Official Announcement! Joining the Lakers! 42-point guard teams up with Doncic

It's officially announced!

According to previous reports, Sexton has agreed to a 2-year, $19 million deal with the Lakers, with a player option for the second year. He will wear jersey number 10 next season.

Born on January 4, 1999, he stands 1.91m tall with a 2.01m wingspan, playing as a combo guard. He was the 8th overall pick in the first round of the 2018 draft.

Sexton is a natural scorer; in his third season with the Cavaliers, he averaged an explosive 24.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1 steal per game. In early 2021, he dropped 42 points in a single game against the Nets led by Durant, Irving, and Harden. His career stats are as follows:

In the regular season, he averages 18.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists over 29 minutes per game, with shooting percentages of 47.2% from the field, 38.9% from three, and 84.1% from the free-throw line.

Barring any surprises, Sexton's role with the Lakers will be that of a super sixth man, responsible for leading the second unit's offensive firepower.

In truth, the Lakers have never lacked offensive talent. The scoring duo of Doncic and Reaves alone can overwhelm opponents. The issue lies in the current roster's lack of defensive depth and physicality. Relying solely on offense without defense won't get them far, let alone contend for a championship.

Unless Kessler, who was signed to a four-year, $130 million contract, can single-handedly anchor the Lakers' defense. As a 2.18m-tall center with a 2.24m wingspan, he is 24 years old and in his prime, making him one of the NBA's best rim protectors and shot-blockers.

In his NBA career so far, Kessler averages 9.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 2.4 blocks over 25.3 minutes per game in the regular season, with a field goal percentage of 68.1%. However, he has yet to face high-stakes playoff tests, as—like 2019 No. 1 pick Zion Williamson—he is still a playoff virgin. [Manual doge face]

In summary, the Lakers' roster for the 26-27 season is mostly set. The only remaining variable this offseason is whether they can acquire 2021 first-round No. 7 pick Kuminga from the Hawks via a sign-and-trade.

If Kuminga does come, he would start at small forward for the Lakers, while Vanderbilt would be traded to the Hawks as part of the deal.