Everyone knows that Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves will be slotting into the Los Angeles Lakers' starting backcourt. However, it was unclear how JJ Redick was planning to utilize them throughout the course of a 48-minute game. That was until Redick offered clarity to Jovan Buha and the other reporters at Lakers practice.
According to Buha, Redick plans on staggering Luka and AR’s minutes. That comes with trusting Collin Sexton, Quentin Grimes, Bronny James, and Jaden Hardy to run the offense at times.
This is an intriguing concept, especially for the regular season. It can help preserve both of LA’s star guards so they can play heavy minutes in the playoffs. This also opens the door for several other Lakers guards to get some shine throughout the season and really carve out a role for themselves.
Each one of these players can offer something different when running the offense. So, let's take a look at what each of the four guards could potentially offer.
What Collin Sexton can bring to run the Lakers offense
It feels appropriate to start with Sexton. He is the guy who, when looking at the Lakers' depth chart, slots in as their backup point guard. Rob Pelinka paid Sexton to lead the second unit for a reason.
Out of all four of these guys, he projects as the one guy who might see the most minutes without both Luka and AR on the court. He brings experience, leadership, and intensity on both ends that can really help LA control games.
He’s a reliable 3-point shooter, shooting 39-plus percent over the last three seasons on good volume of over four triples per game. Sexton isn’t a super savvy playmaker and can turn the ball over a fair bit, but his ability to run an offense is good enough to make him a valuable bench piece and will definitely help the Lakers' second unit thrive.
What Quentin Grimes can bring to run the Lakers offense
Next is Grimes, who by far is the most versatile player of this group of four. Grimes has bounced between so many different roles in his only five-year NBA career.
Whether it’s serving as an offensive engine with the Philadelphia 76ers, having to play point guard with the Dallas Mavericks, or being a 3-and-D wing, he’s bounced between so many jobs. Outside of Sexton, he’ll likely be the player to receive the most reps, without Luka and AR on the floor, because of his ability to run an offense.
His well-rounded style is very intriguing and could make him someone who excels off the bench for LA if he doesn’t earn a starting spot. In the times when both AR and Luka are off the court, his time in Dallas and Philly suggests he can be a Walmart version of LA’s star guards.
He has strong lead guard skills for a player who has only played that role a handful of times. Grimes is also great at creating his own shot and advantages for his teammates.
I’m very excited to see Redick deploy Grimes in these situations throughout the regular season.
What Jaden Hardy can bring to run the Lakers offense
Next is Jaden Hardy, who will probably share the court a fair bit with Luka because of the Dallas connection they share. Around 36 percent of Hardy’s 3,501 NBA minutes have been shared with Luka going back to their Mavericks days. His ability to score in bunches helps him thrive next to Luka’s playmaking.
Hardy has been at his best when he has someone setting him up to score, so fans should expect a fair bit of minutes where he and Luka occupy LA’s backcourt.
What Bronny James can bring to run the Lakers offense
Lastly is Bronny James, who may be the hardest player to gauge on this list. Bronny did show a ton of progress, particularly as a shooter last season, shooting nearly 39 percent from deep.
Development is still the biggest focus with Bronny. His defensive toolkit, along with his improved shooting, makes him easy to slot next to either of the Lakers’ stud guards. With Bronny, it’s fair to expect Redick will fit him in when he sees small openings in games, whether that be next to Luka or AR.
The regular season obviously matters, but the Lakers also can’t afford to not have Luka or AR for another playoff run, especially with LeBron James out the door. LA’s guard depth going into next season has set them up to avoid overly relying on their star guards to do everything in the backcourt.
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