The Los Angeles Lakers had an eventful and, in the eyes of most, successful 2026 offseason. Rob Pelinka solidified the team's future by focusing on Luka Doncic and building a roster that fit his style of play.
One of the more questionable moves when it happened, and one that is under more scrutiny after LA missed out on adding a starting forward, is the Collin Sexton signing. Don’t get me wrong, Sexton can provide a ton of value as one of the league's best backup guards, a high-level shooter, and an aggressive defender. However, he’s more of a luxury than a necessity.
Bronny James could make him an expendable piece for the Lakers this season.
Sexton is making $9.36 million next season, and the Lakers could flip that contract to a guard-needy team for the potential starting-caliber forward they failed to bring in this summer. That only becomes possible if Bronny shows JJ Redick he can be a backup guard who can manage the game when Luka or Austin Reaves isn’t on the court.
Collin Sexton wasn't needed in Los Angeles
Since the Sexton signing was made, I argued it wasn’t a necessary one. Sure, his addition gives LA one of the best guard trios in the league, but when you have AR and Luka, a top-end backup point guard isn’t something you desperately need.
What they desperately needed was a forward to slot in either at three or four. They needed someone who can offer defensive upside from the point of attack.
This signing also felt like it was a death sentence for Bronny, who made a ton of progress last season. To me, he was ready for more responsibility in year three of his NBA career.
Bronny has always had the physical tools: an NBA body and a good wingspan that have made him a positive defender despite being only 6-foot-2. On top of that, the basketball IQ and ability to read screens and passing lanes have always been there for Bronny.
Last season brought several encouraging signs. He added more offense to his game. James developed a better handle, improved his playmaking, and an boasted outside shot that reached 38.6 percent by the end of the season.
His archetype as a 3-and-D type of guard always felt like it would be a nice change of pace and style of play, whether he was subbing AR or Luka out. The versatility of his archetype could have even made Bronny someone Reddick flexed into three-guard lineups with LA’s two stars.
The issue now is that unless LA starts to deal with injuries, Bronny doesn’t project to have much opportunity or playing time. Playing both him and Sexton nightly seems unlikely.
Maybe a door opens for him, but realistically this all could’ve been avoided if Sexton wasn’t signed in the first place. All Lakers fans can hope for now is that Bronny gets an early chance and opens the front office's eyes. That would allow them to flip Sexton for a forward that can be the final piece to round out this roster.
Add us as a preferred source on Google