The Los Angeles Lakers have a new first-round pick, and Cameron Carr is already drawing attention. The Baylor guard brings size, athleticism, and scoring punch to a roster that needs both.
Carr’s path to Los Angeles was not simple. He climbed from a four-star recruit to a transfer success story, then turned his name into one of the most interesting bets among the top DFS sites, thanks to a breakout season at Baylor and a strong pre-draft push.
A Long Road To The Lakers
Carr grew up in Manhattan, Kansas, and later attended Link Academy in Branson, Missouri, one of the country’s top prep pipelines. He won the 2022 Nike EYBL Peach Jam with MoKan Elite and later helped Link Academy win the 2023 Chipotle Nationals.
He signed with Tennessee out of high school, but the first stop in college did not deliver a clean launch. Injuries and inconsistency slowed him down, and he faded off many draft boards before finding a better fit.
That changed when he transferred to Baylor. Carr rebuilt his stock there and gave scouts a clearer picture of his game. The Lakers moved up one spot in the draft, sending the No. 25 pick and cash considerations to the New York Knicks to secure his rights at No. 24.
Why He Stood Out
Carr made his biggest leap at Baylor. He averaged 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game while shooting 49.4 percent from the field and 37.4 percent from three-point range.
He also put together numbers that matter for a team looking for instant perimeter help. Carr hit 77 three-pointers, scored 642 points in a single season, and finished fifth in Baylor history for points in a season. He earned Third-Team All-Big 12 honors and a spot on the Big 12 All-Newcomer Team.
His production carried over to the NBA Draft Combine. Carr posted a 42.5-inch maximum vertical leap and followed it with a 30-point scrimmage that included six made threes. That kind of burst helped him separate from a crowded wing class.
Carr also showed more than shot-making. He led Baylor with 45 blocks, which says plenty about his timing and length. At 6-foot-5, he gives the Los Angeles Lakers a wing who can score, defend, and finish plays above the rim.
What It Means In Los Angeles
Carr arrives at a useful time for the Los Angeles Lakers. The team is looking for young talent that can grow into a rotation role without needing a long runway. He has already taken his first steps in the Summer League, and his scoring touch showed up fast.
In his first unofficial NBA action, Carr scored 19 points against Golden State, then followed that with 26 points in a win over Miami in the California Classic. He has looked comfortable taking shots, attacking closeouts, and handling the pressure that comes with being a first-round pick in Los Angeles.
His family background adds another layer. His father, Chris Carr, played six NBA seasons and finished second to Kobe Bryant in the 1997 Slam Dunk Contest. That gives Cameron Carr a direct tie to Lakers history, but he now has to build his own name.
The early signs are encouraging. Carr has length, bounce, and a real scoring package. He also has a chance to grow into a valuable piece for a Lakers team that wants more youth, more shooting, and more energy on the wing.
