Cameron Carr became a Los Angeles Lakers rookie after being selected No. 24 overall by the New York Knicks in the 2026 NBA Draft and subsequently traded to Los Angeles in a draft-night deal. The 6-foot-5 Baylor guard averaged 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.3 blocks in 34 games during the 2025-26 season. His combination of shooting, athleticism, size and defensive potential makes him an intriguing young wing, and his preseason debut on October 5, 2026, added to the excitement after he scored 19 points against Sacramento.
Cameron Carr Lakers Draft Pick: Why the Baylor Wing Is One of the Rookies to Watch
Cameron Carr entered the 2026 NBA Draft after a breakout season at Baylor and is now beginning his professional career with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Carr was originally selected by the New York Knicks with the No. 24 overall pick on June 23, 2026. However, the pick was subsequently moved to Los Angeles as part of a larger four-team draft-night trade involving the Lakers, Knicks, Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns. The Lakers ultimately acquired Carr, while their No. 25 pick, Sergio De Larrea, was sent to Dallas. Baylor
The selection gave Los Angeles a young 6-foot-5 wing with a strong combination of athleticism, perimeter shooting and defensive activity.
Carr’s Baylor season was particularly important to his draft stock. In 34 games, he averaged 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.3 blocks per game, while shooting 49.4% from the field, 37.4% from three-point range and 80.1% from the free-throw line.
As the Lakers prepare for the 2026-27 season, the question is no longer whether Carr has NBA talent. The more immediate question is how quickly he can translate those tools into a consistent NBA role.
What Happened With Cameron Carr in the 2026 NBA Draft?
Carr was selected 24th overall in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks.
The Knicks did not keep him. Instead, the draft rights to Carr were traded to the Lakers as part of the four-team transaction completed around draft night. NBA.com’s official draft coverage lists Carr as the No. 24 pick and identifies him as having been acquired by Los Angeles from New York.
The trade was significant because Los Angeles initially held the No. 25 selection. The Lakers used that pick on Spanish guard Sergio De Larrea, but De Larrea was then sent to Dallas through the same broader transaction.
That left Carr as the Lakers’ first-round addition.
For Carr, it represented a rapid transition from college basketball breakout to NBA opportunity.
Cameron Carr Baylor Stats
Carr’s lone full season at Baylor was the season that established him as a legitimate first-round prospect.
According to Baylor’s official statistics, Carr played 34 games and started all 34 during the 2025-26 season.
His numbers:
| Statistic | 2025-26 |
|---|---|
| Games | 34 |
| Starts | 34 |
| Minutes per game | 33.7 |
| Points per game | 18.9 |
| Rebounds per game | 5.8 |
| Assists per game | 2.6 |
| Steals per game | 0.9 |
| Blocks per game | 1.3 |
| Field-goal percentage | 49.4% |
| 3-point percentage | 37.4% |
| Free-throw percentage | 80.1% |
| Total points | 642 |
| 3-pointers made | 77 |
| Blocks | 45 |
Baylor lists Carr as the team’s leading scorer, with 642 points, while also leading the Bears in blocked shots with 45. His 642 points established a Baylor single-season scoring record for a sophomore and ranked fifth among all single-season scoring totals in program history.
His shooting efficiency was also noteworthy. Carr made 216 of 437 field-goal attempts and 77 of 206 three-point attempts.
That translates to a player who was not simply accumulating points through volume. He was efficient enough to make his scoring production particularly attractive for an NBA team looking for a perimeter-oriented wing.
How Good Was Cameron Carr at Baylor?
Carr’s 2025-26 season represented a major jump in production.
He finished fourth in the Big 12 in scoring at 18.9 points per game and was among the conference leaders in field-goal percentage, three-point production and blocked shots. He was also named Third-Team All-Big 12 and to the Big 12 All-Newcomer Team.
One of the most impressive aspects of his season was the combination of offensive and defensive production.
Carr wasn’t simply a scorer.
He contributed:
- Nearly 19 points per game
- Nearly six rebounds per game
- 2.6 assists per game
- 1.3 blocks per game
- 37.4% shooting from three
- 80.1% free-throw shooting
That statistical combination helps explain why NBA scouts viewed him as more than a one-dimensional shooter.
Cameron Carr’s Biggest Strengths
1. Perimeter Shooting
Shooting is one of Carr’s most obvious NBA-ready skills.
He shot 37.4% from three-point range at Baylor, making 77 three-pointers during the season.
NBA.com also highlighted his quick release and ability to score efficiently as a high-usage wing.
That skill should give Carr a straightforward path toward earning NBA minutes.
If he can consistently knock down open shots, defenders have to respect him away from the basket. That can create driving lanes and cutting opportunities.
2. Athleticism
Carr’s athleticism is another major part of his appeal.
NBA.com describes him as an explosive wing who can cover ground quickly and finish above the rim. His athletic ability was also obvious at the 2026 NBA Draft Combine.
During the five-on-five scrimmages, Carr scored 30 points and made six three-pointers, helping establish himself as one of the event’s standout performers.
His combination of perimeter shooting and athletic finishing is particularly valuable because defenders cannot simply chase him off the three-point line.
3. Size and Length
Carr has been listed at approximately 6-foot-5, with NBA.com measuring him at 6-foot-4½ without shoes and reporting a 7-foot wingspan at the draft combine.
That physical profile gives him the ability to play as a bigger perimeter defender.
For the Lakers, that versatility could become important because modern NBA teams increasingly need wings capable of guarding multiple positions.
4. Defensive Potential
Carr’s 45 blocked shots at Baylor stand out for a perimeter player.
His 1.3 blocks per game were not just a statistical curiosity. NBA.com specifically noted his wingspan and shot-blocking instincts as part of his defensive value.
He has the physical tools to contest shots and make plays around the basket despite primarily operating as a wing.
The next challenge will be translating those flashes into consistent NBA defense against stronger and more experienced players.
5. Transition Scoring
Carr is particularly dangerous when he can attack before a defense gets completely organized.
His athleticism allows him to run the floor, attack gaps and finish above the rim.
That style could fit well with a Lakers team capable of creating transition opportunities through defense and rebounding.
What Are Cameron Carr’s Weaknesses?
Carr’s NBA projection isn’t without questions.
The biggest issue is his ball-handling and self-creation.
NBA.com’s scouting analysis notes that his handle is still developing. Carr was highly productive primarily through catch-and-shoot opportunities, straight-line drives, cuts and athletic finishes.
That doesn’t mean he cannot become a stronger creator.
Instead, it means his development will likely determine whether he becomes merely a useful rotation wing or eventually develops into a larger offensive role.
Adding strength is another area identified in his NBA evaluation.
At the NBA level, defenders are bigger, faster and stronger. Carr will have to improve his ability to absorb physical contact, create separation and maintain his efficiency against longer defenders.
Cameron Carr’s Background Before Baylor
Carr did not arrive at Baylor as an unknown prospect.
He began his prep career at Manhattan High School in Kansas before transferring to Link Academy in Missouri.
At Link Academy, he was part of a nationally successful program and helped the team win the 2023 GEICO Nationals after previously winning the 2022 Nike EYBL Peach Jam with MoKan Elite.
Carr originally committed to Tennessee.
His college career there was interrupted by injuries and limited opportunities. According to Baylor’s official background information, he played 14 games as a freshman during the 2023-24 season and later dealt with a thumb injury during the 2024-25 campaign.
He eventually transferred to Baylor.
That move changed his trajectory.
At Baylor, Carr received a much larger role and responded with his best college season.
Cameron Carr’s NBA Draft Combine Performance
The 2026 NBA Draft Combine was an important moment in Carr’s rise.
Rather than sitting out after improving his draft stock, Carr participated in the first day of five-on-five action and made a significant impression.
He scored 30 points, grabbed seven rebounds and made six three-pointers.
He also performed well in the shooting drills, going 14-for-25 in spot-up shooting and 22-for-30 off the dribble, according to NBA.com’s combine coverage.
The performance helped strengthen the perception that Carr could be an effective NBA perimeter scorer.
It also demonstrated that his Baylor production wasn’t simply the result of a favorable college environment.
Cameron Carr’s Summer League Performance
Carr’s development continued into the Las Vegas Summer League.
He had several strong scoring performances, including a 23-point game against the Los Angeles Clippers, followed by an 18-point performance against Oklahoma City and 14 points against Chicago.
In the Summer League semifinal against Golden State, Carr scored 17 points, although he struggled from three-point range in that game.
The Lakers ultimately fell short of the Summer League championship, but Carr’s overall showing gave the organization additional evidence of his offensive potential.
Cameron Carr’s Lakers Preseason Debut
Carr’s preseason debut provided another encouraging sign.
On October 5, 2026, the Lakers defeated the Sacramento Kings 127-103 in their preseason opener.
Carr scored 19 points in 23 minutes, shooting 7-for-13 from the field and 3-for-5 from three-point range, while also recording three rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The performance was especially notable because Carr wasn’t simply scoring against the Kings’ reserves in a meaningless cameo. He played a meaningful role in the Lakers’ preseason rotation and demonstrated the same shooting and athletic qualities that made him attractive during the draft process.
One preseason game should not be treated as proof that a rookie is ready for a major NBA role.
But it is certainly a positive early indicator.
What Has JJ Redick Said About Cameron Carr?
One of the most important developments for Carr’s rookie outlook came from Lakers head coach JJ Redick.
Redick indicated in September that the Lakers planned to use more players because of the team’s increased depth, creating an opportunity for Carr to earn minutes.
Redick said Carr had gotten off to a good start but emphasized that no final rotation decision had been made. SI
That distinction is important.
Carr has an opportunity.
He does not yet have a guaranteed major rotation role.
The preseason and training-camp performances will help determine whether that opportunity becomes consistent regular-season playing time.
Why Cameron Carr Could Fit the Lakers
The Lakers’ interest in Carr makes sense from a roster-construction standpoint.
A 6-foot-5 wing who can shoot, run the floor, attack closeouts and defend with length can complement star-level offensive players.
Carr does not necessarily need to become a primary ball-handler immediately.
In fact, his most realistic early NBA role may involve:
- Spot-up three-point shooting
- Cutting without the ball
- Running in transition
- Attacking closeouts
- Guarding opposing wings
- Using his athleticism around the basket
- Providing energy from the second unit
That type of role could allow him to contribute without placing excessive offensive responsibility on him.
Cameron Carr NBA Outlook
NBA.com’s draft evaluation described Carr as a potential 3-and-D wing with secondary scoring ability, while noting that his long-term ceiling could be higher if his handle and physical strength continue to develop.
That is probably the most reasonable way to view his NBA outlook today.
His floor is supported by several NBA-friendly skills:
Shooting + size + athleticism + defensive activity.
His ceiling will depend on skills that are still developing:
Ball-handling + self-creation + physical strength + decision-making against NBA defenses.
If Carr becomes a reliable shooter who can defend multiple positions, he has a clear pathway to being a valuable rotation player.
If his handle improves enough to create his own shot consistently, his offensive ceiling becomes significantly higher.
What Happens Next for Cameron Carr?
The immediate priority is the Lakers’ preseason and training camp.
Los Angeles opened its preseason against Sacramento on October 5 and is scheduled to continue its exhibition schedule against the Golden State Warriors on October 6. The Lakers’ preseason schedule also includes games against Sacramento, Golden State and Denver later in October.
For Carr, those games provide an opportunity to demonstrate that his Summer League production can translate against more experienced NBA players.
The key things to watch are not simply his scoring average.
Instead, his NBA development should be evaluated through:
- Three-point consistency
- Defensive positioning
- Ability to defend bigger wings
- Turnover rate
- Decision-making on drives
- Off-ball movement
- Ability to finish through NBA contact
- Consistency from game to game
Those areas will help determine how quickly he can become a regular part of Redick’s rotation.
Why Cameron Carr Matters to the Lakers
The Lakers did not acquire Carr simply because he was available at No. 24.
They acquired a young player with a relatively modern NBA skill set.
Shooting is increasingly valuable.
Wing size is valuable.
Athleticism is valuable.
And a player who can potentially combine all three has a strong foundation.
The challenge is consistency.
Carr will face significantly more physical defenses in the NBA, and his opponents will have better scouting reports than he encountered in college.
But his Baylor season, combine performance, Summer League showing and early preseason debut all point toward a player worth watching closely.
His 19-point performance against Sacramento is only one exhibition game, but it was another positive step in a development process that has already moved quickly.
FAQs
Who is Cameron Carr?
Cameron Carr is a 6-foot-5 American guard who played college basketball at Baylor. He was selected No. 24 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft and subsequently traded from the New York Knicks to the Los Angeles Lakers.
What pick was Cameron Carr in the 2026 NBA Draft?
Carr was selected No. 24 overall in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks before his draft rights were traded to the Lakers.
What were Cameron Carr’s Baylor stats?
In 34 games during the 2025-26 season, Carr averaged 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.3 blocks per game. He shot 49.4% from the field, 37.4% from three-point range and 80.1% from the free-throw line.
What are Cameron Carr’s strengths?
His main strengths are perimeter shooting, athleticism, size, transition scoring, finishing above the rim and defensive activity. NBA.com projects him as a potential 3-and-D wing with secondary scoring ability.
What does Cameron Carr need to improve?
Carr needs to continue developing his ball-handling, self-creation and physical strength. Improving those areas could determine whether he develops into a larger offensive role rather than primarily serving as a complementary wing.
Is Cameron Carr expected to play for the Lakers?
Carr has an opportunity to earn a rotation role, but his regular-season minutes were not guaranteed as of the latest reported comments from JJ Redick. The Lakers coach indicated that Carr could have opportunities while saying the rotation had not yet been finalized.
How did Cameron Carr perform in his Lakers preseason debut?
Carr scored 19 points, grabbed three rebounds, recorded two assists and two steals, while making three three-pointers in the Lakers’ 127-103 preseason victory over Sacramento on October 5, 2026.
What is Cameron Carr’s NBA ceiling?
His realistic early projection is as a rotation wing who can shoot, defend and provide athletic scoring. If he develops his handle and becomes a more consistent self-creator, his ceiling could be considerably higher. NBA.com’s evaluation specifically identified starter-level upside if those parts of his game continue to develop.
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