Picture hearing your name called by the reigning NBA champions, only to learn moments later that you actually belong to someone else. That whirlwind became reality for Baylor guard Cameron Carr on draft night.
Lakers Draft Cameron Carr With a Late Swap
The Los Angeles Lakers entered the 2026 NBA Draft holding the 25th overall pick. Many expected them to deal it away in a bigger move for a veteran. Instead, they made a small but pointed climb up the board.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Lakers struck a draft-day deal with the champion New York Knicks. As a result, Los Angeles moved up one spot to grab the 24th pick. Notably, they sent only cash considerations to get it done.
Then they used that selection on Carr. The choice marked a clear pivot toward backcourt depth rather than another frontcourt body.
A Familiar Name With Lakers History
Carr carries serious basketball bloodlines. His father, Chris Carr, spent six seasons in the NBA. Furthermore, the elder Carr finished runner-up to Kobe Bryant in the 1997 Slam Dunk Contest. Nearly three decades later, his son joins the very franchise Bryant defined.
The 21-year-old began his college career at Tennessee before breaking out at Baylor. There, he averaged 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.3 blocks per game. Moreover, he shot 49.4% from the field and 37.4% from deep.
So why target a guard here? The answer points straight at Luka Dončić. Carr thrives off the ball as a catch-and-shoot threat, which suits Dončić’s playmaking perfectly. Meanwhile, Austin Reaves and Marcus Smart round out a backcourt that suddenly looks deeper and far more athletic.
