Collin Sexton has the opportunity to play a big role on the Los Angeles Lakers this coming season. The 27-year-old guard, who has career averages of 18.3 points and 3.6 assists in 29 minutes a game, is a speedster with the ball in his hands, and he's a proven scorer who is also an accurate outside shooter and capable facilitator.
He plays with an edge and will help take the ball-handling load off Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, as Tony Jones of The Athletic pointed out recently. He should also give the Lakers plenty of scoring off the bench, something they haven't had in a few years.
Sexton recently went on ESPN 710 and talked about his initial experience with the Lakers.
"It’s been amazing. Everyone’s just pretty much open and welcoming, and it’s
been good to talk to the coaches, talk to the players. It’s a whole bunch of new faces, so we’re all learning each and every day together."
When he was asked what drew him to the Lakers and got him to sign a two-year, $19 million contract with them, he didn't hesitate to be honest.
"I would say just opportunity to win, being on big stage and being in the situation where I can try to come in and impact winning.
"I feel like I’ve been on different teams where it’s just been a lot tougher. Of course, the want to win, it’s always been there. But it’s definitely tough to win in the NBA. It’s a hard thing and each and every night we’re playing against the best of the best.
"So I think just being on this stage and being able to impact winning each and every day, and what I bring to the team and bring to the game. I feel like I just fit right in."
Sexton was taken in the 2018 NBA Draft with the No. 8 pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers. He spent his first four years with the Cavaliers while they struggled to rebuild following LeBron James' 2018 departure. He was then traded to the Utah Jazz in 2022 and spent the next three years with them while they appeared to be tanking, at least according to people's accusations.
The guard then spent last season with the Charlotte Hornets and Chicago Bulls, two teams that didn't make the playoffs. That means Sexton has never been to the NBA playoffs.
Of course, the Lakers expect to be there this coming spring, whether that's a realistic expectation or not. If they get there, let alone make noise there, Sexton will be a significant reason why.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Collin Sexton on what attracted him to the Lakers
