Quentin Grimes receives praise from JJ Redick for his defensive focus

While many people feel Quentin Grimes will be a nice addition to the Los Angeles Lakers‘ roster and possibly earn a starting spot this season, some feel he won’t make that much of an impact.

According to the doubters, Grimes is a solid offensive threat as a complementary player, but while he’s a solid defender, he isn’t that much better than average on the defensive end. There are also doubts about whether he can perform well in his presumptive role as a point-of-attack defender.

But Grimes has played fairly well in his first two preseason games of 2026. Coach JJ Redick gave him some praise, particularly for his defensive focus, after Tuesday’s 124-98 loss to the Golden State Warriors.

“I think he’s a guy that, if needed, can create some advantages and, for that second-side action, can finish advantages offensively,” Redick told reporters. “I think his commitment to the defensive end has been really good throughout camp and in these first two games. We’re excited about him.”

“I think he’s a guy that, if needed, can create some advantages and, for that second-side action, can finish advantages offensively,” Redick told reporters. “I think his commitment to the defensive end has been really good throughout camp and in these first two games. We’re excited about him.”

On Monday, during L.A.’s 127-103 win over the Sacramento Kings, Grimes started and scored 16 points on 5-of-7 shooting from the field and 2-of-3 from 3-point range in 19 minutes. On Tuesday, he contributed 12 points on 3-of-8 overall shooting while adding three assists and one steal.

Last season, he averaged 13.4 points a game as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers. His 3-point shooting is a cause for mild concern — he was at 33.4% from that distance after shooting 38.5% from downtown during the 2024-25 season — but his ability to create off the dribble, not just for himself but also occasionally others, will be an asset.

The Lakers lack a legitimate third scoring threat after all the changes they made to their roster this summer. Grimes could step into that role if he improves his shooting efficiency and consistently makes good decisions with the basketball in his hands.