Sep 28, 2026; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers player Quentin Grimes (5) during media day at UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
There are a lot of things that players take into consideration in deciding where to sign during free agency. Money, opportunity, a winning environment and previous relationships with coaches and players all come into play when making that choice and one of those in particular was the biggest factor for Quentin Grimes in joining the Los Angeles Lakers this summer.
Grimes signed a four-year, $60 million deal to come to L.A. and while the money and signing a long-term deal, as well as an opportunity for a starting role alongside Luka Doncic, played a role, it was his close relationship with head coach JJ Redick that sold him most, via Marc J. Spears of Andscape:
“Just having him from a friend aspect, just checking in, tapping in with me,” Grimes said. “Checking the games. Asking how my people were doing, how I’m doing. I’m asking how he is doing, how is his wife doing, how are the kids doing. So, when you have that friend aspect of it and that real human aspect of it, it makes it easier to play for a coach like that.
“He was the main selling point. I saw the [offensive] freedom he gave guys the last two years. Being a part of that offense will be a great opportunity for me to take my game to the next level and hopefully take my team to the next level as well.”
Grimes and Redick first connected back in 2023 when the former was a member of the New York Knicks. Then-coach Tom Thibodeau suggested Grimes reach out to Redick, who was working at ESPN at the time, for career advice and their relationship grew from there.
So when Redick sold Grimes on joining the Lakers in free agency, the guard knew he would not only have a coach who could help his game on the court, but also someone who cared about him as a friend and person. There is a built-in level of trust between the two and that should help Grimes be able to deliver on the court when the time comes.
JJ Redick has yet to finalize the Lakers’ starting lineup
Grimes is one of the players most expect to take one of the two starting spots alongside Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler on Opening Night, and his play in the preseason has certainly solidified that belief. However, Redick still has yet to finalize exactly what the Lakers’ starting lineup will be.
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