The Lakers still have not played a game, but inside the practice gym the backcourt picture is already shifting. Quentin Grimes is pushing to start, right as JJ Redick plans to limit how many minutes Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves log together.
A Starting Case
Grimes is competing for a starting job, Silver Screen & Roll reported October 1, after averaging 13.4 points and 3.3 assists across 75 games last season. The timing matters: Redick told Lakers Nation the same day he plans to stagger minutes for Doncic and Reaves, meaning someone else has to run point when one sits. Grimes, who shot 33.4 percent from three last season, is the one auditioning for that job in camp.
Two-Way Questions
Hoopsrumors flagged Matisse Thybulle, the open two-way roster spots, Jake LaRavia and Bronny James together on October 4, the latest in a run of Lakers notes items that have named players without attaching a decision. Thybulle, in his seventh season, and James, in his second, are among the names still waiting on word from Rob Pelinka's staff.
The Clock Starts
Preseason opens October 5 at the Kings on NBA TV, followed by a trip to the Warriors on NBA TV the next night, a home game against the Kings on ESPN2 October 8 and a rematch with Golden State October 13, four tune-ups before the regular-season opener against the Warriors on October 21 on ESPN. The front office is already $201.3 million into its books, past the $200.4 million tax line, with Doncic's $49.8 million salary the largest piece. Whether Grimes' camp push turns into a start by then is the question camp still has not answered.
Is Quentin Grimes starting for the Lakers this season?
No decision has been made. Grimes is competing for a starting spot in camp after averaging 13.4 points last season, and the Lakers have not announced an opening-night lineup.
When do the Lakers play their first game this season?
Their preseason opens October 5 at the Kings on NBA TV, and the regular-season opener is October 21 at home against the Warriors on ESPN.
More from The Marquee
all Lakers news →
Week ahead · Sat, Oct 3Two Trips West Preview the Doncic-Warriors Opener
From the archives · Sat, Oct 3Every Era, One Face: Doncic Inherits the Lakers' Longest Tradition
Morning · Sat, Oct 3The Math That Could Cut Dalton Knecht Loose
By the numbers · Fri, Oct 2Before the Lights Come Up: The Lakers in Six Numbers
Rumor check · Fri, Oct 2The Lakers' Rumor Mill Says a Lot, Confirms Almost Nothing
Morning · Fri, Oct 2Pelinka Adds a Scout as Mamukelashvili Weighs Forward or Center