The Los Angeles Lakers blew a massive early lead and lost to the Golden State Warriors 112-95 in the NBA Cup opener. Luka Doncic had a massive 21-point first quarter, which forced the Dubs to start sending multiple players at the superstar. They started doing it to Austin Reaves as well. Golden State was forcing the other players to defeat them, and Quentin Grimes failed to step up.
The Lakers signed Grimes to a four-year, $60 million contract in the offseason. He is the Lakers' fourth-highest-paid player. That is why it was surprising when Grimes was coming off the bench to start the year. The logical explanation was the 6’5 wing would take on a larger offensive role in the second unit, but that hasn’t happened.
The Lakers remade their roster around Luka this summer. Fans knew they would struggle on defense, and those issues have shown up. LA needs to have an elite offense. When the stars are getting trapped, the purple and gold need someone to step up. Grimes’ inability to create is a problem.
Quentin Grimes is not delivering for the Lakers
Through six games, Grimes is averaging 9.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.0 steal in 26.8 minutes per game. He only has 1.2 turnovers, but the ball-handling and playmaking have been a problem. The Lakers are turning the ball over far too much and relying too heavily on Doncic and Reaves.
Collin Sexton missed the preseason and first game of the season with a calf injury. The Lakers tried Bronny James, Jaden Hardy, and Chris Manon in the preseason, but nobody shined. Bronny is glued to the bench and seems to have lost coach Redick's trust.
Fans saw the clear need for a ball-handler in those moments. Grimes wasn’t stepping up. He did have four assists in the season opener, but he has just 12 in the five games since.
Grimes wasn’t operating as a secondary creator when the Lakers needed it. He was standing in the corner and hoping for open looks. Los Angeles had 20 turnovers against the Warriors. Nobody was stepping up when the Dubs blitzed and trapped the stars. The fourth-highest paid player should be on those making plays, but Grimes struggled.
Quentin Grimes' contract keeps looking worse
The Lakers are paying Grimes $13.9 million this season, but it rises to $16.0 million in the final year. He simply isn’t returning that value. Head coach JJ Redick wanted defense in the starting five. He opted for Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams to start the year. Even with Williams out on Friday night, it was Jake LaRavia and not Grimes in the opening five.
The Lakers are paying nontaxpayer mid-level money for a seventh man. Collin Sexton is averaging more points and operating more on the ball in the second unit. Grimes isn’t making threes or playing lockdown defense. It is only six games, but the contract looks like a problem.
The Lakers are quickly finding out why they are Grimes’ fifth team in the last four years. He virtually disappeared against the Warriors for the third time in six games. Los Angeles hasn’t faced the stiffest competition, and they are just plus-one with Grimes on the floor so far this season. $60 million is looking like way too much for the production they are getting.
Quentin Grimes’ role with the Lakers is difficult to figure out
Grimes is a career 36.5 percent 3-point shooter, so his jumper should improve. He won't shoot 23.5 percent all season, but LA needs him to be a 3-and-D wing if he’s not operating as a creator or playmaker on offense. If Thybulle and Williams are better defensive options, Grimes is simply overpaid.
The Lakers need to figure out how to get more from Grimes. He has struggled making plays and shooting. Perhaps giving him more touches will get him a better flow. Los Angeles can’t just hope it get better. Grimes is making $15 per year over the next four. They can’t be paying that much for their seventh man.
The Los Angeles Lakers need to figure out Quentin Grimes’ best role. So far, he is struggling on both ends of the floor. This roster has nine new players. There were always going to be issues figuring out where everyone fits. Right now, Grimes doesn’t. That is a problem JJ Redick must sort out quickly. He must be better as a secondary creator, shooter, and defender. If not, the Lakers vastly overpaid.
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