Luka Doncic is really getting Dallas Mavericks 2.0 with the Los Angeles Lakers. On Friday, that became much more literal as the Lakers superstar was reunited with an old teammate from his time in Dallas. Shams Charania had the scoop on Los Angeles' second trade of the free agency period.
"Just in: The Los Angeles Lakers are trading Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards for Jaden Hardy and two Wizards second-round picks in 2031 and 2032, sources tell ESPN."
One of the first reactions that was experienced behind this screen had to do with the amount of playable guards that are suddenly on the Lakers roster amid this offseason retool. It creates instant intrigue about how JJ Redick is going to deploy the new rotation when the 2026-27 season starts.
One thing that feels more evident all of a sudden is that Quentin Grimes should be penciled in among the starters. Assuming Hardy is here to stay, and not getting rerouted in an expansion of the initial Deandre Ayton trade, that should lock him in as a bench guard alongside Collin Sexton. That inevitably pushes Grimes up to the starting lineup, wedged around Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Lakers are hinting Quentin Grimes already has a spot with the starters
Redick showed everyone last season that traditional and listed positions did not matter all too much to him when he inevitably settled on a preferred starting lineup that featured Doncic, Reaves, and Marcus Smart. Given that Doncic is listed at 6-foot-8, that is more than a fair approach.
Lakers beat writer Dan Woike suggested recently that the franchise is betting on Grimes with the intention of slotting him in as a point of attack defender. That was Smart's role from last season when playing alongside Doncic and Reaves.
Couple that information with the acquisition of Hardy and it appears quite evident that Los Angeles views Grimes as one of their starters for next season. There are only so many minutes to go around and each of him, Sexton, and Hardy are deserving of them.
Grimes should be an effective addition to the offensive end for the Lakers beyond doubt. Him and Doncic played well together during their brief time in Dallas. It it the defensive end where the 26-year-old will have to prove himself capable of taking on the toughest matchup from point guard to small forward.
The Lakers appear to have confidence in that ability. They would not be adding another guard in Hardy if they did not believe in Grimes.
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