So, get this. Lakers head coach JJ Redick just pulled a classic move at their season-opening press conference. He dropped a bomb, saying only Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler are guaranteed starters for opening night. Everyone scratched their heads, right? Because that means newcomer Quentin Grimes, who everyone figured was a lock, got left off the list for one of those two open spots, with a heavy emphasis on a likely more available forward role.
No, Seriously, Grimes Is The Guy
Honestly, Redick’s move feels like pure “coach speak.” There’s no way he’s actually signaling that the starting backcourt spot is truly up for grabs. Grimes is a 26-year-old two-way beast of a guard, their fourth-highest-paid player, and he even played with Doncic briefly. His two-way skill set and overall talent level make him an “overwhelming favorite,” maybe even an “outright lock,” for that starting backcourt position. It would feel downright shocking to see someone else line up defensively next to Austin Reaves on opening night. Redick was probably just indulging in a little news conference gamesmanship, you know?
The Long Shots (and Why They’re Long Shots)
Okay, so if Grimes magically “flames out” in training camp or, worse, gets injured, then who steps up? Matisse Thybulle or Ziaire Williams could *theoretically* seize the spot. But let’s be real about Thybulle. He’s injury-prone, his readiness to shoulder heavy minutes is questionable, and his ability to defend the fastest guards is waning. Redick starting him seems highly unlikely. Ziaire might earn some time with a strong camp, but the Lakers may need him to fill another role altogether. Both guys can do the job, but neither seems likely to steal it from a healthy Grimes.
Then there’s rookie guard/wing Cameron Carr. It’s even less likely he’ll start on opening night, or even much this year, but he’s worth a mention. The kid was a summer league standout, looks physically dominant, and fits the mold of an off-ball, explosive two-way shooter. He’s got a massive wingspan and elite leaping ability, offering hope he could become a plus defender sooner rather than later. Redick *has* shown a willingness to give young guys a shot, too: Max Christie won a starting nod in Redick’s first season, and Dalton Knecht dropped into the starting five weeks into his rookie campaign a season later. Still, Carr’s defense is “still-developing,” so he doesn’t feel like a real candidate for now.
So, yeah, Redick’s playing mind games, but the facts scream Grimes for that backcourt spot. It’s early in the season, training camp is underway, and everyone’s watching to see who actually steps onto the court for tip-off. Let’s see if this “coach speak” actually throws any real curveballs.
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.
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