Quentin Grimes, a former New York Knicks guard, officially joined the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night, signing a four‑year, $60 million contract with a player option. The 26‑year‑old arrives after a 13.4‑point season with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he shot 45.0% from the field and 33.4% from three‑point range.
What does the signing mean for the Lakers?
The Lakers announced the move on X, posting “Reppin’ the Lakers: Quentin Grimes ✔️.” Grimes was the 25th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft and spent his first 2½ seasons with the New York Knicks. His career averages sit at 11.1 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game while shooting 44.6% overall and 36.6% from beyond the arc in 318 contests. Adding a reliable perimeter threat helps Los Angeles address a glaring need for consistent three‑point production.
How did Grimes perform last season?
In 75 games for Philadelphia, Grimes logged 13.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists per contest. He logged a 45.0% field‑goal percentage and a 33.4% three‑point clip, showing he can stretch defenses. His ability to knock down catch‑and‑shoot looks will complement LeBron James’ playmaking and Anthony Davis’ interior presence, giving the Lakers a more balanced offensive palette.
Why does his Knicks background matter?
Grimes spent the early part of his career with the New York Knicks, appearing in 144 games before moving on to Detroit, Dallas and Philadelphia. The Knicks’ developmental system gave him a reputation as a disciplined shooter and a solid defender on the perimeter. Those traits are exactly what the Lakers’ coaching staff, led by Darvin Ham, hopes to leverage in a roster that aims to return to the playoffs after a second‑round exit to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
What’s the broader context for the Lakers?
Los Angeles is on a 4‑game winning run (WWWWL, most recent first) and looks to build momentum ahead of the 2026‑27 season. The franchise last captured a title in 2020 and is eager to re‑establish itself as a contender. Adding Grimes follows a flurry of moves, including free‑agent signings and trades, that reshape the squad after a sweep by the Thunder.
Recent Knicks performance snapshot
While Grimes departs, the New York Knicks posted a 90‑94 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on 2026‑06‑14, a close contest that highlighted their defensive grit. The Knicks’ recent form (4W‑0D‑1L) shows they’re still competitive, but losing a shooter like Grimes could thin their perimeter depth.
What’s next for Grimes?
Grimes will wear No. 5 for the Lakers and is expected to slot into the second‑unit guard rotation, providing spacing for the pick‑and‑roll and helping the team finish the season strong. Fans will watch his transition from a Knicks‑bred shooter to a key piece in a Los Angeles roster that hopes to make a deep playoff run.
