Collin Sexton believes his energy and competitive approach can give the Los Angeles Lakers an immediate boost as he begins his first season with the team.
Speaking at Lakers media day on Monday, September 28, Sexton said he sees his ability to provide a spark off the bench as an important part of his role alongside Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler.
“I would say one, I would say my energy. I feel like I can bring a different type of energy to the team,” Sexton said. “And then two, I would say my competitive nature. I think that’s something that, like, it doesn’t matter we’re up 20, down 20, I’m going to give it 110%.”
Sexton added that he views the bench role as a way to help the Lakers’ starters while contributing immediately.
“I feel like coming in and coming off the bench and bringing that spark is a big thing in the NBA,” he said. “The spark off the bench usually helps the starters as well. So, I find that role very important and I think that’s something that I’m be able to contribute right away.”
The Lakers signed Sexton to a two-year, $19.2 million contract this offseason after he averaged 15.4 points, 3.3 assists and 2.3 rebounds in 68 games for Charlotte and Chicago last season. He shot 40.1% from three-point range.
Sexton also discussed the atmosphere he has found in Los Angeles, describing the Lakers as a family-oriented organization.
“I would say just the family environment. It’s such a family environment,” Sexton said. “I would say like everyone is here to help. I think even just the staff, the training staff, the people in PT, everyone’s just here ready to help. I would say the environment just is a bunch of love.”
The 27-year-old guard grew up as a Lakers fan and said seeing the organization’s banners brought back memories from his childhood.
“I always grew up as a Lakers fan, I always grew up loving Kobe Bryant,” Sexton said. “So just me coming in my first time, seeing the banners up top and just coming into this presence, it gave me a lot of throwback memories of just watching so many games when I was little.”
Sexton also explained why he chose No. 10 with the Lakers, recalling that he played in a Lakers jersey bearing the same number as a child.
“I can remember my first basketball recreation, I was playing with a Lakers jersey number 10. So that’s why I also chose number 10,” he said.
Sexton is particularly familiar with Kessler, having played with the center in Utah. The two also share roots in Georgia and have remained close away from the court.
“Walker, he’s one of those people that’s going to come in each and every day ready to work and that’s the same mindset that I have,” Sexton said. “We have a really good connection off the court.”
He also praised Doncic for taking the initiative to bring the Lakers together during their preseason trip to Slovenia.
“I appreciate him for even just bringing us all the way to Slovenia. He didn’t have to do that,” Sexton said. “With it being so many new faces and so many new guys on the team for him to take the initiative to step up and make sure we’re all over there and trying to build that team chemistry, that was huge.”
Defensively, Sexton said he is focused on increasing his ball pressure and becoming more disruptive. He specifically cited former Lakers guard Avery Bradley and Marcus Smart as players he has studied.
“I’ve been dialing in a little bit more on the defensive side,” Sexton said. “I know how much I can impact ball pressure, how I can start picking up full court and just be disruptive on the defensive end.”
Sexton said the Lakers’ success will ultimately depend on players accepting their roles and sacrificing for the team.
“I would say jelling and everyone finding their role and finding their niche,” he said. “Everyone has a role on this team and I feel like the sooner we get to knowing our roles and the sooner we get to knowing how we can help impact winning, then the sky’s the limit.”
Sexton also agreed with Doncic’s description of the Lakers’ new additions as underrated players.
“I think we’re all underrated, if that makes sense,” Sexton said. “I think we’re competitors. I feel like we added people that are willing to compete.”
Sexton averaged 18.3 points, 3.6 assists and 2.7 rebounds over eight NBA seasons before joining the Lakers.
