JJ Redick still deciding between Quentin Grimes and Matisse Thybulle for the Lakers’ opening lineup

Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick has not picked the fifth member of his opening-night lineup. Quentin Grimes and Matisse Thybulle are both in the running with four days left before Wednesday’s opener against the Golden State Warriors.

Redick used the preseason finale on Friday, October 16, to try something new. Thybulle joined Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Ziaire Williams and Walker Kessler in the first unit. That moved Grimes, who had started each of the previous four exhibitions, to the bench. Asked afterward whether Grimes would start or come off the bench this season, Redick told reporters “I’m still open to both.” He added that Grimes “is gonna start a lot of games for us,” according to Khobi Price of the California Post.

First five tonight.@ToyotaSoCal | #SuitingUpTogether pic.twitter.com/uUs4RT7voa

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) October 17, 2026

What the finale showed

The test did not go well on the scoreboard. The Denver Nuggets won 121-106 at Crypto.com Arena and led 36-22 after the first quarter. The new starting group struggled on both ends. Kessler finished at minus-21 in 30:56 and Thybulle at minus-19 in 24:45, and Reaves turned the ball over six times.

Thybulle still gave the Lakers what he is there to give them. He finished with 7 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal, and he brings a point-of-attack defender to a lineup built around two creators who carry heavy offensive loads. Williams made the strongest case of anyone. He scored 14 points in 10:35, made 5 of 6 shots and hit both of his threes.

Grimes was steady in his bench role. He played 28:06, more than Thybulle, and scored 11 points on 3-of-6 shooting from deep with three assists and no turnovers. The full box score is on the Nuggets at Lakers Game Center.

Why the bench matters

Collin Sexton’s right lower leg injury is part of the calculation. With Sexton out, the second unit is short of ball-handlers. Redick said he could give Grimes some possessions running the offense, which would be easier to do if he comes off the bench behind Dončić and Reaves.

That leaves the Lakers with two ways to go. Starting Thybulle gives the first unit more defense and lets Grimes run the bench. Starting Grimes adds spacing next to Dončić but leaves the reserves thin on playmaking until Sexton is back. Redick said earlier in camp that nothing was settled, and he still had not decided after the finale.

What comes next

The Lakers open the regular season against the Warriors on Wednesday, October 21, at 10 p.m. ET at Crypto.com Arena. Golden State will be without Kristaps Porziņģis, Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody. Lineups and live updates will be on the Warriors at Lakers Game Center.