It’s a new era in Los Angeles, and the anticipation couldn’t be higher to see the latest rendition of the Lakers. Sans LeBron James, they had the room to overhaul the roster, swapping out players like Rui Hachimura and Marcus Smart for Walker Kessler and Quentin Grimes.
Veteran guard Collin Sexton is another recent addition to the Lake Show, and he’s still learning to adapt to his new surroundings. In a recent video for the team, he laid out expectations for the upcoming season and gave the fans a taste of what he brings to the floor.
“I’m super excited to be a part of this organization and this team,” said Sexton. “You can expect someone who’s going to come in every single day with energy and juice, ready to give it my all. You’ll know you’ve got a dog on the court.”
Sexton will come off the bench for the Lakers this upcoming season, but he’s willing and ready to play any role for the Purple and Gold. Last season, in 68 games, Sexton averaged 15.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.1 blocks per game on 48.5% shooting from the field and 41.0% shooting from three.
Before playing a single game with his new team, Sexton already knows the pressure involved. He’s aware of the stakes and the demand to be competitive every night. Fortunately for the Lakers, he’s embracing all of that as he looks to establish his long-term NBA home.
“It’s the Lakers, you know, it’s so much going on here, so much history in the building,” Sexton added. “I feel like they’re the best fans in the world. So, being able to go out there and put that jersey on each and every night, it’s going to be a good time for sure.”
If nothing else, it’s the right mentality for Sexton and a sign that he’s fully bought in to the greater cause. The same could also be said for Lakers rookie Cameron Carr, the 24th overall pick who put on a show in the Summer League. Reality hasn’t set in that he’s officially a Laker, but the mere thought of it puts a smile on the young guard’s face.
“Man, this reality hasn’t set in yet; it’s probably going to take a little bit,” said Carr, via ClutchPoints. “But when it hits me like, man, I play for the LA Lakers. But, I mean, of course, exciting. It’s a rich tradition, a team and players that came before me, so all I can do is act for them, right?”
For Carr, this summer has been all about growth, and in more ways than one. Besides a lifetime of training from his dad (a former NBA player himself), he also got advice from former professionals like Chris Bosh, who are urging him to live in the moment.
“Yeah, I feel like a lot of them are kind of more about direction,” Carr added. “I feel like a lot of them have been where we all want to go, especially right now. They just keep emphasizing to enjoy this moment. Like, try not to stress about it, just enjoy it, because you get to do this every day.”
In the end, it’s impossible to say how the Lakers will stack up to their competitors this season. With so many changes, it could take time for the team to come together and find a system that works. But thanks to role players like Sexton and Carr, who are willing to sacrifice for the sake of the team, there is growing belief that they can make some noise in the Western Conference.
Mostly, their success will be tied to the performances of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, but JJ Redick has proven he can bring the most out of his players. That should be no exception for Sexton and Carr, who have already started working on maximizing their impact.
