Lakers' first-round pick is excited about his new home in L.A.
The Los Angeles Lakers officially introduced first-round pick Cameron Carr to the media on Friday, giving the rookie his first opportunity to speak publicly since being selected with the No. 24 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
While discussing the start of his NBA career, Carr made it clear that one of the things he's looking forward to most is learning from the stars he'll share a locker room with in Los Angeles.
Rather than focusing on his own expectations, the former Baylor wing pointed to the unique opportunity that comes with joining a roster led by Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and LeBron James.
"That's a heck of an organization to walk into, especially the level of guys I'm playing with," Carr said during his introductory press conference. "You don't get to wake up and be teammates with them every day."
Learning From the Stars
For any rookie, entering the NBA comes with a steep learning curve. Carr, however, will have the chance to develop alongside three players who have each reached success through different paths if James returns to L.A.
Dončić has already cemented himself as one of the NBA's elite players and enters his second season with the Lakers as the face of the franchise.
James, meanwhile, continues to redefine longevity as he prepares for his 24th NBA season, bringing decades of experience and championship pedigree to the locker room.
Cameron Carr (43) dunks the ball against the Arizona Wildcats during the second half at Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion.Reaves has become one of the league's best success stories, developing from an undrafted free agent into one of the Lakers' core players through consistent improvement and hard work.
For Carr, simply observing those players every day could prove invaluable.
Straight Outta College
The 6-foot-6 wing arrives in L.A. after an impressive season at Baylor, where he showcased the athleticism, length and versatility that made him an attractive first-round prospect.
The Lakers have emphasized surrounding their stars with long, athletic wings capable of defending multiple positions, and Carr fits that mold.
Although he isn't expected to carry a significant role immediately, the organization views him as a player with considerable upside. His rookie season will likely be focused on development, allowing him to refine his game as he adjusts to the NBA's speed and physicality.
Cameron Carr (43) during warmups before the game against the BYU Cougars at Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion.The Lakers have long been a destination where young players can learn from established veterans, and Carr believes he's walking into an ideal situation to begin his professional journey.
While earning minutes on a playoff-contending roster won't come easily, the rookie is embracing the opportunity to absorb everything he can from one of the league's most accomplished groups.
His focus isn't on individual accolades or immediate expectations. Instead, he's excited for the daily opportunity to learn from some of basketball's biggest stars, believing there may be no better way to start his career than by sharing the court—and the locker room—with Dončić, Reaves and James.
