The NBA Draft has not been kind to the Los Angeles Lakers over recent years. Rob Pelinka has not always had picks to work with in the selection process. When he has, the Lakers president of basketball operations has not always made the right call. Does Cameron Carr buck that trend?
There is a steady hope of that being the case. Carr has enjoyed plenty of positive buzz since the Lakers moved up one spot in the 2026 NBA Draft to select him. The annual NBA GM Survey showed this is not just an echo chamber situation. Others are expecting him to succeed too.
NBA General Managers were asked who the biggest steal was in this past NBA Draft, relative to where they got selected. Brayden Burries going to the Milwaukee Bucks at 10 was the winner. However, Carr was in the mix for this category as well.
The new Lakers wing came in tied at fifth. There were four other players in the mix for that spot, but it was still a testament to the belief of Los Angeles getting a draft steal at the 24th overall pick. There is a desperation for the franchise to see that proven true with Carr.
Lakers' recent draft history has been rough
The best draft pick the Lakers have made since 2020 was Max Christie. There have been a lot of misfires beyond that.
Dalton Knecht is proving to be a bad pick after showing initial promise in his rookie season. Jalen Hood-Schifino was even worse. He washed out of Los Angeles quickly.
Adou Thiero is still too early in his career to judge. Bronny James is working through the struggles, but has been one of the better selections for the Lakers. Were it not for the success of an undrafted guy like Austin Reaves, this whole situation would look a lot worse.
Cameron Carr has the upside Lakers will need to see flourish
It just takes one to set a new precedent. The Lakers will hope Carr is that guy for them.
On paper, their new rookie should have all the tools necessary to thrive alongside Luka Doncic. Carr can shoot, he is athletic and capable of playing off the ball, plus his dedication to improving is clearly there. Filling out that slender 182-pound frame will be a must before the hype train truly takes off.
The Lakers can afford to wait on that development just a bit. However, this is certainly a player who they should hope becomes a starting wing in the near future. If Carr can do that, Los Angeles will get their first much-needed bona fide hit in a while from the NBA Draft.
For a team that is hoping to contend, missing on picks time and time again simply will not do. They need Carr to be a winner.
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