The Lakers went into draft night needing shooting, athleticism, and a guy who could actually guard someone on the perimeter without getting cooked. They came out with Cameron Carr. And honestly, it might be the best value pick of the first round.
Los Angeles traded up one spot with the Knicks to grab the Baylor wing at No. 24, swapping picks and sending some cash to New York. That’s it. That’s all it took to get a player who was projected by a lot of scouts to go somewhere in the lottery. The Lakers essentially bought a discount lottery ticket and hit.
What Carr Actually Brings
He’s 6-foot-5 with a 7-foot-1 wingspan. That alone changes things for a Laker team that got bullied on the wings all last season. But it’s not just length. Carr averaged 1.3 blocks per game in his final year at Baylor, which is absurd for a guard. You don’t see that. He reads passing lanes and recovers in ways most guards can’t.
The shooting is the real headline here though. Carr shot 40 percent from three in his second college season, then followed it up with 37.4 percent as a junior while taking way more attempts. That’s not a fluke. That’s a track record. And playing next to Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and yes, still LeBron James, those are going to be clean looks. Like, wide open. Gym-open.
He averaged 18.4 points, 5.8 boards, and 2.6 assists last season at Baylor after transferring from Tennessee. He went from coming off the bench to a full-time starter and the production jumped across the board. The free throw shooting at 80.1 percent suggests the three-point numbers are sustainable too.
Not Just a Spot-Up Guy
Here’s the part that might surprise you. Carr is a legitimate lob threat. He plays above the rim in transition and finishes through contact. That’s not typical for a 3-and-D wing. Most of those guys stand in the corner and wait. Carr cuts hard, runs the floor, and can actually create for himself a little. He’s not a primary ball-handler by any stretch, but he’s not a statue either.
The Lakers had a problem last season where their wing defenders just weren’t quick enough to stay in front of elite scorers. Carr’s lateral movement and that wingspan give him a real chance to be an impact defender from day one. If they bring Marcus Smart back, that’s a veteran who can teach him the tricks of the trade.
Rotation Minutes Aren’t Guaranteed
But the path is there. The Lakers don’t have a ton of young wings with this kind of two-way potential. Summer league starts July 4 in the California Classic, then Vegas. Carr is going to be one of the most interesting guys to watch. He could earn real minutes by October if his defense translates.
Bottom line: The Lakers got a lottery-level talent at pick 24 for pocket change. That’s a win however you slice it.
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