Collin Sexton has never suited up for the NBA Playoffs despite enjoying a long and successful individual career that has spanned eight seasons to this point. Understanding just how crazy that is requires a step back to see where the new Los Angeles Lakers guard slots in with an unfortunate all-time club.
Sexton has played 475 career regular season games during his eight years in the league. That places him 15th on the list of games played for players in NBA history who have never suited up for the playoffs. Think about how many guys have stepped on an NBA court during its existence. That is an unfortunately high ranking.
Among active players, Sexton also ranks highly on the list of games played with no playoff appearances. The Lakers guard only trails Miles Bridges (501) and Lauri Markkanen (492). He also has a great deal of separation from the next closest player. That would be Tre Jones, with 362.
Good news? Sexton is a long way from catching up to the all-time leader in this club — Tom Van Arsdale. He ranks first on the all-time list here with 929 games played and no playoffs. Better news? The Lakers should help their new guard leave this club altogether.
That should be the case by the end of 2026-27, if Sexton plays his part.
A successful Lakers campaign will help Collin Sexton finally play playoff basketball
There is virtually no doubt about whether Sexton is going to be a rotation player for the Lakers this season. He will be.
Sexton should be the first guard off the bench for Los Angeles this season, providing a necessary spell for Luka Doncic or Austin Reaves when it is needed. Him and Sandro Mamukelashvili will be tasked with finally delivering a productive second unit for the Lakers.
What Sexton will need to prove between now and February to ensure his shot at playoff basketball is just how indispensable he is. His deal sticks out as mightily tradeable if that does not prove to be the case.
Sexton is making close to $9.4 million in the 2026-27 season. That is a deal the Lakers should face few troubles moving if the fit is not quite right in Los Angeles. Do not give Rob Pelinka a reason is the motto for the Lakers veteran.
Earlier in the summer, Sexton told the media just how important it was for him to land with a team that offered him the chance to compete and 'not be at the crib in April.' The Lakers are that group. The 27-year-old just has to ensure he is still on the roster by the time spring comes.
Add us as a preferred source on Google