Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka has detailed the team's strategy behind signing three athletic wings this offseason, aiming to address a clear need for perimeter defense and versatility. The moves come as the Lakers look to bounce back from a 106-121 preseason loss to the Denver Nuggets on October 16 and prepare for their season opener at home against the Golden State Warriors on October 21.
In the first episode of the team's "Lakers Close Up" series, Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick emphasized a roster need for more athleticism. Pelinka focused on what newcomers Quentin Grimes, Matisse Thybulle, and Ziaire Williams bring to the court. He highlighted Thybulle's defensive instincts, noting he had seven steals in a single half of a summer pickup game. Pelinka called Williams another strong on-ball defender and praised Grimes for his two-way ability to handle, pass, and shoot while guarding the other team's best guard.
Grimes landed a four-year, $60 million deal and is projected to start at small forward. Thybulle, considered one of the NBA's top defenders when healthy, signed a one-year contract after two injury-plagued seasons in Portland. Williams, 25, is also on a one-year deal after a career year with Brooklyn where he averaged 10.2 points and 1.4 steals.
Head coach JJ Redick is still finalizing his starting five for the opener. While Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler are expected to start, the absence of guard Collin Sexton is causing some adjustment. Redick indicated Grimes might see time as a ballhandler off the bench to provide stability. "That fourth ballhandler for us hasn't been great," Redick said, explaining they wanted to get a look at different options in the preseason.
Thybulle and Williams were used at both forward spots in the final preseason game against Denver. Their defensive flexibility allows Redick to experiment with various lineups, a key factor as the team integrates several new pieces.
The signings were evaluated during a preseason slate that saw mixed results. After a 127-103 win over Sacramento on October 5, the Lakers fell 124-98 to Golden State the next day. They beat the Kings 114-110 on October 8 before losing to the Warriors 101-89 on October 13.
These games provided a first look at the rebuilt roster, which also includes trades for Walker Kessler and Jaden Hardy and signings like Collin Sexton and Kevon Looney. The team was active after LeBron James' departure, though a major target, Jonathan Kuminga, chose to join Minnesota.
All focus now shifts to the regular season opener at Crypto.com Arena against the Golden State Warriors on October 21. The preseason served as a testing ground, and the new wing additions will immediately be tasked with improving the team's perimeter defense and transition play. How quickly Grimes, Thybulle, and Williams mesh with the core will be a major storyline to start the campaign. The full schedule ahead is available on our schedule page.
