Here is a statement that should find no debate after a strong individual showing at the Las Vegas Summer League: Cameron Carr is really good at basketball. The question from here is how does the first-round pick stack up when competing against full-time NBA players. If the answer is "still really good" then Jaden Hardy may not find the floor more than he needs to when the fall arrives.
There are still question marks regarding how this Los Angeles Lakers team could change between now and training camp, but there are a few things that are known. The Lakers have newfound depth. Theoretically, there is just enough of it to bring Carr along slowly, should they want to.
Carr's numbers, mainly his efficiency, from summer league may not scream NBA-ready, but those watching the games would tell a different story. The former Baylor Bear was actively moving with and without the basketball, always putting himself in position for scoring opportunities, and looking like a player who could thrive on offense next to Luka Doncic.
If Carr arrives at training camp for the Lakers and immediately starts showing off what made him an exciting watch at summer league, JJ Redick will have a tough choice to make from the jump. It may involve looking at Hardy and giving him a Colin Cowherd type of "we're good" speech.
Cameron Carr versus Jaden Hardy is a must-watch Lakers training camp battle
Hardy is a familiar face for Doncic. The two played together for the Dallas Mavericks before both ended up relocating. That level of comfort should give the new Lakers guard a shot to contribute beside his old teammate immediately.
There should be hesitation in just flat-out giving Hardy the job with no questions asked. That comes from the point of him being an underwhelming option on the defensive end. Redick would need to stagger his minutes in a way where hiding him can be a priority.
Carr offers far fewer of those concerns thanks to his physical frame and desire to play the defensive side of the court. The Lakers rookie has the tools to be an impactful two-way threat for the team.
If Carr can pick up the offense fast enough around Doncic, a clear player exists there who should be able to find an instant connection with the franchise superstar. That could quickly turn Hardy into a depth option behind Collin Sexton rather than someone who runs alongside the backup guard.
Carr versus Hardy could really come down to the former's readiness. If the flashes prove real in training camp for the rookie, this will be a hotly-contested battle before the new season arrives.
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