JJ Redick Addresses How Quentin Grimes Fits Into Lakers’ Lineup

Quentin Grimes has needed little time to show why the Los Angeles Lakers wanted him alongside Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.

In two preseason appearances, the newcomer has provided scoring and given JJ Redick an early look at the versatility he could bring to the rotation.

Following Tuesday’s loss to Golden State, Redick described a role that extends beyond waiting for open jumpers. He sees Grimes as someone who can initiate an advantage when necessary and complete a possession after another player creates the opening.

Redick also praised his work defensively.

“I think his commitment to the defensive end has been really good throughout camp,” Redick said, according to Spectrum SportsNet’s postgame interview.

That combination helps explain why Grimes has become one of the Lakers’ most intriguing early lineup options.

Playing with Dončić and Reaves requires more than being available for a kickout pass.

Defenses will load up against the Lakers’ primary creators, leaving other players responsible for making the next decision. Grimes can shoot when defenders give him space, drive when they close out too aggressively or move the ball to a teammate with a better opportunity.

Those decisions can determine whether an initially promising possession produces a quality shot.

Redick’s assessment suggests he also trusts Grimes to handle more responsibility when the situation calls for it. That could help the Lakers avoid asking Dončić or Reaves to manufacture every scoring chance.

In separate comments before Tuesday’s game, Redick described Grimes as a complementary piece for both guards and highlighted the offense he provided when Dončić sat during the Sacramento opener.

The practical value is flexibility. Grimes can contribute alongside the team’s leading creators while also offering another option when Redick staggers their minutes.

Grimes scored 16 points on 5-of-7 shooting against Sacramento before finishing with 12 points, three assists and a steal against Golden State.

The scoring is encouraging, but Redick’s emphasis on defense may be more revealing when considering his eventual role.

A lineup featuring Dončić and Reaves needs players who can accept difficult perimeter assignments and stay engaged through an entire possession. Grimes’ willingness to apply pressure and compete through screens could give Redick more options for arranging those matchups.

That does not mean two preseason games settle the starting lineup. It does mean Grimes is showing skills that fit the job.

His offensive involvement becomes especially valuable if it comes without sacrificing the defensive work the Lakers have emphasized.

The upcoming rematch with Sacramento provides another opportunity to evaluate Grimes within different combinations.

If more regular rotation players are available, watch whether his decisions remain quick and his defensive activity carries over with fewer offensive touches.

That is the balance his role could demand throughout the season.

Grimes does not need to dominate possessions to make a substantial difference. He needs to recognize when to create, when to finish and when to move the ball, while giving the Lakers dependable effort at the other end.