Cameron Carr Focuses on Defense to Secure Role with Lakers
cameron-carr-focuses-on-defense-to-secure-role-with-lakers
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Newly drafted guard Cameron Carr believes a commitment to defense will earn him a spot in head coach JJ Redick’s rotation after the Los Angeles Lakers selected him No. 24 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Speaking Friday at the UCLA Health Training Center, the 21-year-old Baylor product said his immediate goal is to stand out on the defensive end. “First things first, play defense,” Carr told reporters. “I feel like I’ve got to show that I’m the best defender here. That’s what I’m here to do.”
The Lakers moved up one slot, from No. 25 to No. 24, in a trade with the New York Knicks to acquire Carr. Widely projected to go between picks 15 and 20, the 6-foot-4 guard slid on draft night, a drop he attributed in part to his slender frame.
Carr, who averaged 18.7 points last season as Baylor’s primary scoring option, acknowledged he will need to adjust to an off-ball role alongside established backcourt starters Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. He pointed to his high-school experience playing next to elite point guard Elliot Cadeau as proof he can thrive without the ball. “I’ve just got to cut and dunk the ball for them and run in transition,” he said.
Describing his overall game as “explosive” and “dominant,” Carr highlighted his leaping ability, penchant for highlight-reel dunks and knack for blocking shots. Still, he reiterated that defensive consistency is the priority, aiming to become a trusted option to guard opponents’ top players.
With Las Vegas Summer League approaching, Carr is expected to log heavy minutes as he tries to secure a back-end rotation spot. The rookie called joining the storied franchise a childhood dream, noting the significance of wearing the same jersey once worn by Kobe Bryant.
Source: LakersNation.com
