The Los Angeles Lakers traded up to draft Cameron Carr, and it became clear during the California Classic and Las Vegas summer leagues that the franchise got an absolute steal. Carr showcased three-level scoring ability, athleticism, and off-the-ball work that will result in easy buckets. This wasn’t just an on-ball creator going off in summer league. The Lakers were running real actions for Carr and showing just how he could make an impact as a rookie.
MarJon Beauchamp was the 24th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, and he is currently an unsigned free agent who played on a two-way contract last season. Josh Christopher and RJ Hampton were the 24th picks in 2021 and 2020. Both are completely out of the NBA. There is no guarantee to land a rotation player at any pick in the 20s, which makes Carr’s early showing even more impressive.
The 6’5 wing averaged 17.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.0 assist, and 0.7 blocks in 25.0 minutes per game over seven summer league contests. He struggled to make his 3-pointers in Las Vegas, but Carr was never shy about taking open looks. The Lakers were running him off screens, having him cut to the rim for dunks, and letting him explore the studio space. The variety made it even more impressive.
Lakers got the steal of the 2026 NBA Draft in Cameron Carr
The biggest knocks on Carr coming into the draft were his strength and defense. The 21-year-old is already committed to turning those into strengths. He has the size and athleticism to be a plus defender. Carr has also shown some unique shot-blocking chops for a wing.
This is the type of pick that could instantly turn around Rob Pelinka’s awful draft track record. The Lakers clearly identified a potential difference-maker. Carr will put in more work, but his offensive game is NBA-ready. Fans can expect to see him flying off screens and getting easy buckets in Los Angeles this season.
This wasn’t one game or trying to read too much into summer league. Score-first creators often put up the biggest numbers in Las Vegas because the rosters lack chemistry and complex defensive schemes. Players can put up massive numbers on awful efficiency. That wasn’t the case with Carr.
He struggled to make long-range jumpers in Las Vegas, but fans still saw his mid-range, floater, and rim attack skills. It is the blend that makes him a three-level scorer and NBA-ready option.
Carr's defensive potential and shot-blocking are intriguing. If he becomes a plus defender that can protect the rim, it takes his game to another level. Imagine that coupled with being a 38 percent 3-point shooter and having a strong mid-range game. Every team would want that player on their roster.
The Lakers want to build a title contender around Luka Doncic, and Carr could quickly become a key piece of their rotation. They need to maximize the 21-year-old’s skill set. The coaching staff must work on his defense, strength, and playmaking ability. If he adds even two of those things, he will be a key rotation piece for a decade-plus in the NBA.
The 24 pick in the draft is supposed to be a fringe option that fights to remain in the league after his rookie contract. It took Carr seven summer league games to have everyone thinking he is ready for minutes immediately. Rob Pelinka got an absolute steal, and the rookie will keep getting better. The Los Angeles Lakers nailed this one.
Now, it is on them to maximize his talent and keep him on the roster through his prime. That is always easier said than done, but Carr could quickly fall in love with playing for the Lakers. Do not rule it out.
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