Los Angeles Lakers guard Collin Sexton is quickly proving his value to the franchise following an early-season absence, highlighting an energetic bench role that helped spark a significant comeback win against the Utah Jazz on Sunday.
Sexton missed the entire preseason alongside the opening game of the regular season due to a right soleus strain. Since returning to the hardwood, however, he has demonstrated the exact qualities that prompted the Lakers to acquire him during the summer.
During Sunday’s contest, Sexton contributed 13 points off the bench, securing a nine-point victory for Los Angeles. Beyond the scoreboard impact, his primary contribution lay in shifting the team’s momentum after a lackluster start. The Lakers struggled heavily through the opening period, facing an 18-point deficit heading into the second quarter.
The entry of Sexton, alongside teammate Austin Reaves, served as a catalyst for a dramatic turnaround. The pair helped orchestrate a surge that erased the deficit entirely, putting Los Angeles ahead by three points by halftime. Speaking after the game, Sexton emphasized that altering the team’s tempo is his primary objective when stepping onto the floor.
“For sure. I would say just come into the game and bring that juice,” Sexton said. “Come into the game and try to make an impact on both ends of the court. I feel like tonight, first half I impacted defensively really well and it allowed us to get some stops. Got under their guys and made them put it on the floor. So I think defensively, I was able to impact a lot of it and contribute to the win. So I’m excited.”
Although the regular season remains in its early stages, Sexton is already delivering immediate returns and expressed enthusiasm regarding the opportunity to contribute to a contending roster.
“Honestly, I just see opportunity,” Sexton added. “Opportunity to come in and play a role and be a part of a winning organization. For me, I’m a winner. I feel like any time I step on the court, I want to give it my all and give 110% and I feel like this was the best place for me.”
Despite recording several strong individual campaigns throughout his career, Sexton has yet to appear in the NBA postseason, a milestone he is eager to achieve. Sustaining his current level of energy could cement his status as a pivotal component for a Lakers squad eyeing a deep playoff run.
The matchup also marked a return to Utah for Lakers big man Walker Kessler. Kessler struggled during the contest, describing it as his worst performance of the young season and acknowledging that his emotions got the better of him during the game.
