Collin Sexton Jokes About Missing Out on Opportunities to Play With LeBron James

Collin Sexton signed with the Los Angeles Lakers after LeBron James announced his departure.

Collin Sexton Jokes About Missing Out on Opportunities to Play With LeBron James

Collin Sexton on LeBron James (Image credits - Firstsportz)

It has been 23 years since LeBron James entered the NBA. Hundreds of players in the league have played alongside James during this period. Unfortunately, Collin Sexton is not one of them, as he missed another chance to play with the King.

Sexton was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers as the No. 8 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. However, that was the final year of James’ second stint in Cleveland before signing with the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent.

Similarly to eight years ago, Sexton signed with the Lakers in the offseason this year, but James decided to part ways with the club after spending eight years. It was another missed opportunity for the 27-year-old.

Speaking to the media for the first time as a Lakers, Sexton joked about missing the chance to play with the four-time champion once again.

He’s just leaving every time I arrive…one of the other coaches made the same joke yesterday. I’ve always wanted to team up with him, for sure.

Collin Sexton to the media

The Lakers have been pretty active in free agency. Collin Sexton signed a two-year, $19.2 million contract with the Lakers as a free agent. It is his fifth club since he joined the NBA and his third franchise since the 2025 offseason.

Meanwhile, James remains undecided on his future after testing free agency for the first time in eight years. Coming off an impressive 2025-26 campaign, he has been linked to a number of clubs, including the Cavs, who have confirmed that they are in the hunt to get James back for the second time.

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Collin Sexton reveals reason for signing with the Lakers

After starting the 2025-26 campaign for the Charlotte Hornets, Sexton was traded to the Chicago Bulls at the trade deadline this year. He was restricted to a bench role in both clubs and will be expected to do the same for the Lakers.

While speaking to the media, he explained why he felt the Lakers were the best free-agent choice for him.

Honestly, I would say just like opportunity. Opportunity to go out and win and be able to compete each and every night. I feel like that’s something that needs to be shown that I bring each and every day is that one to compete, but also the one to win.

Collin Sexton to the media

Sexton averaged 17.5 points in 26 appearances for the Bulls in the second half of the season. He will provide the Lakers with some much-needed scoring off the bench, something they struggled with in the playoffs last season.

LeBron James has been reaching out to the players of the interested teams

There has not been a shortage of suitors for LeBron James. He may be at the backend of his career and well past his prime at 41, but he has shown that he can play an instrumental role in a championship-contending team with his plays and leadership.

NBA insider Brian Windhorst revealed that James has been in touch with players on the interested teams as the rumors heat up.

Bunch of the owners are there and chatting. Some of the owners who are trying to get LeBron were talking to each other and were like ‘have you heard anything? Nope. Have you heard anything? Nope.’ LeBron is reaching out and talking to players on some of these teams and they report back to their Gm or coach ‘hey, LeBron called.

Brian Windhorst on Hoop Collective podcast

James’ agent Rich Paul revealed that they have done an in-depth study of different teams to help James find his next team. It remains to be seen where things are headed for James from here, but there is no doubt that he will look to contend for a championship as he looks for his fifth title.

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