Collin Sexton Seeks NBA Redemption with Lakers
After a career derailed by injury and team changes, the former lottery pick aims to reignite his potential with a new opportunity in Los Angeles.
Collin Sexton, once a highly touted prospect, is embarking on a new chapter with the Los Angeles Lakers, hoping to revitalize a career that has faced significant hurdles. The guard, who was the No. 8 pick in the 2018 NBA draft, signed a two-year, $19.2 million contract with the Lakers, with a player option for the 2027-28 season.
Sexton's NBA journey began with the Cleveland Cavaliers, who selected him to lead their post-LeBron James rebuild. He showed flashes of his scoring ability, averaging at least 20 points in two seasons and finishing fifth in Rookie of the Year voting for the 2018-19 season. However, the Cavaliers struggled to achieve consistent team success during his tenure.
A significant turning point came in the 2021-22 season when the Cavaliers, having drafted Darius Garland and acquired Jarrett Allen, were poised for a breakout. Sexton, however, played only 11 games before undergoing season-ending surgery for a left knee injury. The Cavaliers went on to have their first winning season since LeBron's departure, but Sexton was not part of it.
Cleveland then traded Sexton, along with Lauri Markkanen and other assets, to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Donovan Mitchell. Sexton spent three productive seasons with the Jazz, averaging 17.5 points and 4.2 assists from 2022 to 2025. Despite his individual performance, the Jazz consistently missed the playoffs.
His quest for postseason basketball took another turn when the Jazz traded him to the Charlotte Hornets during the 2025 offseason. With Charlotte showing signs of improvement, it seemed Sexton might finally experience the NBA playoffs. However, a subsequent trade to the struggling Chicago Bulls ahead of the 2026 trade deadline dashed those hopes, as the Bulls finished the season with a 31-51 record, marking Sexton's eighth consecutive year watching the playoffs from home.
As an unrestricted free agent for the first time, Sexton prioritized joining a team with a winning culture. "I definitely feel like it was super important – finding a place where I can compete and not be at the crib in April right after the season ends," Sexton stated. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity with the Lakers and highlighted the belief he feels from coach JJ Redick.
Unlike his arrival in Cleveland, Sexton is not entering Los Angeles with the pressure of being a star. The Lakers' immediate need is for him to capitalize on opportunities and contribute to the team's success. "Honestly, I would say just opportunity – opportunity to go out, win and be able to compete each and every night," Sexton said about his decision to join the Lakers, emphasizing his desire to compete and win.