The Los Angeles Lakers lost one of the NBA’s most accurate outside shooters when Luke Kennard left this offseason. However, they replaced him with a guard whose approach is almost the complete opposite: Quentin Grimes.
Quentin Grimes may not match Kennard’s elite shooting percentages, but he brings more aggression, physicality, and versatility. He might be the perfect role player to play with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
No Hesitation
Kennard’s shooting ability was never in question. The frustration was that one of the league’s best shooters occasionally passed up opportunities the Lakers needed him to take.
Grimes has a different mentality. When he receives the ball with enough room, he is usually prepared to let it fly. He has a quick release and plays with the confidence of someone who understands that creating spacing is about more than simply making shots.
Defenders must believe a player will shoot when left open. Grimes’ willingness to take those attempts should discourage opponents from helping as aggressively on Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
He may not convert them at Kennard’s rate, but the volume and decisiveness could be equally important within the Lakers’ offense. A missed open three is sometimes less damaging than passing one up and allowing the defense to reset.
Defensive Upgrade
The biggest difference between Grimes and Kennard should appear on defense. Kennard could be targeted by stronger or quicker guards, particularly when opponents searched for favorable matchups during the playoffs.
Grimes has the strength, athleticism, and effort to survive those possessions. He has built much of his NBA reputation as a point-of-attack defender who can pressure ball handlers and fight through screens.
That does not mean Grimes will suddenly solve every defensive problem for the Lakers. He can still struggle against bigger wings, and Los Angeles will need a collective effort to protect a backcourt built around Doncic and Reaves.
However, Grimes gives head coach JJ Redick another perimeter player who can accept difficult assignments. That alone makes him easier to keep on the court in high-leverage situations.
Pressure on the Rim
Kennard primarily influenced games with his shooting and secondary playmaking. Grimes offers another dimension because he is more comfortable attacking closeouts and getting into the paint.
When defenders run him off the three-point line, Grimes can put the ball on the floor and drive toward the basket. That ability forces the defense to make another decision instead of successfully ending the possession by taking away his initial shot.
Grimes has also shown he can create offense for himself when needed. The Lakers will not need him to be a primary scorer, but having another player who can attack a rotating defense should make their offense less predictable.
His rim pressure could become especially valuable when Doncic draws multiple defenders. Grimes can either take the open three or attack an off-balance closeout rather than allowing the defense to recover.
A More Complete Two-Way Option
Kennard remains the better pure shooter, but Grimes brings a broader skill set. His willingness to shoot, defensive ability, and aggression attacking the basket make him a more complete two-way option.
The Lakers did not replace Kennard with another shooting specialist. They replaced him with a player who can provide some of the same spacing while affecting the game in several additional ways.
That difference could make Grimes a better fit for the roster Los Angeles has assembled.
