The Los Angeles Lakers have signed Quentin Grimes to address their need for three-point shooting and defense. They've also positioned him to thrive as a complementary playmaker. Those elements of his game offer a clear definition of the role he could and should play in 2026-27.
What makes Grimes' ideal role confusing, however, is the fact that he has limitations as a shot creator and defender that must be accounted for.
Offensively, Grimes is a catch-and-shoot specialist who hasn't exactly produced ideal efficiency off the bounce. In 2025-26, he shot 38.3 percent on 3.3 catch-and-shoot three-point field goal attempts per game and 24.0 percent on 1.7 pull-up attempts from distance per contest.
Along those same lines, Grimes shot 30.4 percent on threes from above the break, 34.3 percent in the non-restricted area of the paint, and 31.7 percent on midrange jumpers.
There's a similar story on defense. Grimes ranked in the 87th percentile in perimeter isolation defense and the 93rd percentile in off-ball chaser defense, per Basketball Index. In saying that, at 6'4" with a 6'8" wingspan, he has matchup limitations. That's why he spent more than 61 percent of his possessions defending guards.
As such, the question beckons: How exactly can the Lakers optimize Grimes' role with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves already locked in at guard?
Quentin Grimes has clear strengths and obvious limitations
Offensively, Doncic and Reaves are among the most ball-dominant duos in the NBA. That could prove to be a saving grace for Grimes, as his primary role will be operating as a catch-and-shoot specialist. He'll inevitably have the ball in his hands, however, which is where Redick must get creative.
The good news is that Grimes has a clear strength to help him in that regard: He shot 53.6 percent on drives during the 2025-26 season and has averaged 4.0 assists per 36 minutes over the past two years.
If the Lakers cater their offensive strategy to Grimes getting to the rim, creating for others, and spacing the floor, he should excel. If they ask him to create his own jumpers and score from anywhere other than three or the restricted area, however, they'll need to see drastic improvement.
The same issues could exist on defense, which is where the biggest question mark of all arrives: Are the 6'5" Reaves and 6'8" Doncic willing to defend with more consistency to take on taller scorers?
If the answer is yes, then Grimes' ability to contain guards could transform the Lakers' offense. If they continue to play at the erratic level they've resided at throughout their careers, however, then Grimes will likely have to play a defensive role that's outside of the manner in which he typically thrives.
It's easy enough to call Grimes a 3-and-D player who creates for others and can get downhill, but if the Lakers want to get the most out of him, they must adapt to his strengths and weaknesses.
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