Overview
- Sexton has missed all four preseason games while rehabbing a lower-leg injury and has been doing individual drills with kinesio tape on his lower right leg.
- Coach JJ Redick said Sexton is "trending in the right direction" and the team is targeting the regular-season opener on Oct. 21 at Golden State for his availability.
- The Lakers held extra practice time during a shortened five-game preseason and have treated Sexton’s returns cautiously by keeping him out of live drills.
- Sexton’s absence has pushed reserve guards such as Bronny James, Jaden Hardy and Chris Manon into larger roles while the team evaluates whether to add another creator later in the season.
- If Sexton is delayed past the opener the Lakers may change rotations and consider midseason moves to shore up ball-handling depth, a decision that would affect roster spots and minutes for reserve guards.