Lakers Land Marcus Smart Replacement by Signing Collin Sexton

The Los Angeles Lakers have made one of the sneakiest signings of the offseason, agreeing to a two-year, $19 million contract with veteran guard Collin Sexton. While bigger names have dominated the headlines this summer, Sexton might end up being one of the best value signings in the NBA.

BREAKING: Collin Sexton has agreed to a two-year, $19 million deal with the Lakers 🤯 pic.twitter.com/rPoRi8T80m

— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) July 1, 2026

For years, Lakers fans have wanted another guard who brings relentless energy, defensive intensity, and the ability to create his own offense. Sexton checks every one of those boxes.

I’ve been a fan of his game since his rookie season, and I’ve believed for a long time that he’d be a perfect fit in Los Angeles. Now that it’s finally happened, it’s hard not to love the move. More than anything, the Lakers just found the perfect replacement for Marcus Smart.

A younger version of Marcus Smart… with more offense

Marcus Smart brought toughness, leadership, and defensive intensity to the Lakers. He never backed down from a matchup and took pride in making life miserable for opposing guards.

Collin Sexton plays with that same mentality.

He’s one of those players who genuinely enjoys picking up the opposing ball handler, fighting through screens, and setting the tone defensively. Every possession feels personal to him, and that competitive fire is something every championship-caliber team needs.

The biggest difference? Sexton gives you much more offensively.

Instead of simply being a defensive stopper, Sexton has spent his entire career proving he can score efficiently at every level.

Last season with the Hornets and Bulls, he averaged 17.5 points per game while shooting 48.2% from the field and 41.0% from three-point range. Over his eight-year NBA career, he’s averaged 18.3 points while shooting 47.2% overall and nearly 39% from beyond the arc.

Those aren’t empty numbers either. Sexton attacks the rim relentlessly, lives in the paint, and puts constant pressure on opposing defenses. That kind of scoring punch simply wasn’t something Marcus Smart consistently provided.

An absolute dawg

Some players put up numbers. Others change the identity of a team. Sexton falls into the second category.

His motor never seems to stop. Whether it’s diving on the floor for loose balls, pressuring the point guard 94 feet, or attacking the basket through multiple defenders, he plays every possession like it’s his last.

The Lakers have added talented players over the past few seasons, but they’ve lacked enough players who consistently bring that edge. Sexton brings it every single night.

He’s the kind of player opponents hate playing against, but teammates love having beside them. That attitude tends to become contagious.

The fit alongside Luka, LeBron, and Austin Reaves

The fit is what makes this signing even more exciting. With Luka Dončić commanding double teams and LeBron James still orchestrating the offense at an elite level, opposing defenses are constantly forced to rotate.

Sexton thrives attacking rotating defenses. He’s explosive enough to beat defenders off the dribble, finishes well around the rim, and has developed into a reliable three-point shooter when defenses collapse elsewhere.

He doesn’t need the ball in his hands every possession to be effective. He can attack closeouts, run in transition, lead the second unit, or share the floor with the Lakers’ stars.

JJ Redick has emphasized pace, ball movement, and attacking advantages quickly. Sexton fits that philosophy perfectly.

Incredible value for Los Angeles

Perhaps the best part of this signing is the contract itself. Two years for $19 million is outstanding value for a proven veteran entering his prime.

Players capable of averaging nearly 18 points per game while playing with relentless defensive intensity don’t often become available at that price.

It’s the kind of move that may not dominate ESPN headlines today but could become one of the steals of free agency by the end of the season.

A signing that could age extremely well

Championship teams aren’t built solely through superstar acquisitions. They’re built by surrounding those stars with players who know their roles, compete every possession, and elevate everyone around them.

Collin Sexton checks every one of those boxes.

He’s younger than Marcus Smart, brings the same defensive mentality, offers significantly more scoring upside, and perfectly complements what Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves already do offensively.

I’ve believed for years he belonged in purple and gold. Now that he’s finally here, it’s hard not to think this will become one of the Lakers’ smartest moves of the offseason.