Quentin Grimes Commits to Defensive Leadership for Lakers

Overview

• Quentin Grimes has publicly said he wants a leadership role on the Lakers’ defense and wants to guard opponents’ best players every night.
• The team views Grimes as the roster answer to Marcus Smart’s defensive vacancy and he is a likely starter alongside Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.
• Reporting from The Athletic indicates coach JJ Redick intends to deploy Grimes specifically as a point-of-attack defender, meaning he will often match up on ball handlers and initiators.
• The Lakers signed Grimes to a four-year deal this summer largely for his scoring and playmaking, and he has spent the offseason working with player-development coaches to prepare for bigger offensive and defensive duties.
• Observers and many fans remain skeptical because Grimes’ career to date has been offense-first, and his defensive performance this season could determine whether the Lakers still pursue a taller two-way wing to reach true contender depth.