Collin Sexton
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 23: Collin Sexton #10 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during the game against the LA Clippers on October 23, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
After missing all of preseason and the regular season opener with a right soleus strain, Collin Sexton made his Los Angeles Lakers debut in Friday night’s win over the L.A. Clippers.
Sexton didn’t do anything spectacular as he was on a 16-minute restriction, but he showed some glimpses of what he can be for the Lakers during his minutes on the court.
“Yeah, he was good,” Austin Reaves said of his new backcourt mate. “He is just going to get more comfortable every single minute he plays. He was really good in the summer when he was playing. He’s a pest. He feeds all the energy. He loves doing the little things and plays the game the right way. So, he’ll have a big impact for what we’re trying to do and can’t wait to build chemistry.”
Outside of Reaves and Luka Doncic, the Lakers lacked ball-handling in the preseason, which is what Sexton will provide off the bench. His ability to put pressure on the rim while also being a quality 3-point shooter will be crucial for L.A.’s second unit.
What Sexton showed in his team debut though is that he will also be an energizer bunny for the Lakers. He only scored five points on 2-of-6 shooting, naturally looking a little rusty. But he also had two assists and three steals as the guard was everywhere on the defensive end of the floor.
It’s only been two games, but the Lakers’ vision in building this roster was clear and the pieces seem to be fitting together well.
Walker Kessler believes Collin Sexton’s energy is contagious
Walker Kessler is very familiar with Sexton’s game as the two both grew up in Atlanta and then were teammates on the Utah Jazz. And similar to Reaves, Kessler loved the energy that Sexton brought to the Lakers and wasn’t surprised by it.
“Yeah, I mean, he’s a bull,” Kessler said of Sexton. “There’s a reason why that’s his handle. But yeah, he’s a maniac, man. I love Bull. You know, every possession, offense, defense, he’s got a certain chip on his shoulder, just plays with a certain tenacity. As far as leadership, you know, he gets the guys going with just his energy. He’s everywhere screaming, balling his fist. I mean, all y’all can see it. That kind of stuff is contagious.”
That energy will be much-needed for the Lakers throughout the course of an 82-game season.
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