improve their roster ahead of the trade deadline, finally cut ties with Nunn, trading him to the Washington Wizards. It was the end of a disappointing stint in Los Angeles, and Nunn's time with the Lakers will likely be remembered as one of the team’s most disappointing free-agent signings in recent memory.

Redemption in Washington and Beyond

After being traded to the Wizards, Nunn’s play improved, although he never quite returned to his Miami form. In 31 games with Washington, he averaged 7.5 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, while his shooting percentages jumped to 44.7% from the field and 39.2% from three-point range. His true shooting percentage of 56.3% was a marked improvement from his time in Los Angeles, but it still wasn’t enough to convince NBA teams to offer him a contract during the following offseason.

Despite his struggles with the Lakers, Nunn's performances in Miami, Washington, and now Panathinaikos prove that he still has plenty left in the tank. His success in the EuroLeague, coupled with his potential future with the Turkish national team, suggests that Nunn could still have a future in professional basketball—whether in Europe or perhaps even back in the NBA.

Reflecting on His Lakers Experience

In the immediate aftermath of his Lakers stint, Nunn voiced some frustration about his time in Los Angeles. He notably liked a social media post criticizing the Lakers for not giving him enough opportunities, which stated, “Vincent gets 30 minutes without doing anything, while Nunn never got to play 30 minutes in a game.” This was a pointed reference to Gabe Vincent, a fellow Heat product who joined the Lakers after impressing in Miami.

However, after leading Panathinaikos to a EuroLeague championship, Nunn’s perspective on his Lakers tenure seemed to soften. In a recent interview, he reflected on his time in Los Angeles, stating, “I learned a lot with the Lakers. That team had so many future Hall of Famers. I got to watch those guys every day—see how they worked both on and off the court. That was crucial for me.”

Looking back, it’s clear that Nunn’s time with the Lakers was marred by injury and poor timing. When Nunn finally returned from injury in 2022, the Lakers' backcourt was stacked with talent. Russell Westbrook was still in the fold before being traded mid-season, while D’Angelo Russell came in after the trade deadline, and Austin Reaves was emerging as one of the team’s most promising young players. With so many guards needing minutes, Nunn struggled to find his rhythm or a consistent role within the rotation.

Can Kendrick Nunn Return to the NBA?

Nunn’s NBA career may have hit a roadblock, but his journey is far from over. His inspiring rise from an undrafted player to a key contributor for an NBA Finals team proves that he has the work ethic and talent to succeed at the highest level. His dominant performances in Europe further highlight his ability to adapt and thrive in different environments.

Could we see Nunn back in the NBA? It’s entirely possible. His success with Panathinaikos and the fact that he’s still in his prime at 28 years old make him an intriguing option for NBA teams in need of scoring and shooting off the bench. Moreover, his contract with Panathinaikos includes an NBA opt-out clause, meaning that if an opportunity arises, Nunn could make his return to the league.

For now, Nunn seems content to continue his career in Europe, but with his impressive track record, it wouldn’t be surprising if an NBA team came calling before too long.

Meanwhile, the Lakers have moved on from Nunn, but history may yet repeat itself. Gabe Vincent, who signed a three-year, $33 million contract with Los Angeles after his strong play for the Heat, has already faced injury troubles of his own. Lakers fans can only hope that Vincent avoids the same fate as Nunn, as another injury-marred stint would certainly be a setback for the team’s hopes of contending.