The Dallas Mavericks may be unwilling to work with the Los Angeles Lakers in helping build around Luka Doncic. No matter, there's a workaround for that. How about going out to get former teammates the Mavericks have already sent packing from town? Quentin Grimes comes to mind here.
In fact, the current Philadelphia 76ers wing could already be on the radar for the Lakers. Dave McMenamin published a report for ESPN discussing the big summer that may be ahead for Los Angeles. Grimes was one of the players brought up as a potential target in free agency.
McMenamin wrote, "An unrestricted free agent who has been discussed internally, sources told ESPN, is Andrew Wiggins, but he has a player option with Miami he could exercise. Tobias Harris, Quentin Grimes and Dean Wade are other players who fit that profile."
Assuming Grimes does not return to the 76ers — after failing to agree on a long-term deal in last year's free agency period and accepting the qualifying offer — the soon-to-be unrestricted man should be open to all suitors. The Lakers could be right near the top of that list.
Lakers can succeed where the Mavericks failed with Quentin Grimes
The Mavericks did not quite know how good Grimes was when they traded him away last season to the 76ers. Caleb Martin was the return for giving away the talented wing player.
Due to injuries plaguing the 76ers last season, Grimes got to thrive in an expanded role. The 76ers guard averaged 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game in 28 regular season games with Philadelphia in 2024-25. That led to the hold-up in contract negotiations that brought everyone to where they are today.
Grimes has understandably taken a step back in his production after so many 76ers returned for their share of the offensive pie this season. That does not mean the Lakers can't still expect a strong presence alongside Doncic should the two be reunited.
The two former Mavericks did not get much time together in Dallas. With Doncic heading for Los Angeles and Grimes going to Philadelphia, there was never a perfect look at how the two would pair together on the same team.
However, there was natural reason for the Mavericks to have believed it would work. Grimes' skill set should be as attractive to Los Angeles as it was to Dallas when envisioning him alongside Doncic.
The summer of 2026 is the stage for a defining moment in Rob Pelinka's time as general manager since acquiring Doncic. Adding the right support pieces is an absolute must during the upcoming free agency period.