Collin Sexton said the opportunity to compete for wins on a major stage was a central reason he chose to join the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason.
In an interview with ESPN LA, Sexton explained that the chance to contribute to a team built around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves appealed to him after spending the previous seasons with teams further from contention.
“I would say just opportunity to win, being on big stage and being in the situation where I can try to come in and impact winning,” Sexton said, via Hoops Rumors.
Sexton acknowledged that winning in the NBA is difficult regardless of the situation, but said the Lakers presented an opportunity for him to contribute toward that goal on a team with postseason aspirations.
“I feel like I’ve been on different teams where it’s just been a lot tougher. Of course, the want to win, it’s always been there. But it’s definitely tough to win in the NBA. It’s a hard thing and each and every night we’re playing against the best of the best,” he said.
The 27-year-old guard arrives in Los Angeles after averaging 15.4 points, 3.3 assists and 2.3 rebounds in 68 games during the 2025-26 season. He shot 48.5% from the field, 40.1% from three-point range and 85.5% from the free-throw line.
Sexton split the season between the Charlotte Hornets and Chicago Bulls. He averaged 14.2 points, 3.7 assists and 1.9 rebounds in 42 games with Charlotte before posting 17.5 points, 2.5 assists and 2.9 rebounds in 26 games with Chicago.
His 40.1% three-point shooting marked his second consecutive season above 40% from beyond the arc. Sexton shot 40.6% from three in 2024-25 while averaging 18.4 points for Utah.
Sexton has averaged 18.3 points, 3.6 assists and 2.7 rebounds over eight NBA seasons. He has also shot 47.2% from the field and 38.9% from three over 475 career games.
The Lakers went 53-29 in 2025-26 and finished fourth in the Western Conference before being swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round of the playoffs.
Los Angeles underwent a significant roster transformation this summer following LeBron James’ departure to the Philadelphia 76ers. The Lakers re-signed Reaves to a four-year, $180 million contract and added Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Kevon Looney, Ziaire Williams, Matisse Thybulle and Sexton.
With Doncic returning as the centerpiece, Sexton is joining a backcourt that also includes Reaves and Grimes. The Lakers signed Sexton to a two-year, $19.2 million contract with a player option for the second season.
“I think just being on this stage and being able to impact winning each and every day, and what I bring to the team and bring to the game. I feel like I just fit right in,” Sexton said.
