Lakers Add a New Spark with Collin Sexton

The Los Angeles Lakers are crafting a fresh era around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. During the off‑season, general manager Rob Pelinka realized they needed another dynamic scorer to support—and sometimes outshine—the duo. That search led to Collin Sexton, who signed a two‑year, $19.2 million contract at the start of the month.

Sexton is in his athletic prime and brings a strong basketball mind that fits well with Doncic and Reaves. He is also eager to experience NBA playoff action, which he will soon encounter wearing a Lakers jersey.

When asked why the Lakers appealed to him, Sexton said the main draw was “opportunity.”
“I want a chance to compete and win every night,” he added, “and I feel my competitive drive will thrive in that environment.”

What sets Sexton apart is his relentless work ethic. He has spent most of his career on teams that didn’t perform well, yet he always competes like a dog. That high‑energy approach is valuable over an 82‑game season and can help instill a habit of hard play in both the rotation and locker room.

The Lakers struggled to maintain intensity during the 2025‑26 season, even though they had moments of brilliance. While Luka brings a generational talent, he sometimes falls short of full effort in the regular season. Sexton’s arrival should balance that lack and benefit the team.

Sexton has never played in a truly competitive setting. Now, with the Lakers’ championship ambitions, his ultra‑competitive personality will be tested in games that truly matter.