Collin Sexton finally hit the hardwood for his first full Lakers practice this Monday, sending a real jolt of energy through the squad as they prep for Wednesday’s season opener against the Warriors. After missing all five preseason games, the thought of Sexton actually suiting up for opening night was starting to feel like a pipe dream, but this practice just flipped the script.
The Injury Scare and Sexton’s “Really Good Practice”
We all knew Sexton was dealing with something, and he’s now confirmed it’s a “lower leg injury” causing some persistent “tightness.” The man himself said “nothing in particular” brought it on, which is always a bit worrying when you can’t pinpoint the cause. Still, his attitude is all gas, no brakes, telling reporters, “We’ll be taking it day by day. At the end of the day, I had a really good practice [Monday], felt good. Super excited to be back out there with the guys, so I look forward to it.” That’s the kind of fire you want to hear from a new addition. He’s officially day-to-day, but that Monday practice has to give everyone some serious hope.
What Sexton Brings to the Purple and Gold
When the Lakers inked Sexton, the 27-year-old guard, to a two-year, $19 million deal this offseason, the plan was clear: get another dynamic ball-handler and serious second-unit scoring punch. His career numbers over eight seasons with the Cavaliers, Jazz, Hornets, and Bulls speak for themselves: 18.3 points on 47.2% shooting, including 38.9% from deep, plus 2.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists. That’s a proven scorer who can get buckets.
Sexton clearly sees how he fits in, even after watching the exhibition games from the sidelines. He’s “super excited to get out there,” feeling like he “can fit in pretty easily.” He’s not just talking offense, either. Sexton highlighted bringing “that energy, bringing that juice” on defense, trying to “disrupt and bring the clock down.” Offensively, he’s ready to do what he does best: “getting to the paint. I think that’s something that I’ve done really well in my career.” Plus, he’s all about spacing for guys like Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, ready to shoot when Walker Kessler gets into the pocket. It sounds like he’s ready to be a versatile weapon.
Looking Ahead to the Opener
With Collin Sexton getting a full practice under his belt, the vibe for Wednesday’s season opener against the Warriors just got a massive boost. While he’s still day-to-day, the fact that he’s feeling good and excited after being back on the court means he’s absolutely eyeing that first game. Getting a player of his caliber into the rotation early could be huge for setting the tone. Keep an eye out for final updates on his status, but right now, things are looking up!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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