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Lakers predicted to be top landing spot for $8.7 million 13.3 PPG star guard to become backup for Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves this offseason
TL;DR
The Los Angeles Lakers are predicted to be a top destination for Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes this offseason as they seek to bolster their bench. Grimes, who averages 13.3 PPG and is valued at $8.7 million, may leave Philadelphia due to the team's reluctance to pay him.
Lakers predicted to be top landing spot for $8.7 million 13.3 PPG star guard to become backup for Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves this offseason originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Lakers have done very well this season, with a record of 52-29 and the fourth seed in the Western Conference. However, after this season is done, LeBron James could be on his way out, and with the injuries they sustained this late in the season, they need to look at acquiring some depth players.
Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus believes there’s one star they could afford that could definitely upgrade their bench, in Philadelphia 76ers star Quentin Grimes. With the Sixers refusing to pay him what he wants, and acquiring V.J. Edgecombe in last year’s draft, Grimes will definitely be on the market.
“Putting it all together, Philadelphia doesn't seem like a franchise willing to go into the luxury tax for Grimes. Instead, he'll look for teams like the Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, or Brooklyn Nets that project to have significant cap room this summer. Alternatively, he may go to a squad below the aprons willing to offer the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception at a projected $15 million. Another possibility could be a sign-and-trade, but his time in Philadelphia appears to be winding down,” Pincus wrote.
This season for the Sixers, Grimes is averaging 13.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 29.4 minutes per game. He would become a true sparkplug off the bench, something the Lakers don’t really have at the moment.
Grimes has been looking for a contract that averages around 20-25 million per year, and the Lakers could be the team to give him the money he wants. And, if they get to a number somewhere in the ballpark, Grimes still may bite, since he would be going to a much better situation to win.
Hopefully, the Lakers figure out a way to land the star guard, as he could be a perfect backup for Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. With the LeBron James era of Los Angeles basketball nearly over, they need to start getting pieces for Doncic and Reaves.
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Q&A
Why is Quentin Grimes expected to leave the Philadelphia 76ers?
Quentin Grimes is expected to leave the Philadelphia 76ers because the franchise is unwilling to pay him what he wants, especially after acquiring V.J. Edgecombe in the draft.
What teams are interested in signing Quentin Grimes this offseason?
Teams interested in signing Quentin Grimes include the Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, and Brooklyn Nets, all of which are projected to have significant cap room.
How much is Quentin Grimes expected to earn in free agency?
Quentin Grimes is projected to earn around $15 million, potentially through a full non-taxpayer mid-level exception or via a sign-and-trade deal.
