Sep 28, 2026; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers player Collin Sexton (5) during media day at UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Perhaps the most intriguing addition the Los Angeles Lakers made this summer was point guard Collin Sexton. The veteran guard has become an extremely reliable player who can operate on or off the ball and is expected to provide a boost to the Lakers’ bench, which was one of the worst in the league last year.
Unfortunately, Sexton missed the entire preseason while dealing with a lower leg injury. But Sexton was a full participant in practice on Monday for the first time and said he felt great on the court, although he is not yet sure if he will be able to play on Wednesday in the regular season opener.
“We’re taking it day by day,” he said. “At the end of the day, I had a really good practice today. Felt good, super excited to be back out there with the guys. I’m looking forward to [returning].”
Sexton gave some insight into what exactly he has been dealing with.
“Some lower leg, like a little here and there thing, tightness and stuff. But I feel pretty good,” Sexton added.
The 27-year-old further elaborated on how he felt to be back practicing with his teammates.
“It felt good. Super excited to be back out there, honestly. Just getting out there and getting up and down. Legs felt a little heavy, but it was great. It was definitely a great day, great practice from the team as well. Guys were really competing and I feel like that’s something we have to continue to do whenever we have practice days since we don’t get too many.”
It is still unclear whether Sexton will be able to suit up for the Lakers’ season opener against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, but the fact that he’s back practicing fully is a great sign that he will at least be on the court soon.
Collin Sexton discusses how he can fit with Lakers
Being unable to play in the preseason does put Sexton a step behind when it comes to building up that chemistry with his teammates and finding his place in the rotation. But in being able to watch from the sidelines, he believes he was able to pick up on some things that will help him fit right in.
“I definitely feel like when I’m watching the games, I’m more eager to get out there,” Sexton said. “I’m super excited to get out there and I can see where I can fit in pretty easily. I think even just on the defensive side, bring that energy and that juice and try to disrupt. Not always get someone to turn it over, but just disrupt and bring the clock down. Then offensively, get into the paint. I think that’s something that I’ve done really well in my career. And then spacing. Make sure I’m spacing the floor for guys like Luka, AR, even when. Walker gets it in the pocket. Being ready to shoot from that backside. So just finding ways I can help the team when I’m watching the game.”
Last season, Sexton averaged 15.4 points while shooting 48.5% from the field and 40.1% from 3-point range in 68 games with 22 starts. He and fellow newcomer Sandro Mamukelashvili will be the Lakers’ two primary options off the bench that will allow for things to still run smoothly when Luka Doncic or Austin Reaves get a break.
Sexton missing the entire preseason was not ideal, but he still stands to be an important player on this team and his impact will be felt very soon.
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