The Los Angeles Lakers traded up one spot with the New York Knicks to ensure they got the player they wanted, Baylor guard Cameron Carr, with the 24th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Many expected the Lakers to target a big man as that is a major need, but instead they opted for one of the most athletic players in the draft.
Carr checks a lot of boxes for what the Lakers need on the perimeter and at his introductory press conference the rookie spoke about what it means to be drafted by the Lakers, and how he sees himself fitting on the team.
“First things first, it’s a blessing to be here and get to sit down and talk to you guys,” Carr said. “Walking in the building, first thing you notice is the rich tradition of the people that have been here before you.
“It’s a moment of happiness. As a kid you always dreamed of walking across that stage and accomplishing everything you wanted to. Man, it just felt good to walk in the gym and look at the people that came before me. Now I’m in their shoes.”
Carr added that he spoken with some members of the organization since the draft and has felt very welcome.
“I’ve talked to a couple of the guys, gotten a lot of love on social media from L.A. and the people in this community,” he said. “It’s been very welcoming, very warm and accepting, so I’m excited. Excited to get to work.”
Carr also revealed his initial reaction when he found out the Lakers were taking him.
“I’m going to the Lakers! It was more of an exciting thing. It felt surreal,” Carr said. “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.”
Many players talk about watching the Lakers growing up and dreaming of wearing the purple and gold, but Carr does have a bit of personal connection to the franchise. His father Chris Carr played six years in the NBA and was the runner-up to Lakers legend Kobe Bryant in the 1997 Slam Dunk Contest so he undoubtedly heard plenty of stories growing up along with being able to watch Bryant as a young child.
More important now is the skills that he brings to this Lakers team. He tested out as one of the best athletes in this class at the NBA Draft Combine while having a nearly 7’1″ wingspan to go along with his 6’5″ height. He has all the physical tools to be an excellent defender and even averaged 1.3 blocks per game last year, which is an outstanding number for a guard.
Offensively, Carr averaged 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists, but his most important skill coming into the league will be his 3-point shooting. With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves being the primary creators, Carr’s ability to stretch the floor will be crucial and he shot 37.4% from 3-point range on 6.1 attempts. He showed off a deep range as well and has the ability to be a catch-and-shoot threat as well as a movement shooter coming off screens.
Carr’s potential is vast and if he can reach it, the Lakers may have gotten themselves a steal in this draft.
Lakers’ Las Vegas Summer League schedule announced
Many will get their first look at Carr during the Las Vegas Summer League and the Lakers’ schedule in Vegas has been released with the team kicking it off against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!
