Los Angeles Lakers officially sign Collin Sexton in blockbuster offseason move The Los Angeles Lakers have made their biggest free-agent splash of the summer, announcing Collin Sexton’s two-year, $19 million contract on July 12, 2026-just days after trading Walker Kessler and adding Quentin Grimes and Sandro Mamukelashvili. Sexton, a 47% career shooter, arrives as the Lakers’ new lead bench guard in a roster overhaul designed for the post-LeBron era. With the team on a 5-game losing streak (LLLLL) entering this move, Sexton’s rim-running scoring could be a turning point.
What happened?
Sexton’s deal was first agreed to on July 1, but the Lakers waited until Sunday to finalize paperwork. The 24-year-old guard-drafted 8th overall by Cleveland in 2018-spent last season splitting time between the Charlotte Hornets and Chicago Bulls, where he averaged 15.4 points, 3.3 assists, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game. Over eight NBA seasons, his career averages stand at 18.3 points, 3.6 assists, and 2.7 rebounds, with a reputation for efficient scoring at the rim.
Why it matters for the Lakers Los
Angeles has lacked a true secondary scorer off the bench since LeBron James’ departure. Sexton’s 47% field-goal percentage and explosiveness in the paint address that need, especially with Walker Kessler now in Utah. His experience playing alongside Kessler in Utah may have influenced Rob Pelinka’s decision, though Sexton isn’t a lockdown defender or playmaker. The Lakers’ recent struggles-including a 110-115 loss to Oklahoma City on May 12, 2026-highlight the urgency of adding scoring depth.
The hype and the hard work
Sexton’s arrival wasn’t subtle. Just hours after agreeing to terms, he posted a hype video set to No Child Left Behind by Kanye West, captioning it with two words: ‘It’s ON.’ The message resonated with Lakers fans eager for a fresh face in a franchise rebuilding phase. But Sexton’s fit hinges on execution: Can he replicate his 18.3 PPG career average in a deeper Lakers rotation? And will his chemistry with Austin Reaves or Quentin Grimes translate to playoff-caliber scoring?
What comes next? The
Lakers now turn their focus to preseason tuning. Sexton’s first game in purple-and-gold will be a litmus test for Pelinka’s roster strategy. With the team on a 0-5 start to the preseason (as of July 13, 2026), every addition matters. If Sexton’s efficiency carries over, he could become a key piece in LA’s push for a playoff spot-even if the defense remains a work in progress.
