The Lakers updated their list this summer after LeBron James and several other key members have left and must now find the right pieces to build around the core trio Luka Doncic, Austin Reevesand Walker Kessler.
Quentin GrimesWorld Health Organization signed four-year, $60 million contract this summer, hopes to prove he’s a valuable part of the Lakers’ future. He said at Monday’s media day that he’s eager to claim one of the two starting five jobs, but acknowledged that the job won’t just be handed to him. He’s ready to fight for his spot, according to The Athletic’s Dan Woike (Link to Twitter).
Grimes also said that after jumping around the league and accepting a one-year offer as a restricted free agent in 2025, he’s excited to get the security of a long-term commitment from the Lakers. He believes it will make it easier for him to focus less on the burden of proving himself and more on how he can contribute to the win, Khobi Price reports for The California Post (via Twitter).
Over his five-year career, Grimes is averaging 14.0 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 146 games as a starter.
We’ve got more Lakers news and notes:
- As one of two true centers on the roster, the big veteran Kevon Looney will have a chance to earn some minutes this season, especially if Sandro Mamukelashvili spends most of his time at power forward. While Looney has struggled with injuries over the last few years, he said he is 100% healthy for the season and will not be subject to a cap hit (Link to Twitter). Looney noted that things were “weird” in New Orleans last year, and not just because he was dealing with an injury to start the season.
- The beginning Bronnie JamesHis NBA career has been largely defined by his relationship with his father, but with LeBron in Philly, Bronny is ready to go his own way, Voike writes (subscriber link). “You know, this is my dad“, he said.”I spent almost 22 years with him, so … just another experience that I’m going to be a part of. I’m also excited to see how it will feel during the season. Looking forward to it.” The third-year quarterback added that the team’s youthful energy was already noticeable as the players began to build chemistry with each other.
- With LeBron gone, there is no longer any question about who runs the show. Doncic and Reeves will be the driving forces of the Lakers’ offense, a responsibility for which they expect frontal attacks, writes Broderick Turner of the LA Times. Doncic and Reeves spent time together this summer playing golf and bowling in Slovenia. The bond was noticed by their teammates. “They get along so well that it’s easy for them to manage this team“, Jake Laravia said. “I think sometimes Luca leads by example and we watch him and see how he behaves. AR can be a bit more vocal at times. But I think they’re both great at what they do when it comes to leading this team.”
- Reeves noted that it took him a while to establish himself as a leader, but he’s learning valuable lessons along the way. “I’m not going to run the same thing Bron does. I’m not going to lead like Luca. I like to do things a little differently.” he said. “I talked about talking to myself more often. There are times when I will need to speak up in group settings, and I will when the time comes. But I think you just have to be true to yourself and do what you’re comfortable with.”
- The Lakers’ changes aren’t limited to the roster; they have also had some personnel movements ahead of the 2026/27 season. Bob Beyerwho had been an assistant coach in the league since 2003, retired and Greg St. Jean He is expected to be promoted to the role of front bench coach, according to Woike (Link to Twitter). Michael Wechsler was promoted to assistant coach after spending the last two years as the lead video coordinator, a role that will be filled by the former assistant video coordinator Drew Seifert. Gerdary Trautmanalso the assistant video coordinator, will take on the role of player development coach Austin Pope and Lucas Vargas new assistant video coordinators were appointed, at the price of (via Twitter).
