The Los Angeles Lakers landed the biggest steal of the 2026 NBA Draft when they traded up to select Cameron Carr. They only had to move up one spot and gave up cash to do it. LA couldn’t let the 6’5 wing get away because he is the perfect fit next to Luka Doncic. Playing off the Lakers' superstar will take Carr’s game to another level, and it will have every team wishing they selected the 21-year-old.
The 6’5 wing had a breakout third college season after transferring to Baylor. He averaged 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.3 blocks in 33.7 minutes per game. Carr shot 49.4 percent from the field and 37.4 percent on his 3-point attempts after barely playing in his two years at Tennessee. The breakout year was just the beginning for the 21-year-old.
The Lakers got Luka an upgraded version of Derrick Jones Jr. because Carr is a consistent 3-point shooter. Just like DJJ, the rookie is capable of catching lobs and using his wingspan to create havoc. Doncic led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals with DJJ playing a key role. Now imagine what Luka can do with the version that is a plus-shooter.
Cameron Carr will quickly become the steal of the 2026 NBA Draft
Carr is focused on all the right things. He plans to add strength and improve his defense. The 21-year-old is already embracing his role and will quickly become a fan favorite with that attitude.
The Lakers' first-round pick has a strong offensive game. He will be a plus shooter from day one and has already displayed the chops of attacking closeouts. Fans can already see Doncic finding Carr cutting in for a lob and nailing a wide-open 3-pointer. The duo will quickly connect and develop strong chemistry.
Carr’s seven-foot wingspan and willingness to lock in on that end will take his game to another level. The Lakers need him to defend. He created a ton of stocks this season for Baylor. Expect to see him keep growing his game and improving. The 21-year-old is a hard worker and wants to be great.
There are areas to improve. Carr has to add strength, play with more toughness, and keep adding elements to his game. No rookie is a finished product. He has three years of college basketball experience, but the 21-year-old is still a half-decade from his peak. The 6’5 wing could make an immediate impact with his shooting. His willingness to play a role around Luka Doncic will quickly have everyone viewing him as the steal of this draft class.
The Los Angeles Lakers wisely traded up to select Cameron Carr. Rob Pelinka's awful track record in the draft stops now. Fans have already seen that players of Carr’s archetype are the perfect fits around Luka.
The 21-year-old is on a bargain contract for the next four years and will be viewed as an elite role player quickly. Every team will be wishing they drafted him as the Lakers sit back and laugh.
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