The Los Angeles Lakers‘ front office has been working in overdrive this offseason. To compensate for the many players leaving the team in free agency, Los Angeles needed to make several signings. Still, when noting the quality of the summer additions, the Lakers’ front office did a tremendous job.
From star-caliber additions like Walker Kessler to role players like Collin Sexton, the Lakers addressed many roster issues. While all the players are motivated to don the Purple and Gold and step up as contributors next season, Sexton seems to have a clear idea of what role he wishes to play for the team.
During an interview, Collin Sexton opened up about how he could contribute to winning. While his offensive ability will be particularly valuable, Sexton mentioned two former Lakers players who could be considered the mold for a player like him. He stated:
“I watched a lot of the playoffs, I watched a lot of (Smart) over the years, but also I would just say his mindset. ‘How can I be in the right spot? How can I make plays?’ Like you said, I’m always scoring, but how can I make plays on the defensive end? How can I get the one more or the hockey assist? Those little things.”
“And also, I watched a little bit of Avery Bradley as well. How he was able to change the pace on defense, and that was a while ago. But just watching him and his competitive nature, that’s my guy, so I was like, ‘You know what? How did he impact winning when he was here?’ And I feel like those two guys, I’ve been able to lock in on because I feel like I can bring that to this team.”
The Lakers’ offseason additions, specifically those in the backcourt, have been particularly noteworthy from an offensive standpoint. Both Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton have shown immense promise as score-first guards with playmaking and perimeter-shooting upside. Defensively, however, these signings may not be the most appropriate.
As Lakers Nation’s Ron Gutterman noted in his article, Collin Sexton has developed a reputation for being a terrific offensive player. Last season, the guard was effective regardless of setting. He averaged 14.2 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game while coming off the bench for the Charlotte Hornets. Then, during his brief tenure with the Chicago Bulls, he posted 17.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game.
Defensively, Sexton’s figures seemed decent enough, as he averaged 1.1 steals per game. However, his defensive rating of 113.7 and the fact that opponents shot 36% from beyond the arc when being guarded by him and 64.8% from the field when within five feet of the basket are concerning.
If Collin Sexton isn’t the primary on-ball defender, he is more likely to find himself guarding threats on the perimeter. In this regard, last season’s figures aren’t too promising. However, when noting his intensity, motor, and sheer determination, it could be argued that a more competitive environment may yield positive results for him.
Given the team’s structure, players like Collin Sexton will have an opportunity to thrive in the second unit. Because of his familiarity with being a starter, the Lakers also have enough backcourt depth to address absences due to injury.
Even if Sexton doesn’t meet expectations defensively, the Lakers seem to have contingency plans in place. Having signed two versatile wing defenders in Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle, the Purple and Gold have the defensive depth to compensate for any potential shortcomings.
Overall, even if Collin Sexton isn’t able to recreate the defensive impact of Marcus Smart or Avery Bradley, his on-court energy and leadership will be valuable all the same.
