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The Los Angeles Lakers made a small but decisive move on Tuesday night's NBA draft, trading up one spot with the New York Knicks to select Baylor guard Cameron Carr.
The Lakers entered the 2026 NBA Draft with one clear objective: finding a player who could bolster their roster with athleticism, versatility and long-term upside.
Rather than waiting to see how the board unfolded, the front office moved up from No. 25 to No. 24 to ensure Carr did not slip any further.
The move cost the Lakers only cash considerations, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, who first reported the deal.
Carr averaged 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.3 blocks per game last season for the Bears.
Standing 6-foot-5 with a 7-foot-1 wingspan, Carr brings length for a guard along with explosive athleticism, highlighted by a 42-inch vertical leap that ranked among the best at the NBA Draft Combine.
He consistently plays above the rim, finishes through contact, converting on roughly seven of every 10 rim attempts.
The Minnesota was All-Big 12 Third Team honors, hel program-record sophomore scoring total of 642 points and a defensive presence that led the Bears with 45 blocks.
Carr had a standout showing at the NBA Draft Combine scrimmages, where he had 30 points with six made 3s. He also had multiple highlight-reel dunks that make you think about future lob connections with Dončić.
His appeal lies in his simplicity as a player.
Carr does not need the ball to impact winning. He thrives as a catch-and-shoot threat with burst and brings energy defensively with his length and instincts.
That combination makes him an easy fit in modern NBA lineups and, more importantly, on this Lakers roster.
Cameron Carr (43) shoots a free throw against the Colorado Buffaloes during the second half at Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion.
While there are still areas to refine—particularly his handle and strength—the foundation is already in place for him to contribute early in his career while developing into a more complete 3-and-D player.
The Lakers continue to prioritize athletic wings, defensive versatility and shooting around their core, and Carr fits that mold cleanly.
Rather than swinging for a high-usage scorer, they opted for a player who complements the structure they are building.
It may not have been the flashiest move of the night, but L.A. clearly believes Carr’s upside, athletic tools and two-way potential make him a worthwhile investment as they continue shaping their roster for the future.
The Lakers now pivot toward NBA free agency with no draft picks for round two of the draft on Wednesday night.
They have big decisions to make, starting with the future of Austin Reaves and LeBron James.
Continue reading...
The Lakers entered the 2026 NBA Draft with one clear objective: finding a player who could bolster their roster with athleticism, versatility and long-term upside.
Rather than waiting to see how the board unfolded, the front office moved up from No. 25 to No. 24 to ensure Carr did not slip any further.
The move cost the Lakers only cash considerations, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, who first reported the deal.
Carr's Production in College
Carr averaged 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.3 blocks per game last season for the Bears.
Standing 6-foot-5 with a 7-foot-1 wingspan, Carr brings length for a guard along with explosive athleticism, highlighted by a 42-inch vertical leap that ranked among the best at the NBA Draft Combine.
He consistently plays above the rim, finishes through contact, converting on roughly seven of every 10 rim attempts.
The Minnesota was All-Big 12 Third Team honors, hel program-record sophomore scoring total of 642 points and a defensive presence that led the Bears with 45 blocks.
Carr had a standout showing at the NBA Draft Combine scrimmages, where he had 30 points with six made 3s. He also had multiple highlight-reel dunks that make you think about future lob connections with Dončić.
The Appeal and What He Brings
His appeal lies in his simplicity as a player.
Carr does not need the ball to impact winning. He thrives as a catch-and-shoot threat with burst and brings energy defensively with his length and instincts.
That combination makes him an easy fit in modern NBA lineups and, more importantly, on this Lakers roster.
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Cameron Carr (43) shoots a free throw against the Colorado Buffaloes during the second half at Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion.
While there are still areas to refine—particularly his handle and strength—the foundation is already in place for him to contribute early in his career while developing into a more complete 3-and-D player.
The Lakers continue to prioritize athletic wings, defensive versatility and shooting around their core, and Carr fits that mold cleanly.
Rather than swinging for a high-usage scorer, they opted for a player who complements the structure they are building.
It may not have been the flashiest move of the night, but L.A. clearly believes Carr’s upside, athletic tools and two-way potential make him a worthwhile investment as they continue shaping their roster for the future.
The Lakers now pivot toward NBA free agency with no draft picks for round two of the draft on Wednesday night.
They have big decisions to make, starting with the future of Austin Reaves and LeBron James.
Continue reading...
