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Cameron Carr to Los Angeles Lakers NBA Draft 2026: Lakers Land Athletic Two-Way Guard in Draft-Night Trade

The Los Angeles Lakers made a significant move during the 2026 NBA Draft by acquiring the draft rights to Cameron Carr, the 24th overall pick, in a trade with the New York Knicks. The deal saw the Lakers send the draft rights to Spanish guard Sergio De Larrea, selected 25th overall, along with cash considerations to New York.

The move adds a promising young talent to the Lakers’ roster as the franchise continues building for the future while remaining competitive in the Western Conference.

Lakers Acquire Cameron Carr in Draft-Night Trade

Shortly after being selected by the New York Knicks with the 24th pick in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft, Cameron Carr was informed that he would be heading to Los Angeles.

As he approached the stage at Barclays Center, Carr reportedly said three simple words:

“I’m getting traded.”

The prediction proved accurate, as the Lakers completed a deal to bring the Baylor standout to Los Angeles.

The 21-year-old guard will wear No. 43 for the Purple and Gold.

Cameron Carr’s Impressive Season at Baylor

Carr enters the NBA following an outstanding sophomore campaign at Baylor University. The 6-foot-5 guard averaged:

• 18.9 points per game
• 5.8 rebounds per game
• 2.6 assists per game
• 1.3 blocks per game

He shot an efficient:

• 49.4% from the field
• 37.4% from three-point range
• 80.1% from the free-throw line

Carr started all 34 games for Baylor and finished with 642 total points, the fifth-highest single-season scoring total in program history. His performance earned him All-Big 12 Third Team honors.

Defensively, Carr was equally impressive, leading the Bears with 45 blocked shots and ranking among the conference leaders in that category.

Why the Lakers Targeted Cameron Carr

The Lakers were reportedly attracted to Carr’s rare combination of athleticism, length, and defensive upside.

Standing 6-foot-5 with a remarkable 7-foot-2 wingspan and a 42.5-inch vertical leap, Carr possesses the physical tools NBA teams covet in modern wing players.

Scouts view him as a potential “3-and-D” player — a wing capable of knocking down perimeter shots while defending multiple positions. With free agency expected to test the Lakers’ roster depth, Carr could eventually fill an important role on both ends of the floor.

Many draft analysts projected Carr to be selected between picks 15 and 21, making his availability at No. 24 an opportunity the Lakers were eager to seize.

From Tennessee to Baylor to the NBA

Carr’s collegiate journey began at the University of Tennessee, where he spent two seasons developing his game before transferring to Baylor.

The move proved beneficial, as his offensive production exploded during his lone season with the Bears. His ability to score efficiently, defend at a high level, and impact games with his athleticism helped elevate his draft stock throughout the 2025-26 season.

His selection also continues Baylor’s impressive streak of NBA talent development.

Carr became the sixth consecutive Baylor player selected in the first round, joining:

• Davion Mitchell (2021)
• Jeremy Sochan (2022)
• Keyonte George (2023)
• Ja’Kobe Walter (2024)
• Yves Missi (2024)
• VJ Edgecombe (2025)

Family NBA Connection

Basketball runs in the Carr family.

Cameron’s father, Chris Carr, played six NBA seasons with several franchises, including the Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns, and Minnesota Timberwolves.

Chris Carr is perhaps best remembered for finishing second to an 18-year-old Kobe Bryant in the 1997 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, creating an interesting historical connection between the Carr family and the Lakers organization.

Cameron Carr Excited to Join the Lakers

When asked about joining one of the league’s most storied franchises, Carr expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity.

“I think of greatness and rich basketball tradition,” Carr said when discussing the Lakers.

Known for his professionalism and mature approach, Carr emphasized the importance of making a positive first impression throughout the draft process.

His combination of character, work ethic, and physical tools gives Lakers fans plenty of reasons to be excited about the team’s newest addition.

What Cameron Carr Brings to Los Angeles

The Lakers are adding a player who offers:

• Elite athleticism
• Strong defensive potential
• Reliable three-point shooting
• Positional versatility
• Long-term developmental upside

While Carr may not immediately become a featured contributor, his skill set aligns perfectly with the type of wing player every NBA team values. If his shooting continues to improve and his defense translates to the professional level, the Lakers may have found one of the steals of the 2026 NBA Draft.

Final Thoughts

The Los Angeles Lakers entered the 2026 NBA Draft looking to add young talent and emerged with one of the most intriguing prospects available late in the first round. By acquiring Cameron Carr from the New York Knicks, Los Angeles secured an athletic two-way guard with the tools to become a valuable contributor in the years ahead.

As Carr begins his NBA journey in Los Angeles, Lakers fans will be eager to see whether the former Baylor star can develop into the franchise’s next impactful wing player.

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