SAN FRANCISCO — Cameron Carr is in attendance
Cameron Carr is navigating the transition of being the Lakers’ first-round pick from the 2026 NBA Draft. It’s quite an adjustment, you know? Well, he’s with his summer league teammates, getting used to everything from practices to games.
On June 29, news broke that LeBron James wouldn’t return for a 24th NBA season after spending eight years with the Lakers. It was quite the topic, but Carr, in an interview, mentioned that he doesn’t pay much attention to social media anymore.
Despite that, he seemed genuinely excited about the possibility of teaming up with stars like James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves during a media appearance on June 26. “Honestly, I might have thought more about all this if I were at a different stage,” Carr reflected. “But being here, I’m just trying to focus on the team and learn as much as possible without getting sidetracked by outside noise. There’s so much going on, especially with these seasoned players.”
Currently, Carr is transitioning from being a college player to stepping into the world of the NBA. He officially became a Laker on Thursday after inking a four-year, $16.8 million rookie contract.
His debut in the Summer League came during a loss to the Warriors at the California Classic, but hey, it’s a start.
“I’m just trying to soak it all in,” Carr mentioned about his mindset. “There are plenty of veterans here I can learn from. I want to blend in, not stick out like a sore thumb.”
Standing at 6-foot-5, Carr made a notable entrance in his first game, scoring 19 points, shooting 7-of-15 and hitting 5-of-11 attempts from beyond the arc. His second game was even better: he scored 26 points with 7-of-16 shooting and secured eight rebounds, contributing to a double-overtime win against the Spurs.
However, it’s important not to jump to conclusions about a rookie’s future during Summer League. Still, Carr’s skills and potential have generated buzz, especially since he was thought to land in the 15th to 20th range in the draft before the Lakers moved up to snag him at 24.
He showcased good shooting from deep and proved he could be effective off the ball, making himself a legitimate threat in the Lakers’ offense. He even demonstrated keen court awareness during pick-and-roll situations, making smart passes despite not being a primary playmaker yet.
Lakers summer league head coach Ty Abbott commented on Carr’s role, saying they aim to balance giving him freedom with structuring him to succeed. “He’s talented, and we want him to build confidence,” Abbott explained. “But he also has to adjust to off-ball play to prepare for the main roster.”
Defensively, Carr expressed his desire to step up and be one of the team’s top defenders. Though he didn’t face many tough on-ball situations during the California Classic, he did manage to block some perimeter shots. He recognizes the need to add strength to become the defender he aspires to be.
The Lakers are optimistic about Carr’s potential, especially considering his mindset. Abbott noted, “His physical presence and understanding of the game are promising. If he makes mistakes, he’s quick to recognize and learn from them. It’s about building strength and simply getting out there and competing.”
With five more summer league games on the horizon, the Lakers are in the midst of reshaping their roster and are searching for wing players. Carr, boasting a remarkable 7-foot-1 wingspan, might see this as an opportunity.
“I’m starting fresh,” Carr acknowledged. “I’m a rookie and need to prove myself in every aspect. My priority is to be the most consistent and reliable defender I can be and minimize mistakes. Once I earn their trust, I can work on expanding my role.”
For now, Carr is focusing on the immediate challenges at hand. He emphasized, “I need to get into a rhythm. This level is so different from college – tougher and more physical. So I’m just catching up, learning, and really trying to stay in the moment.”
