​The Los Angeles Lakers finished the previous season with among the lowest bench scoring outputs in the league, and their reserve unit lacked a consistent source of points beyond perhaps Rui Hachimura. With Hachimura, LeBron James, Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard, and Jaxson Hayes exiting in free agency, the Lakers’ need for scoring depth from the second unit grew even more pronounced. That situation likely helped drive their pursuit of Collin Sexton in free agency. He agreed to a two-year, $19 million contract, with a player option in the second year, and as of Sunday the deal was made official. Sexton will don jersey No. 10 for the Lakers.
At 6-foot-3, Sexton has long been viewed as a defense liability, particularly against larger guards, but he also carries a reputation as a high-energy, fiercely competitive player. He can serve as an instant-offense option off the bench and can handle ball-handling and playmaking duties when needed. In addition to his scoring ability, he is notably quick and athletic, capable of generating pace and creating fast-break opportunities for the team.
While some Lakers fans view his addition with skepticism, Sexton checks several clear boxes and could become a significant contributor in coach JJ Redick’s rotation. In his most recent season, Sexton logged averages of 15.4 points and 3.3 assists in 23.7 minutes per game, shooting 48.5% from the field and 40.1% from beyond the arc. At 27 years old, he brings eight years of NBA experience to the table after being selected eighth overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2018 draft.
This migration of Sexton to Los Angeles marks a strategic move by the Lakers to inject scoring versatility and athleticism into their second unit. His ability to provide immediate offense, handle and push the pace, and contribute as a secondary ball-handler could help stabilize the bench and lighten the load on the starters. Whether Sexton thrives within Redick’s rotation will depend on how well he meshes with the rest of the lineup, how effectively he defends in spurts, and how consistently he can replicate his scoring efficiency from prior seasons.
Note: This rewritten piece is based on the information surrounding the signing of Collin Sexton by the Los Angeles Lakers and reflects the surrounding context of the team’s offseason moves and needs. The article originally appeared on LeBron Wire and is provided here for rewritten, SEO-oriented purposes.