The Los Angeles Lakers traded up to draft Cameron Carr with the 24th overall pick, and the rookie looks like a steal after summer league. The 6’5 wing averaged 17.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.0 assist, and 0.7 blocks in 24.9 minutes per game over seven games split between the California Classic and Las Vegas summer leagues. He is a plus shooter and scorer with defensive upside. Several rookies drafted ahead of Carr struggled in summer league, and the youngster already has the Lakers looking genius.
The 21-year-old barely played in his first two college seasons before breaking out for Baylor. He averaged 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.3 blocks in 33.7 minutes per game. Carr shot 37.4 percent from 3-point range and flashed tons of potential. Still, 23 teams chose someone else in the draft. His strength and defense were question marks, but some franchises are already regretting passing on him.
The 21-year-old was one of the standouts of summer league. He showed the ability to come off screens, create his own shots, and spot up. The Lakers prepped him for real NBA situations, and Carr thrived. Anyone questioning this draft pick was proven wrong before the 6’5 wing played an NBA game.
Lakers already look genius for drafting Cameron Carr
Carr led the Lakers to an undefeated record in Las Vegas group play and a berth in the semifinals. The Warriors knocked off LA, but Carr still had 17 points. He struggled to make shots as the Lakers went six of 27 from 3-point range in the loss. It was a disappointing end, but Carr proved he is ready to make an impact on day one.
Summer league play can be disjointed and often favors players who can create their own shots. There is not a lot of defense or ball movement in these games. It is always better to look good, but it doesn’t always translate to NBA production. Things were a bit different for Carr, though.
He showed the ability to work off screens, make connective plays, and attack a shifting defense. Fans can see these are plays he will be asked to make working off Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
I was so shocked that the Lakers got Cameron Carr on draft night. I couldn't believe LAL's luck. They got the exact future starting forward that they need at the perfect time. Carr's a walking bucket. It's just hilarious how good he can be in a few years if his development pans… https://t.co/iD8e6G9csZ pic.twitter.com/bh4K9k1RLD
— Frederick Okocha (@F_rederic_k) July 6, 2026
The Lakers traded up one spot to take Carr. They clearly believed in him. The 21-year-old looks ready for an NBA role from day one and could be the steal of this class. Carr must keep improving his game, but summer league should be the worst fans ever see from the rookie.
The Los Angeles Lakers look genius for trading up to select Cameron Carr in the 2026 NBA Draft. He was one of the standouts of summer league, despite being the 24th pick. The 6’5 wing clearly fell too far on draft night, and fans can expect Carr to keep getting better.
Credit to Rob Pelinka and the Lakers. They clearly got a good one, and teams are already regretting passing on him before Carr has an NBA minute. The Lakers look genius for this one.
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