The Los Angeles Lakers' aim entering the offseason was to add the right complementary players around Luka Doncic. And a two-year, $19 million deal for electric guard Collin Sexton might go down as one of the Lakers' best moves in that regard, especially considering the price.
Collin Sexton is coming into a great time in his career as he joins the Lakers
Sexton, 27, is in the sweet spot of his career, still physically youthful but with enough NBA experience (475 regular-season games) to be called a veteran. He's instant offense, having averaged 18.3 points per game in his career on 38.9% from 3. The only thing he lacks is playoff experience, but that isn't a massive concern, considering Sexton will be a star role player for the Lakers, not a primary option.
Beyond his physical gifts, Sexton also understands the game and brings a winning mentality to every franchise he joins. His recent comments on the opportunity to play with Doncic reflect that understanding.
"I feel like a lot of times having other guys around that can make plays, whether it's shoot the ball or get to the paint or make plays for others, is going to help him," Sexton said of Doncic on Monday. "Now it's like, okay, you might have to guard him straight up. That's when he's able to pick you apart."
Collin Sexton will operate as a vital secondary creator and scorer alongside Luka Doncic
Sexton is correct about the mindset of guys guarding Doncic. If they decide to double Doncic, a player like Sexton (or Austin Reaves, for that matter) will harm them offensively. By standing out as offensive weapons, both Sexton and Reaves will keep defenses honest when thinking about doubling Luka.
This should result in less "hero ball" for Luka moving forward. There will be plenty of opportunities for both Reaves and Sexton to take the keys of the offense and allow Luka to rest when needed.
Sexton will keep defenders honest and make the Lakers a potent, dynamic offense
When defenders have to respect the weapons around him, Luka becomes virtually unstoppable. This is what Sexton was alluding to with his spot-on comments.
Lakers fans should be thrilled to hear that Sexton possesses the basketball IQ and awareness of how his gifts complement Luka perfectly. This is one of the reasons why LA might have one of the very best offenses in the NBA next season.
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