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
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
The Los Angeles Lakers ended their preseason with a 2-3 record, showcasing flashes of brilliance and early-stage growing pains. While there were many positive takeaways from their performances, Collin Sexton‘s fit in the rotation remains a bit of a question mark.
Collin Sexton was one of the more noteworthy free agent signings this offseason. While Sexton’s addition greatly reinforced the team’s backcourt depth, providing the Lakers’ bench a viable scoring and playmaking option behind Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, fans have yet to see the guard in action.
The 27-year-old missed the entirety of the preseason while dealing with a lower leg injury. For obvious reasons, this raised concerns about his health entering the regular season, too. However, while speaking with the media recently, Collin Sexton provided a positive update on his availability for the opening night matchup, stating:
“We’ll be taking it day by day. 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. So I’m looking forward to it.”
While discussing the issues he faced during the training camp period and the preseason, Sexton mentioned that he experienced some lower leg tightness. But when reacting to his first full practice with the team, the guard shared:
“Super excited to be back out there. Honestly, just getting out there, getting up and down, my legs felt a little heavy. But it was great. It was definitely a great day. Great practice from the team as well, and the guys really competed. I feel like that’s something we have to continue to do whenever we have practice days, since we don’t get too many.”
Sexton mentioned that the tightness in his leg had been managed, and the priority had shifted to getting more reps in and working his way back to game shape. Given how influential he can be on both ends of the floor, the Purple and Gold will hope he assimilates into the rotation soon.
Collin Sexton Opens Up On Defensive Role
Collin Sexton’s signing was largely praised because of his offensive upside. With averages of 15.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game on 48.5% shooting from the field and 40.1% shooting from three-point range last season, Sexton has demonstrated his value as a scorer. While there is a lot to like about this, it is Sexton’s defensive pressure that also deserves some credit.
Collin Sexton’s role as a point-of-attack defender will be put on full display this season. But when asked about the challenges of playing such a role, the guard replied:
“I would say come in with the right approach. Every day is not going to be perfect, but make sure that every day is a lesson. I think just watching a lot of film on other guys and making sure I know certain people’s tendencies. I know that’s something that me and JJ have been talking about.”
“It’s just people’s tendencies; watching a lot of film. Make sure when you’re out there, you know what they like to do and what they don’t like to do, and that’s going to help you become a better defender. Even just off-ball, make sure I’m talking to them [teammates] in the right positions.”
While Sexton will be tasked with orchestrating the second unit’s offense, he will also play a key role as a vocal leader and anchor for defensive rotations on the perimeter. Given that the 27-year-old intends to recreate the defensive impact of Avery Bradley and Marcus Smart, however, he will have his work cut out for him.
Despite his smaller frame at 6’3″, Sexton isn’t one to shy away from defensive assignments. With an average of 1.1 steals per game and a defensive rating of 117, Sexton has shown the willingness and desire to be a capable defender. While his instincts may not be considered elite, the guard makes up for it with his intensity and motor.
For all intents and purposes, fans will be eager to see Collin Sexton in action. While there is optimism that he will be available for the Lakers’ season opener against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night, there has been no conclusive update on the matter yet.
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Siddhant Gupta is a basketball columnist at Fadeaway World, based out of Mumbai, India. He combines firsthand playing experience with thoughtful analysis to report on the NBA's ever-evolving world. A lifelong athlete, Siddhant's perspective is rooted in years on the court, giving his work a unique edge that resonates with both casual fans and seasoned ones.Before joining Fadeaway World, he spent two formative years at Sportskeeda, where he sharpened his skills and had the opportunity to interview NBA legend Ray Allen during his time in India. A diehard Los Angeles Lakers fan since 2008, Siddhant doesn't just report on the game—he lives it. Beyond his work, he is a student of the game, constantly learning, debating, and engaging with the local and global basketball communities.