Lakers Notes: Quentin Grimes, Luka Doncic, Jaden Hardy, camp battles

October 7, 2026

Quentin Grimes is giving the Lakers reason to believe he can handle plenty of responsibility alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

The scoring has been there early. Grimes finished with 16 points on 5-of-7 shooting against the Kings, then added 12 points against the Warriors. Coach JJ Redick has also liked his work on the other end.

“I think his commitment to the defensive end has been really good throughout camp and in these first two games,” Redick said, via Jackson Frank of Silver Screen and Roll. “We’re excited about him.”

Redick also sees offensive possibilities beyond Grimes waiting for an open shot.

“I think he’s a guy that, if needed, can create some advantages and, for that second-side action, can finish advantages offensively,” he said.

As Frank points out, Grimes’ shooting and perimeter defense figure to be central to his fit with the starters. How much freedom Redick gives him to initiate offense is another development to watch.

Jaden Hardy sees a more vocal Doncic. Hardy spent his first two-and-a-half NBA seasons alongside Doncic in Dallas before reuniting with him in Los Angeles this offseason. He believes Doncic’s leadership has grown. “I mean, obviously, Luka’s always been a great leader ever since I’ve been with him. I feel like he’s just taking it to another step with that,” Hardy said, via Frank in a separate Silver Screen and Roll report. “Just trying to lead this group, have everybody on the same page and having a tightened connection with everybody.” Frank notes that LeBron James’ departure has created room for Doncic and Reaves to assume greater leadership responsibilities.
The wing rotation remains competitive. Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle started Monday, but that doesn’t settle how the regular-season minutes will be distributed. Thuc Nhi Nguyen of the Los Angeles Times examines a competition that also includes Adou Thiero, rookie Cameron Carr and others. Redick expressed confidence in that depth and suggested he could use six or seven wings in a game. There may be opportunities for several players, even if the starting spots are limited.