Collin Sexton and Walker Kessler are rekindling their pick-and-roll magic in Atlanta pickup runs, proving their Utah connection is ready to fuel the Lakers’ championship aspirations.
Collin Sexton drove toward the paint, drew the defense and lifted the ball toward Walker Kessler.
Kessler then handled the rest.
The sequence repeated throughout footage from the Big A Classic in Atlanta, where the former Utah Jazz teammates appeared together in pickup runs before beginning their first season with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Lakers Nation highlighted the footage, originally shared by Swish Cultures, as an early demonstration of the chemistry Los Angeles added this offseason.
And Jazz fans have seen it before.
Sexton and Kessler spent three seasons sharing the court in Utah after arriving through separate blockbuster trades during the summer of 2022. Cleveland included Sexton in the package for Donovan Mitchell, while Minnesota sent Kessler to Utah as part of its return for Rudy Gobert.
Their individual styles created a natural partnership.
Sexton attacked gaps, forced defenders to react and played with enough aggression to reach the interior consistently. Kessler screened, rolled and offered a 7-foot target capable of converting opportunities around the basket.
Oh, and Kessler cleaned up the offensive boards whenever necessary — another aspect of his game that shouldn't be overlooked.
Utah never built a winning team around that connection. The Jazz went 59-97 when both appeared, with development and draft position eventually becoming more important than maximizing their immediate compatibility.
The Lakers possess different priorities.
Los Angeles acquired Kessler in a sign-and-trade for unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, plus the right to swap first-rounders in 2028 and 2030. His four-year contract is reportedly worth approximately $130 million.
Sexton’s reunion required another year and two additional stops.
Utah traded him and a 2030 second-round pick to Charlotte for Jusuf Nurkić in June 2025. Sexton later played for Chicago before signing a reported two-year, $19 million contract with Los Angeles this summer.
Neither will control the Lakers’ offense. Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves make that unnecessary.
Kessler can concentrate on screening, finishing, rebounding and protecting the rim. Sexton can supply scoring and pace while shifting between on-ball and complementary roles. Their familiarity should make those responsibilities easier whenever they share the court.
The Atlanta setting added another layer to the reunion.
Sexton grew up near the city, while Kessler attended Woodward Academy in College Park. Their basketball careers previously brought them from Georgia to Utah through two of the largest trades in Jazz history.
Now, they are leaving home together again.
Only this time, the connection Utah spent three seasons developing belongs to the Lakers.
