Quentin Grimes believes Lakers can shock people this season

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 11: Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton attend a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks on July 11, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Candice Ward/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

With three starters from last year’s team now gone — LeBron James, Deandre Ayton and Rui Hachimura — the Los Angeles Lakers have dramatically overhauled their roster, led by a lively series of transactions during free agency.

Among those brought in to help Los Angeles compete near the top of the Western Conference was Quentin Grimes, who has a chance to earn a starting spot alongside Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler. During Monday’s media day, Grimes told reporters that a Lakers team full of new faces is getting along well and gelling rather quickly.

Quentin Grimes says that the team has gotten along well quickly, and has gelled on the court at a rapid pace.

Grimes says that the Lakers will "shock" a lot of people in the NBA season ahead.

— Benjamin Royer (@thebenroyer) September 28, 2026

He also said Los Angeles has the talent to “shock a lot of people this year, for sure” and wants to claim one of the two remaining starting spots up for grabs.

Quentin Grimes wants to win a starting spot as he joins the Lakers. He says they’re talented enough to “shock a lot of people this year, for sure.” pic.twitter.com/wHQcyPF9UH

— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) September 28, 2026

With his point-of-attack defense, outside shooting, finishing and connective passing, Grimes profiles as an ideal fit next to Dončić. He briefly played with Dončić on the Dallas Mavericks and spent 2.5 seasons alongside Jalen Brunson in New York, so he’s experienced in the sort of role he’ll likely enjoy alongside Dončić and Austin Reaves moving forward.

The keys for Grimes will be to streamline his offensive decision-making and ratchet up the defense to his pre-Philadelphia ways. Sometimes, he’s a bit erratic and rushed attacking closeouts while he never really resembled the menacing on-ball defender folks were previously accustomed to during his tenure as a Sixer.

If he refines those areas, he’ll be a wonderful complementary starter for the Lakers and play a major role in whether they can actually surprise for the better this season.

You can follow Jackson on Twitter at @jackfrank_jjf.