DHJ Quick Take: Lakers Land Grimes, Mamukelashvili and Sexton in Free-Agency Blitz
The Los Angeles Lakers followed the Walker Kessler sign-and-trade by agreeing to deals with Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili and Collin Sexton, committing roughly $71 million in average annual value across four signings.
- Who did the Lakers sign? Los Angeles agreed to deals with Quentin Grimes (four years, $60 million), Sandro Mamukelashvili (four years, $52 million) and Collin Sexton (two years, $19 million).
- How much did the Lakers spend? The four additions, including Walker Kessler, carry a combined average annual value of about $71 million.
- Why does the move matter? The signings give Los Angeles depth in the backcourt and frontcourt as it builds around Luka Dončić.
- What’s next? The Lakers have two roster spots left for veteran-minimum signings and no tradeable first-round picks remaining.
The Los Angeles Lakers moved aggressively to reshape their roster around Luka Dončić, following the Walker Kessler sign-and-trade with a rapid series of free-agency agreements, Dallas Hoops Journal has learned.
Guard Quentin Grimes agreed to a four-year, $60 million contract that includes a player option, sources told Dallas Hoops Journal. Forward Sandro Mamukelashvili agreed to a four-year, $52 million deal with a player option on the fourth season, and guard Collin Sexton agreed to a two-year, $19 million contract.
Combined with the Kessler agreement, the Lakers have committed roughly $71 million in average annual value across four signings. Los Angeles is left with two open roster spots, which it can fill with veteran-minimum contracts, and no tradeable first-round picks.
Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton Deepen the Los Angeles Lakers Backcourt
Grimes, an unrestricted free agent, spent last season with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he averaged 13.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists as a reserve. He carries a Dallas tie, having been a teammate of Dončić with the Dallas Mavericks in 2024-25 before a February 2025 trade to Philadelphia.
Sexton brings scoring off the bench. The 8th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft split the 2025-26 season between the Charlotte Hornets and Chicago Bulls, averaging 15.4 points, 2.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists. He has shot better than 39% from three-point range in four straight seasons and joins a group led by Dončić that should generate open looks.
Sandro Mamukelashvili Adds Frontcourt Shooting
Mamukelashvili, a 27-year-old, 6-foot-9 forward/center, reached free agency after declining a $2.8 million player option with the Toronto Raptors. He averaged 11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 80 games last season while shooting 52.3% from the field and 38.9% from three-point range, all career highs. His floor spacing gives the Lakers a frontcourt complement to Kessler and Dončić.
Aggressive Spending Leaves Los Angeles Lakers Short on Draft Capital
The spending spree comes at a cost to the Lakers’ future flexibility. The Kessler deal sent unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 along with swap rights in 2028 and 2030 to the Utah Jazz, and combined with earlier commitments, Los Angeles no longer holds a first-round pick it can trade.
The Lakers will look to round out the roster with veteran-minimum additions in the days ahead.
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- Sources: Boston Celtics Land Mitchell Robinson On Three-Year, $47.4 Million Deal
- Sources: John Collins Agrees To Three-Year, $51 Million Deal With Detroit Pistons
- Sources: Dean Wade Agrees To Four-Year Deal With Philadelphia 76ers, Reuniting With Mike Gansey
- Sources: Kawhi Leonard Traded To Toronto Raptors As Los Angeles Clippers Land Brandon Ingram, Draft Capital
- Sources: Golden State Warriors Prefer Signing LeBron James Without Trading For Anthony Davis
- Sources: Chicago Bulls Emerging As Suitor To Watch For Normal Powell
