Quentin Grimes believes joining the Los Angeles Lakers was an easy decision after several seasons filled with trades and uncertainty.
The 26-year-old signed a four-year, $60 million contract and arrives with several familiar connections. Grimes previously played alongside Luka Doncic in Dallas, worked out with JJ Redick and already knew multiple members of the Lakers organization.
“Everybody wants to be wanted as a player, and I feel like there was a lot of mutual interest between me and the Lakers for a while now,” Grimes told ESPN LA in July.
“Nobody expected Luka to be with the Lakers – we had a good little run with Dallas. I knew JJ. I knew Jarred Vanderbilt. I knew Kurt Rambis … [assistant coach] Greg St. Jean. It was kind of like a no-brainer and a great fit, honestly.”
After playing for four teams over the previous two years, Grimes now has an opportunity to settle into a significant role in Los Angeles. He could compete for a starting spot alongside Doncic, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler.
Grimes has shown his value on both ends. He developed a reputation as a perimeter defender with the Knicks before displaying more of his offensive ability in Philadelphia, averaging 21.9 points and 4.5 assists as a starter over 28 games in 2024-25.
After returning primarily to a reserve role with the 76ers last season, Grimes expects greater responsibility with the Lakers. Los Angeles wants him to contribute offensively while also taking on difficult defensive assignments.
“That was really one of the biggest points, talking with JJ and them, having them being able to pitch me what my role would look like,” he said.
“Having a pretty big offensive role within the team. But also having a big leadership role on the defensive end as well. Taking on that challenge every night of guarding the best players and wanting that responsibility. I want to have that challenge every night.”
