The Los Angeles Lakers made an interesting move on the first night of the 2026 NBA Draft. After trading their No. 25 pick to the New York Knicks to move up in the draft, the Lakers selected Cameron Carr with the 24th overall pick.
Typically, late first-round picks don’t generate much buzz. Given how stacked the lottery picks were this year, this would be justified, too. However, while examining Cameron Carr’s profile, NBA insider Jovan Buha was convinced that the Baylor product was the steal of the draft.
“Love the Cameron Carr pick for the Lakers,” Buha stated. “He was a projected top-20 pick that slipped. 6-5 with a 7-1 wingspan. Good shooter. Also a lob threat. Second-highest vertical among guards (42.5 inches). Tools to be a good defender. Checks athleticism, length boxes on perimeter.”
“He’s drawn comparisons to Devin Vassell or a smaller Mikal Bridges (not at the same level defensively, at least not entering the league),” he added. “Given how the board played out, I think it’s a home-run pick.”
Carr’s scouting report is truly spectacular. Despite being 6’5″, he possesses an enormous 7’1″ wingspan and tremendous athletic ability to go with it. While his physical tools inherently position him as an elite wing defender, the Baylor product also possesses a reliable shot from the outside, making him a solid fit in the Lakers’ system.
During his sophomore season at Baylor, Carr averaged 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game while shooting 49.4% from the field and 37.4% from beyond the arc. Aside from this, however, Lakers insider Khobi Price also shared some key facts about the Lakers’ newest addition. He tweeted:
“Had the 2nd-fastest lane agility time (10.46 seconds), second-highest standing vertical leap (38 inches) and third-highest max vertical leap (42 ½ inches) at the NBA combine. Had the longest wingspan among (7 ¼ feet) among players 6-foot-6 or shorter at the combine.”
“His dad, Chris Carr, played six seasons in the NBA and was the runner-up to Kobe Bryant in the 1997 Dunk Contest. Averaged 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.3 blocks in lone season with Baylor, earning Third-Team All-Big 12 and Big 12 All-Newcomer honors.”
Cameron Carr’s résumé is bound to generate some enthusiasm among Lakers fans. Given that the 21-year-old has already made a positive impression with his comments on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, he is bound to receive love from the fans.
Aside from the fans, Cameron Carr is also rated highly by some former NBA players.
While discussing the Lakers’ No. 24 pick, Lakers legend James Worthy shared a promising review of the rookie, stating:
“When you think about Luka Doncic, and you try to build around him, you need two-way players. Guys who can shoot the three and are offensive-minded. This kid is a pretty good shot-blocker, too, with the wingspan that he has. So, I think it’s a great situation for the Lakers if you’re looking at the future.”
Cameron Carr’s selection also drew the attention of former NBA player DeMarcus Cousins. As he was discussing how well Carr’s skill set complements Luka Doncic, he shared:
“I like him next to Luka. Just thinking about the passing ability, the way he’s able to get up and down the floor. The athletic ability, and even the shooting… I’m thinking from the athletic standpoint and the passing ability of Luka; I’m expecting some pretty cool highlight plays from these two.”
Although it remains difficult to forecast what role Cameron Carr will play in the Lakers’ rotation, with Austin Reaves signing his contract extension, Carr is far more likely to operate in the capacity of a 3-and-D player early on.
Given Carr’s upside, the Lakers would certainly benefit from cultivating his talents. As the Purple and Gold continue to build their roster to make a title run next season, it is safe to say that a talented young player like Carr has the potential to be a key roster piece.
