Quentin Grimes Embraces Lead Defensive Role With Lakers
quentin-grimes-embraces-lead-defensive-role-with-lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are counting on newly signed guard Quentin Grimes to anchor their perimeter defense as the franchise transitions into its first season without LeBron James.
Grimes, 25, agreed to a four-year, $60 million deal earlier this offseason, becoming one of seven additions made by general manager Rob Pelinka. Head coach JJ Redick, coming off consecutive 50-win campaigns, plans to deploy the fifth-year veteran as the team’s primary point-of-attack defender.
“Yeah, taking on that challenge being a point-of-attack defender that I am, have been for four or five years in the NBA,” Grimes told Mason & Ireland on ESPN LA. “Thibs did a great job with me in New York, teaching me the ropes of how to be a pro and giving me that challenge early on in my career … guarding all the best players. So, being that here—and JJ already talked about it—just being in elite shape, elite conditioning, to take on that challenge every night.”
Redick’s roster features scorers Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, placing added importance on strong wing and rim protection. The Lakers are also looking for size on the perimeter with forwards Jonathan Kuminga and Matisse Thybulle, while 7-foot center Walker Kessler provides a back-line presence.
Grimes said the Lakers’ interest had been mutual for some time, and Pelinka’s aggressive pursuit finally united the two sides. Whether the revamped group can translate its defensive plans into wins will become clearer when training camp opens later this year.
Source: LakersNation.com
