​Another Los Angeles Lakers offseason move has officially taken shape. The team announced on Sunday, July 12, that free agent guard Collin Sexton has signed with the Lakers, following an initial agreement to a two-year, $19 million contract made on July 1. This development arrives shortly after the Lakers completed the Walker Kessler trade and confirmed additional notable free-agent additions, including Quentin Grimes and Sandro Mamukelashvili.
Sexton was originally selected eighth overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2018 NBA Draft. Last season, he spent time with the Charlotte Hornets and the Chicago Bulls, averaging 15.4 points, 3.3 assists, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game. Over eight NBA seasons, he has posted career averages of 18.3 points, 3.6 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game, underscoring his scoring ability and athleticism.
Projection for Sexton with the Lakers suggests he will serve as the lead guard off the bench, bringing a burst of athleticism and efficient scoring to a team that has sought more inside-the-rim scoring and aggression in recent years. A career shooting percentage of approximately 47% indicates a reliable finisher near the basket, a trait the Lakers have been seeking to complement their offense. While defense and playmaking have not been his calling cards, Sexton’s experience includes three seasons playing alongside Walker Kessler in Utah, which could have influenced Rob Pelinka’s offseason strategy as the Lakers restructure their roster during what could be described as a post-LeBron James era.
Sexton also generated social buzz with a July 1 hype clip released after the agreement, featuring a “No Child Left Behind” Kanye West song and the succinct caption: “It’s ON.” While the video drew attention for its bold caption, the substantive news remains the contract signing and the role Sexton is expected to play in the Lakers’ rotation as they pursue a renewed competitive edge.
As the Lakers move forward, Sexton’s presence offers the club a dynamic guard who can contribute scoring efficiency and athleticism off the bench. His familiarity with Kessler and his proven ability to create looks for himself and others could help balance the roster as the organization navigates the complexities of the post-LeBron James era. The coming season will reveal how well Sexton integrates with the team’s existing core and how his skill set complements the evolving approach under head coach Darvin Ham.