Anyone who has thrown on his tape from college or has simply tuned in to Las Vegas Summer League would know that Cameron Carr is a crazy good athlete. Watch any stretch with him on the court and the Los Angeles Lakers rookie pops off the screen with athleticism for at least one significant moment that leaves you with a level of awe.
His on-court ability has even stood out enough for his teammates to be hyping him up after the games are over. Two-way guard Chris Mañon gave Carr a lot of props for what his young teammate could do on the floor, but there was also an important reminder to go with that message. The Lakers wing is only scratching the surface of his athleticism at this stage of his player development.
"He's just super long, and I feel like we haven't really seen his full athletic ability yet. He's special for sure. He can definitely shoot over guys and score. ... Once his body fills out, probably gains a little weight, he'll be a problem for sure."
That last part is where the Lakers will need to have patience. Carr is still waiting on his adult body and frame to come along. The athletic wing is only 21 years old after all. Whatever the rookie manages to do in Los Angeles during his first year should be nothing in comparison to what is possible for him in just a few more years down the line.
Cameron Carr needs a couple of years to truly hit his stride for the Lakers
The Lakers could find space for Carr in the rotation from day one. They do have just enough depth to bring him along slowly, if that is what JJ Redick prefers. However, no one should be surprised if the former Baylor Bear pushes for immediate playing time at the back end of the rotation.
There is reason to believe Carr's shooting and slashing makes him playable from the jump for the Lakers. That could offer a small taste of what is to come years down the line.
Carr is an interesting contrast to fellow young riser Adou Thiero.
Thiero already has the NBA-ready body and athleticism. For him, the experience will be about getting the skills to match.
Carr is oozing with on-court ability. For him, the experience will be about bulking up and transforming a lengthy frame into one that makes him tough for rival teams to handle on both the offense and defensive end.
The upside is immense with Carr. The on-court fit with Luka Doncic should be more than fun to watch, too, even in these early stages. The Lakers and their fans will be eagerly anticipating the true coming out party being in a few years. When that day arrives, expectations for will be through the roof.
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