Collin Sexton’s defensive intensity caught the NBA world’s attention Wednesday night during the Los Angeles Lakers’ 103-87 road win over the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome. Clips of the guard’s relentless effort circulated on social media, drawing plenty of praise.

The reaction was a sharp change from the criticism Sexton received just a day earlier, when some Lakers fans called for him to be traded following the team’s 136-129 home loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.

Hoops World Reacts to Collin Sexton’s Defensive Intensity

The former Cleveland Cavaliers guard quickly became a talking point when Hoop Central shared a clip of his animated facial expressions on defense, writing, “Collin Sexton is LOCKED IN.”

Lakers All Day Everyday was equally impressed.

“Collin Sexton is literally on 100 every second that he’s out there and I can’t say enough about it… Look at his intensity,” the account posted before adding, “Sexton may be my favorite Laker.”

Others had similar reactions. BrickCenter remarked, “Collin Sexton is INSANE,” while LakersCenter described him more bluntly: “Collin Sexton is a psycho.”

Fans also weighed in on the footage. One noted, “He really plays defense with his face.”

Another admitted, “Ngl, I thought this was AI at first.”

The praise came as the 2018 No. 8 pick was also making an impact offensively. He already had 21 points in 17 minutes before the fourth quarter started, just a day after catching flak for his 4-for-11 shooting performance vs. Portland.

The 27-year-old signed a two-year, $19.2 million contract with the Lakers in July, including a player option for the 2027-28 campaign. A lower-leg injury kept him out of the preseason and season opener, delaying his debut until Friday.

After learning that he had gone viral in his postgame interview, Sexton emphasized his desire to be a difference-maker on defense:

“I think just bringing that juice, I come into the game and try to impact on the defensive end. I know what I can do offensively, but I just wanna come in and be a pest and be someone that changes the game on the defensive side.”

Lakers coach JJ Redick previously praised Sexton’s approach, noting that “there’s a level of insanity with him and I think our team responds to insanity.”

Sexton will look to maintain his unwavering defensive tenacity when the Lakers (4-1) visit the Golden State Warriors (2-3) on Friday.