JJ Redick sees an opportunity for Cameron Carr, who plans to earn Lakers minutes through defense, strength and a willingness to learn.
Cameron Carr has impressed JJ Redick, but the Lakers rookie understands that earning playing time will require more than an encouraging first impression.
Redick said Carr will have opportunities this season, with his place in the rotation still undecided. At media day, Carr outlined how he intends to make that decision easier: defend consistently, handle the demanding assignments and learn from the experienced players around him.
“Just carving my role as being a consistent defensive guy and someone that they can lean on to do the hard work,” Carr said.
That approach connects with what Redick has already praised about the rookie. The Lakers valued Carr above the No. 24 position where he was selected, and his willingness to compete has stood out during his first summer with the organization.
Redick sees more than athleticism
At his news conference with Rob Pelinka, Redick recalled Carr traveling from Las Vegas to Los Angeles for an MRI during summer league, then returning to Las Vegas and playing that night.
The episode helped explain Redick’s confidence in Carr’s approach. Pelinka also described a curious learner who had already shown an offensive connection with Luka Dončić in pickup games, making corner 3-pointers and finishing cuts to the basket.
Those skills offer a potential role alongside a player who regularly draws multiple defenders. Carr can create value by staying ready for a pass, finding space along the perimeter and cutting when his defender watches Dončić.
But Carr’s media day answers made clear that he sees defense as his starting point. He wants to become someone the coaching staff can trust with difficult work, even when he is not a featured part of the offense.
Sep 28, 2026; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers playerCameronCarr(43) during media day at UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn ImagesHe also acknowledged the need to adjust to NBA physicality. That is a meaningful challenge for a rookie trying to hold his position against stronger opponents while remaining effective through screens and contact.
Learning from Thybulle
Carr said he has known Matisse Thybulle since after his freshman year in college and has been asking the veteran questions about defending as a thinner guard.
Their conversations include staying on his line, playing physically and becoming more disruptive. Thybulle gives Carr an experienced teammate to consult as he learns how to use his length without allowing opponents to move him out of position.
“Just continue to be a sponge,” Carr said. “Learn, listen, grow.”
Carr also said he has been lifting every day and getting stronger. He emphasized consistency rather than expecting a dramatic physical change within a month or two.
That patience matters because the Lakers have several wings competing for opportunities. Carr will need to turn the lessons from workouts and pickup games into dependable execution against NBA competition.
His development should be measured through more than scoring. Fighting through a screen, staying connected to an assignment and making the correct off-ball read can all help him earn another shift.
Redick has opened the door. Carr’s stated priorities give him a clear way to work toward a role once the season begins.
