The Los Angeles Lakers got here into the 2026 NBA Draft totally concerned in commerce rumors, as traditional.
There had been rumblings that the workforce’s first-round decide might be used to land one other star, however nothing got here to fruition in the course of the draft. On the opposite hand, the (*1*) which is a optimistic improvement for either side forward of free company.
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The Lakers initially had decide No. 25, however they moved up one spot with the New York Knicks to land Baylor Bears guard Cameron Carr.
Carr brings what the Lakers want: Versatility, scoring, capturing and protection.
However, ESPN’s Ben Golliver gave the Lakers a C grade for his or her draft haul, and this is why.
“Carr profiles as a logical Lakers target: He’s 21 years old, spent three years in college and was a reliable 3-point shooter at Baylor last season, particularly on catch-and-shoot opportunities,” Golliver wrote.
“Speaking of weight, though, Carr is unusually light for a wing — he’s listed at just 184 pounds — and will almost certainly struggle on defense until he adds strength,” Golliver added. “Doncic‘s groups have been most profitable when he has been surrounded by true 3-and-D wings, however Carr hasn’t but earned that label.”
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The key phrase there may be “yet.” The largest concern, a minimum of proper now, is that he wants so as to add power. If he does that, this needs to be a house run decide in the long term for the Lakers.
Who is Cameron Carr?
Baylor Bears guard Cameron Carr (43) drives round Arizona State Sun Devils guard Anthony Johnson (2) in the course of the second half at T-Mobile Center. William Purnell-Imagn Images
Carr started his faculty profession with the Tennessee Volunteers, though he performed sparingly in Knoxville.
Carr performed a complete of 18 video games in two seasons, however he broke out in his solely season with the Baylor Bears.
In 2025-26, Carr began each one of many 34 video games he performed in, averaging 33.7 minutes per sport, with 18.9 factors,5.8 rebounds and a couple of.6 assists.
Carr additionally shot 49.4 p.c from the sector and 37.4 p.c from three-point land, with loads of highlight-reel performs to showcase his skills.
Carr turns 22 years previous in November, and his athleticism, capturing and defensive means needs to be an enormous enhance, so long as he can proceed to play like he did whereas at Baylor.
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This story was initially revealed by Lindys Sports on Jun 27, 2026, the place it first appeared within the NBA part. Add Lindys Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.