Lakers key piece expected to make season debut vs. Clippers

The Lakers’ backcourt is about to get healthier.

Backup guard Collin Sexton was taken off of the team’s injury report and is expected to be available for Friday’s home game against the Clippers after dealing with a strained right soleus (calf).

Advertisement

Sexton sat out of Wednesday’s season-opening win over the Warriors and the entire preseason with the injury.

The Lakers’ backcourt is about to get a lot healthier. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

He was a full participant in practice for the first time on Monday, but sat out against the Warriors.

“No setback, no setback,” coach JJ Redick said Wednesday. “Collaborative decision with performance, everyone involved. I always say this, with soft tissue injuries, the athlete has to have confidence and full confidence.”

Sexton’s debut will give the Lakers another reliable ball-handler behind superstar guard Luka Doncic and star guard Austin Reaves.

With the rotation being shortened, Quentin Grimes was used as a reserve on Wednesday and last Friday’s preseason finale loss to the Nuggets to give the Lakers another backcourt ball-handler off the bench.

Advertisement

The 6-foot-3 guard, who the Lakers signed to a two-year, $19.2 million contract in July, has career averages of 18.3 points and 3.6 assists.

Backup guard Collin Sexton was taken off of the team’s injury report and is expected to be available for Friday’s home game against the Clippers after dealing with a strained right soleus (calf). NBAE via Getty Images

“I definitely feel like when I’m watching the games, I’m more eager to get out there,” Sexton said earlier in the week. “I’m super excited to get out there, and I can see where I can fit in pretty easily. Even just on the defensive side, bringing that energy, bringing that juice and trying to disrupt. Not always turning the ball over and get someone to turn it over for just disrupt and bring the clock down.

“And then offensively, getting to the paint. That’s something that I’ve done really well in my career. And then spacing, making sure I’m spacing for the guys like Luka, AR, even just when Walker [Kessler] gets in the pocket, being ready to shoot on the back…


Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/lakers-key-piece-expected-season-003442115.html

Author :

Publish date : 2026-10-23 00:34:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.