Brief

Lakers preview surprise starting lineup for season opener

Coach JJ Redick outlined a potential five that swaps Quentin Grimes for Matisse Thybulle ahead of the Oct. 21 season opener.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 17 Oct 2026 15:10:25 GMT

The Los Angeles Lakers disclosed a possible starting lineup for their opening night against the Golden State Warriors on Oct. 21, according to the New York Post.

The unit would feature Matisse Thybulle (26) and Ziaire Williams alongside Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler, a lineup first used in a preseason game against the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena.

Redick said Quentin Grimes will still start regular‑season games, but Thybulle’s inclusion was the unexpected change, noting the lineup was originally planned for a Sacramento game with Collin Sexton out.

"I know that there’s a chance Quentin is gonna have an opportunity to start," Redick told the Post, adding that the lineup is still tentative for the Warriors matchup.

Key facts

• Lakers may start Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams with Dončić, Reaves and Kessler on Oct. 21 (nypost.com)
• Quentin Grimes is expected to start regular‑season games despite the surprise lineup (nypost.com)
• The lineup was first used in a preseason game against the Denver Nuggets (nypost.com)

Sources

• [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Lakers reveal potential starting lineup with surprising twist in preseason finale”