The Los Angeles Lakers have found themselves in the middle of another round of Lakers trade rumors, this time centered on Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes. The 25-year-old sharpshooter accepted a surprising one-year, $8.7 million qualifying offer—well below what many expected after his breakout season—keeping him under team control but leaving his long-term future in limbo.
Lakers Trade Rumors: Why Quentin Grimes Could Be in Play
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Grimes turned heads last season, averaging 14.6 points and 4.3 rebounds per game while shooting 38.5% from three. Philadelphia, however, has been reluctant to commit big money with Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Paul George already on expensive deals. As Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported, the Sixers are also evaluating young guards Jared McCain and VJ Edgecombe before committing to Grimes long-term.
This cautious approach could open the door for Los Angeles, who are watching closely. Fadeaway World has floated the idea of a Lakers trade package featuring Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, and a future first-round pick in exchange for Grimes.
How Grimes Fits the Lakers
The Lakers’ offensive engine already runs through Luka Dončić and LeBron James, with Austin Reaves emerging as a third option. Adding Grimes would give Los Angeles another perimeter scorer and floor spacer who could thrive off the gravity created by their stars. His youth also aligns with the franchise’s future: LeBron is nearing 41, and Grimes could grow into a long-term running mate alongside Dončić once James eventually retires.
Losing Hachimura and Vanderbilt would sting—both provide size and defensive versatility—but the upside with Grimes is undeniable. His shooting, athleticism, and two-way potential make him an ideal piece to balance the Lakers’ roster both now and beyond the LeBron era.
Why the Sixers Might Listen
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Philadelphia’s hesitation to extend Grimes is partly financial and partly philosophical. By flipping him for two ready-made rotation players and a valuable future pick, the Sixers could add depth without tying up cap space in another big contract. Vanderbilt’s defense and Hachimura’s mid-range scoring both fit alongside Embiid, while the draft capital gives Philly long-term flexibility.
The Bigger Picture
The Lakers are no strangers to star-chasing, but they’ve shown restraint when it comes to overpaying. Miami’s high asking price for Andrew Wiggins has cooled that pursuit, leaving Grimes as a potentially more realistic and forward-looking option.
If Philadelphia remains hesitant to lock Grimes up beyond this season, don’t be surprised if the Lakers position themselves at the front of the line. In a season where LeBron’s window is closing and Dončić’s is just opening, the pressure is on Los Angeles to find the right balance between present urgency and future sustainability.
For now, Grimes remains a Sixer—but his situation is one the Lakers will monitor closely as the season unfolds.
