Collin Sexton watched opening night from the bench, and tonight he's cleared to play. The Lakers, 1-0, host a Clippers team that has its record but is missing much of its rotation.
The Last Holdout Clears
Sexton's right calf kept him on the injury list from early October through the opener. JJ Redick said after the Warriors game that Sexton had not suffered a setback and that sitting him was a shared decision. On Oct. 22 he was cleared, and Lakers Nation reported him available against the Clippers. He joins a backcourt that already has Austin Reaves and Quentin Grimes in it. That's the depth Redick wanted when Doncic scored 28 and Walker Kessler 26 in the 127-105 win over Golden State.
A Crosstown Rival, Thinned
Tyronn Lue's Clippers come in 1-0. Brandon Ingram, their top scorer last season at 21.5 points, is out with a right heel injury. Bradley Beal, Max Strus, Yanic Konan Niederhauser and Jordan Miller are out too. The Lakers have injuries of their own. Adou Thiero (left knee) and Cameron Carr (right oblique) are listed out, and both have an estimated return of Oct. 25 at Utah. Lakers Nation reported Jake LaRavia as questionable with his right ankle. Next comes a four-game stretch: tonight, Utah on Sunday, Portland on Oct. 27 and the Clippers again, on their floor, a night later.
The Number and the Riddle
The number is 40.1, Sexton's three-point percentage last season. That's the best mark among the Lakers' high-minute regulars, and it gives Doncic another spot-up target. The question is what it costs. Redick has to fit Sexton, Reaves, Grimes and Jaden Hardy into one rotation behind Doncic. The guard he cuts back says whether the opener's depth is a strength or a crowded stage.
Is Collin Sexton playing for the Lakers against the Clippers?
Yes. Sexton was cleared on Oct. 22 after a right calf injury, and Lakers Nation reported him available for tonight's game.
Which Clippers are out against the Lakers?
Brandon Ingram, Bradley Beal, Max Strus, Yanic Konan Niederhauser and Jordan Miller are all listed out.
