The Lakers made a number of moves to retool their roster in early July, including adding Colin Sexton in free agency. In an interview with ESPN LA (Link to video on Twitter), Sexton explains why he decided to come to Los Angeles.
“I would say just being able to win, being on a big stage and being in a situation where I can try to come in and make an impact on a win.” he said to the owners. “I think I’ve been on different teams where it’s been a lot harder. Of course, the desire to win has always been there. But winning in the NBA is definitely tough. It’s tough and every night we’re playing against the best of the best. So I think just being on that stage and being able to make an impact every day and what I bring to the team and what I bring to the game. I feel like I just fit right in.”
Sexton is hoping for an opportunity to show what he can do in the playoffs after spending most of his career with losing teams. He was traded from Utah to Charlotte last offseason and then sent to Chicago at the February deadline. He was productive during his time with the Bulls, averaging 17.5 ppg in 26 games while shooting 48.2% from the field and 41% from three.
LA gave him a a two-year, $19 million contract with a player option for a second season, so there’s a chance he’ll be a free agent again next summer. Still, Sexton is hoping for a more permanent home as he joins his fifth team in nine NBA seasons.
Sexton also talked about reuniting with a former Jazz teammate Walker Kesslerwhich was acquired as part of a lineup change in July. The Lakers are counting on Kessler to anchor the defense up the middle and also be a threat up front Luka Doncicand Sexton believes he is perfect for the role.
“He will have a big impact, especially in defence” Sexton said. “His presence, his rim protection and even his offensive ability that he’s been working on this summer … I’m excited for him and for this opportunity. He’s one of my guys; he’s from Atlanta, so every time I’ve talked to him, I’ve told him, ‘I’ve got your back,’ and the next thing you know, we’re here. Working on our three-point shooting, but also just shooting around the rim even better, so it’s cool. to see him use this break from not playing all last season to really work on his game and develop it, so I’m really happy for him and for his growth and I can’t wait to get back on the court.”
Additionally, Sexton discussed the team’s trip to Slovenia last month to work with Doncic and start building chemistry between all the new players. He said it was interesting to see that part of the world and it was a reflection of Doncic’s leadership skills.
“I would say it was one of those trips where it was more like team building for us.” Sexton said. “We needed to train not only in the States but also overseas. And just the culture, for Luca to do that, it just shows a true leader and that’s the role he wants to fill this season and be the one to lead us.”
