Quentin Grimes just dropped a bombshell, telling reporters that this dramatically overhauled Los Angeles Lakers squad is gonna “shock a lot of people this year, for sure.” He’s joining a team in Hollywood that’s undergone a massive facelift, with three key starters from last year now gone: LeBron James, Deandre Ayton, and Rui Hachimura. This isn’t just media day talk either; Grimes sees a team already gelling at a rapid pace, despite all the new faces and the lively series of transactions that brought them together during free agency.
A Whole New Look For The Purple and Gold
The Lakers certainly pulled off a wild series of moves in free agency, bringing in guys like Grimes with a clear goal: to compete near the top of the Western Conference. With James, Ayton, and Hachimura officially out the door, it’s a totally fresh slate, and Grimes is eyeing one of the two open starting spots. Imagine him lining up alongside Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler, forming a new core that could seriously shake things up. Grimes’ profile is an ideal fit, especially next to Dončić. He brings crucial point-of-attack defense, a sharp outside shot, solid finishing skills, and that connective passing ability that just makes an offense flow. It’s not totally new territory for him, either; he even played briefly with Dončić back on the Dallas Mavericks and spent 2.5 seasons with Jalen Brunson in New York, so he’s got experience in that complementary role, playing alongside elite talent.
The Path to “Shocking” The League Runs Through Grimes’ Game
But for Grimes to truly help the Lakers “shock” everyone and lock down that starting gig, he’s got to tighten some things up. The word from analysts is he needs to streamline his offensive decision-making. Sometimes he’s a bit erratic, rushed when attacking closeouts, which can hurt offensive possessions. And on defense? He’s gotta ratchet it up, bringing it back to his “pre-Philadelphia ways.” During his tenure as a Sixer, he never really resembled the menacing on-ball defender folks were previously accustomed to. If he can refine these specific areas , getting smarter and less rushed on offense, and bringing back that elite, suffocating defense , he won’t just be a good starter, he’ll be a “wonderful complementary starter.” His ability to deliver on these improvements will play a major role in whether this Lakers team actually surprises for the better this season and lives up to his bold claim.
What’s Next for the “Shocking” Lakers?
It’s September 28th, media day is wrapped, and Grimes has thrown down a serious gauntlet for the entire NBA. The “shocking” begins with him earning that starting spot, proving he can be that integral piece for this new-look Lakers squad. Can he refine his game, step up his defense to that pre-Philly level, and make the Lakers a legitimate Western Conference threat with these new faces? The next few weeks of practice, heading into the regular season, will be crucial. Everyone will be watching to see if Quentin Grimes and the Lakers can truly back up that bold claim and defy expectations, aiming to compete near the top of a stacked conference. It’s all on the line to see if they can truly make some noise.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Silver Screen and Roll.
Leave a Reply