The Lakers found one of the draft's most intriguing prospects and his reaction to the Lakers shows how promising he is.
The Los Angeles Lakers were determined to land their preferred prospect in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft, trading up one spot with the New York Knicks to select Cameron Carr out of Baylor with the No. 24 overall pick.
The move cost L.A. cash considerations, but it ensured the franchise walked away with one of the draft's most athletic and versatile players.
Moments after the trade became official, Carr shared his first reaction during an interview with NBA TV, embracing the opportunity to wear the purple and gold.
Carr's Thoughts on the Lakers
When asked what comes to mind when he thinks about joining the Lakers, Carr didn't hesitate.
"Greatness and rich basketball," Carr said.
It's a fitting response for a franchise that boasts 17 NBA championships and a history of superstar players, from Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.
Now, Carr hopes to become the next player to contribute to that legacy as L.A. continues building around Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, who reportedly just secured a max deal for four years, $185 million on Wednesday.
Cameron Carr after he was selected by the New York Knicks at Barclays Center.The Lakers had to pull the trigger to take the Baylor standout who was surprisingly still on the board. Most had him in the late teens of the first round.
While the trade only involved swapping picks 24 and 25, it demonstrated the front office's confidence in Carr's potential as a long-term piece of the roster.
Impact at Baylor
After transferring from Tennessee, Carr enjoyed a breakout campaign at Baylor last season, averaging 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists while shooting nearly 50% from the field and 37.4% from 3.
Cameron Carr (43) dunks the ball against Utah Utes forward Kendyl Sanders (13) during the second half at Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion.His combination of length, athleticism and perimeter shooting made him one of the fastest-rising prospects leading up to draft night. And those traits are what's highly needed on this Lakers roster, and pretty much every roster in the NBA.
Carr also sounded confident when discussing how he'll fit into the Lakers organization and locker room.
"I'm going to fit in just fine... we're going to be best friends," he joked when asked about adapting to the Lakers culture.
That confidence is part of what makes Carr such an intriguing addition for L.A.
Cameron Carr (43) reacts to his three point basket against the Houston Cougars in the first half at Fertitta Center. Standing 6-foot-5 with a 7-foot-1 wingspan, he possesses the physical tools to develop into a versatile 3-and-D guy.
The Lakers entered the offseason looking to add youth, energy and defensive versatility around their established core, and Carr checks each of those boxes.
While he will have to earn his role, his skill set and willingness to embrace the spotlight could allow him to make an early impact.
The California Classic and the Summer League are where you'll see his first action in the purple and gold, wearing his college No. 43 for the Lakers.
