The first addition of the offseason for the Los Angeles Lakers came in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft. General manager Rob Pelinka selected Baylor wing Cameron Carr with the No. 24 pick, who got introduced on Friday in a press conference.
Carr, 21, shined with the Baylor Bears last season, averaging 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.3 blocks per game on solid 49.4/37.4/80.1 shooting splits. Carr has a 7’1″ wingspan despite being 6’5″ tall, and brings tools that should allow him to be a successful two-way player at the NBA level. One thing he wants to do this summer though is add some weight.
“First things first, got to put on some weight,” Carr admitted. “That’s going to be an emphasis, be in the weight room as much as possible. It’s going to be my second home. And of course just having great vets in front of you to look up to and learn from, follow in their footsteps and take little things from them and implement it into your life.
“Overall, it’s going to be exciting. I know I keep saying it and it’s repetitive, but man, y’all don’t understand how much of a joy it is and blessing to be here in this situation. So just learn and follow in their footsteps.”
The Lakers are hopeful that Carr’s athleticism and wingspan will make him a strong defensive fit on the perimeter next to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, especially if he is able to add weight. Carr is not projected to be an elite point of attack defender. However, his help defense and chasing ability project out very well in the NBA, and the Lakers are going to need players like that next to their star duo.
Pelinka has proven with his last two major draft picks — Carr and Adou Thiero — that athleticism and motor are going to be the name of the game when building out the roster around Doncic. Carr adds to that a high-potential shot profile.
Now, the attention turns to free agency and the trade market, where the Lakers and Pelinka have plenty of work to do to build a contending roster.
Cameron Carr gives reaction to being drafted by Lakers
At his press conference, Carr revealed his first reaction when he found out the Lakers were drafting him.
“I’m going to the Lakers! It was more of an exciting thing. It felt surreal. It didn’t feel real for the first couple minutes when I found out. It was trying to get my head around, ‘Man, I’m about to walk across the stage and be an NBA player.’ I’ve dreamed of this my whole life, especially since I was a kid. So it took a second. Still trying to get my head wrapped around it, but nothing but excitement and happiness. I feel more motivation to work.”
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