Collin Sexton Under Fire: LA Lakers Fans React After Tough Loss to Blazers

Is the Honeymoon Over for Collin Sexton in Los Angeles?

The excitement surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers‘ early-season momentum hit a sudden roadblock on Tuesday night. In a high-scoring affair at the Crypto.com Arena, the Lakers suffered their first defeat of the season, falling 136-129 to the Portland Trail Blazers. While the game featured fireworks, one name became the center of a social media storm: Collin Sexton.

Despite a powerhouse performance from Luka Dončić, who dropped 41 points, the Lakers struggled to maintain their composure in the final frame. The Blazers outscored Los Angeles 34-26 in the fourth quarter, leaving fans searching for a scapegoat—and Sexton was the primary target.

A Statistical Struggle: Efficiency vs. Usage

Coming off the bench, Collin Sexton played only 14 minutes, yet his impact on the game was viewed as detrimental by many. The former Cleveland Cavaliers guard finished the night with 9 points on 4-for-11 shooting. Most concerning for the Lakers’ coaching staff and fans was his total absence from beyond the arc, missing all five of his 3-point attempts.

The frustration stems not just from the misses, but from the usage rate. Reports highlighted that Sexton held a team-high 44% usage rate during the loss, meaning he dominated the ball despite limited production. This led to a stark comparison with Austin Reaves, who delivered a much more efficient performance with 26 points and 7 assists without a single turnover.

The Social Media Backlash

In the digital age, NBA frustrations boil over quickly. Influencers and fans were quick to criticize Sexton’s decision-making and role in the offense:

• Claire de Lune noted that Sexton seemed to be “calling his own shot a lot” for someone tasked with running the second unit.
• Coach Rome went a step further, urging fans to send “trade packages” for the guard, suggesting he wouldn’t survive past the trade deadline.
• Other critics lamented the “garbage ball” played at the start of the fourth quarter, which allowed Portland to seize momentum while Dončić was on the bench.

The Financial Stakes and Future Outlook

Sexton, 27, joined the Lakers in July under a two-year, $19.2 million contract, earning $9.4 million this season. With a player option for the 2027-28 campaign, the Lakers have invested significantly in his scoring ability. However, his current shooting slump—going 2-for-13 from deep in his first three appearances—is putting that investment under a microscope.

Last season, while splitting time between the Charlotte Hornets and Chicago Bulls, Sexton averaged 15.4 points per game and shot a respectable 40.1% from three. The challenge now is translating that veteran experience into the Lakers’ system.

What’s Next for Sexton?

There is no time for the guard to dwell on the criticism. The Lakers are heading straight into a high-stakes battle against the Los Angeles Clippers at the Intuit Dome. This second night of a back-to-back will be a crucial opportunity for Collin Sexton to silence the critics, improve his efficiency, and prove that he belongs in the Lakers’ rotation.