Collin Sexton cleared for Lakers debut while Jake LaRavia’s status remains questionable

It’s been a weird start to the season for Los Angeles. The team’s newest guard, Collin Sexton, finally got the all‑clear on his calf injury and is set to make his first appearance on Friday when the Lakers take on the Clippers. The news felt almost anticlimactic – a veteran finally able to step onto the hardwood after a whole preseason of watching from the bench.

Sexton, who’s been with the league for nine years, spent the preseason nursing a sore calf that kept him out of all the warm‑up games. He’s only just been allowed to go full‑court in practice, so there’s still a little mystery about how his timing will feel in a real game. Still, the Lakers’ medical staff gave the thumbs‑up, and the injury report now shows him as "active" rather than "questionable."

Just a few weeks ago, the same report had listed Sexton as a question‑mark for the season‑opener against the Warriors, only for him to be ruled out at the last minute. Coach JJ Redick responded by pulling Quentin Grimes off the bench to give the second unit a steadier hand with the ball – a move that started in the final preseason matchup and stuck around because it helped cut down on turnovers.

Now the Lakers can finally get a true point‑guard in the mix. If all goes well, Sexton could bring some much‑needed spark off the bench, or even challenge for a starting spot depending on how the game unfolds. He’s a gritty, mid‑range shooter who can drive and isn’t shy about taking on defensive duties.

On the flip side, the injury report isn’t all good news. Forward Jake LaRavia, the rookie who posted a promising 13‑point effort in the opening night win, is listed as questionable after spraining his ankle late in that very game. The Lakers are hoping he’ll be cleared by Friday, but the odds look slim. If LaRavia can’t play, Redick will likely lean even more on the bench – maybe giving Grimes more minutes or turning to some of the younger bigs for a boost.

All told, the Lakers go into the Clippers showdown with a slightly healthier backcourt but still a few lingering questions. Sexton’s debut will be a litmus test for how quickly he can get back into rhythm, while LaRavia’s ankle will decide whether the young forward can keep building on his early momentum. One thing’s for sure – LA fans will be watching closely, hoping the team can finally start to look like a cohesive unit.