The Los Angeles Lakers made plenty of changes in the offseason, redesigning the team to fit the playstyle of Luka Doncic.

The best fit around Doncic has been a rim-protecting and hard-screening big man, which they got in Walker Kessler.

On the wing, Doncic has done best with athletic wings who can shoot or attack off the dribble.

Knowing that, the Lakers signed Quentin Grimes to a four-year, $60 million deal. Grimes spent last season with the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 13.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists on 45% shooting and 33% from three.

He started in 19 games, playing 75 total games for the second straight season.

Speaking to Marc J Spears of Andscape, Grimes said his friendship with JJ Redick influenced his decision to sign with the Lakers.

“Just having him from a friend aspect, just checking in, tapping in with me,” Grimes said. “Checking the games. Asking how my people were doing, how I’m doing. I’m asking how he is doing, how is his wife doing, how are the kids doing. So, when you have that friend aspect of it and that real human aspect of it, it makes it easier to play for a coach like that. He was the main selling point. I saw the [offensive] freedom he gave guys the last two years. Being a part of that offense will be a great opportunity for me to take my game to the next level and hopefully take my team to the next level as well.”

Grimes is a connector on both ends of the floor, a role Macus Smart thrived in last season, his only season with the Lakers.

While the Lakers starting lineup on opening night hasn’t been confirmed, Grimes is expected to occupy the small forward spot next to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

His defensive ability, mixed with his offensive versatility and spacing, makes him a natural fit next to the two stars. Though Grimes didn’t shoot well from three last season, he shot 38% from three in 2024-25.

The Lakers are hoping he can regain his form with the extra spacing he should have playing alongside Doncic, and having things open up with the screening of Kessler.

Along with his ability to knock down threes, Grimes can attack off the dribble and get to the rim. He averaged 21.9 points in 28 games with the Sixers after they acquired him at the trade deadline.