The pecking order for the Los Angeles Lakers last season was clear by the time they were hitting their stride. Luka Doncic was the undisputed number one, Austin Reaves settled in as number two, and LeBron James was number three. Everyone else filled in the gaps from there.
With the Lakers abandoning a three-star roster build amid James' exit from the franchise, a new hierarchy needs to emerge for next season. Doncic and Reaves being one and two will not change, but the more balanced approach with their squad will call for their freshly-minted signings to figure out who steers the ship beyond the star backcourt. Quentin Grimes is already making his case.
"[Opportunity] really one of the biggest selling points, talking with JJ [Redick] and having them be able to pitch me what my role would look like. Coming in to have a pretty big offensive role within the team, but also having a big leadership role on defense as well."
Grimes has spoken at length about wanting to lead the effort on defense, but the new Lakers guard is comfortably establishing that offense was also a motivating factor in signing a four-year, $60 million contract in Los Angeles. Given how the roster is shaping up, it is fair to estimate the 26-year-old ending up as the third option behind Doncic and Reaves.
Quentin Grimes should be the new number three for the Lakers offense
Barring something truly unforeseen, Grimes should slot in as a starter in 2026-27, taking over the spot held by Marcus Smart last season. With that should come a simple formula that would lead to an expanded offensive role by comparison to what he had with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2025-26.
Grimes only registered a usage percentage of 19.0 with the 76ers last year. That number should go up with the Lakers.
When it comes to offensive skill sets, Grimes should have the third most polished and capable one behind Doncic and Reaves next season. The same will be true of the starting lineup and the team as a whole.
That should create the expanded role Grimes was discussing above. Doncic and Reaves will naturally create opportunities for him to finish off, but there will also be a level of trust that is afforded to him with relation to just beating his guys off the dribble, too. That should be the formula for more usage.
Grimes has already showcased the type of production he can deliver when given more responsibilities in an offense. The former 76ers guard averaged 21.9 points and 4.5 assists per game in the second half of 2024-25 when Philadelphia afforded him expanded opportunities due to injuries.
Limited 28-game sample size? Sure, but there is still proof of concept there for the Lakers to convince themselves the opportunity should be given. From here, it is on Grimes to reward Los Angeles for their belief.
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