Lakers could pursue former Luka Doncic teammate in free agency
TL;DR
The Los Angeles Lakers are considering pursuing Quentin Grimes, a former teammate of Luka Doncic, in free agency to address their need for 3&D wings as they aim for the 2026-27 season.
Key points
- Lakers are entering a crucial offseason
- Need for 3&D wings is a priority
- Quentin Grimes is a target due to his connection with Luka Doncic
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Lakers could pursue former Luka Doncic teammate in free agency originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Lakers enter yet another crucial offseason.
The Lakers have a ton on their plate with a lot more questions than answers as their offseason is fully underway. Â While questions hang over the team, one of the clear needs for the Lakers is adding 3&D wings to the roster.
That is a dire need for the Lakers as they look to establish themselves as legitimate contenders in the 2026-27 season. The Lakers will have plenty of options to choose from, but oneCBS Sports' Sam Quinn predicts they'll target is Luka Doncic's former teammate, guard Quentin Grimes.
" The three-and-D side of the equation is a bit better, though by no means perfect. Quentin Grimes is probably the best the market has to offer, and he's enough of a ball-handler to potentially help pick up some of the duties James would cede upon his eventual exit. He's probably gettable for slightly above the mid-level exception. The 76ers tend to prefer ducking the tax, and such a deal would take them above the line even before considering a new deal for Kelly Oubre Jr. However, Grimes is only a decent defender, far from a great one. He'd fit, but he's not exactly the stopper the Lakers will eventually need to acquire."
Quentin Grimes fits Lakersâ need for 3-and-D help
Grimes is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer after his one-year, $8.7 million qualifying offer with the Philadelphia 76ers expired.
He is coming off a strong season with the 76ers and is a prototypical 3-and-D player who excels at high-level perimeter defense and shooting. Grimes could be the type of player who could thrive in Los Angeles.
Doncic has some familiarity with Grimes, which could benefit him when filling his potential role in L.A. Grimes is an exceptional role player due to his ability to fill a niche role alongside star players.
It's not a stretch to say the Lakers may have their eye on Grimes this offseason, especially if Doncic has a say.
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Q&A
Who is Quentin Grimes and why are the Lakers interested in him?
Quentin Grimes is a guard known for his 3&D capabilities, and the Lakers are interested in him to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season.
What are the Lakers' main needs heading into the offseason?
The Lakers need to add 3&D wings to their roster to enhance their competitiveness for the 2026-27 season.
What does the Lakers' pursuit of Grimes mean for their offseason strategy?
Pursuing Grimes indicates the Lakers' focus on improving their perimeter shooting and defense as they prepare for a critical offseason.