JJ Redick's Message to Collin Sexton Is Starting to Pay Off

Collin Sexton is beginning to find his feet with the Los Angeles Lakers, and a simple message from head coach JJ Redick appears to be making all the difference.

Patience.

After missing time during the preseason and early stages of the regular season with a calf injury, Sexton has struggled to establish a consistent rhythm in Los Angeles’ rotation.

But following Monday’s victory over the Atlanta Hawks, the veteran guard revealed how Redick and his coaching staff have helped him adjust.

“That’s one word I have been using each and every day,” Sexton told Spectrum SportsNet. “I’ve been praying to God every day to give me patience and allow me to continue to work my way into a role that I like, but also work my rhythm and get back to where I feel like I’m back. So I would say each and every day is gonna have its ups and downs, but I’m blessed to be able to go out there and help the team. So I’m excited.”

The performances helped the Lakers secure consecutive road victories despite Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves each missing one of the games.

Sexton credited his improving relationship with Redick for allowing him to play with more confidence.

“Honestly, just building that trust with Coach JJ,” Sexton said. “He’s allowing me to play free and he wants me to be aggressive when I can but also make sure I’m getting guys in the right spots and I feel like I did that tonight.”

With Doncic and Reaves occasionally unavailable, Sexton has also been asked to take on additional ball-handling responsibilities.

“Whenever those guys are in or out, I have to adjust and I feel like adjusting is something I have been doing my entire career,” Sexton said. “I’ve played every role, starter, scorer, sixth man off the bench. I’ve played every role, so it’s nothing that’s new to me. If I come in with the right attitude and right approach, I feel like I can get it done.”

Monday’s performance was particularly special for Sexton, who returned to his hometown of Atlanta and played in front of an estimated 400 to 500 friends and family members.