The Los Angeles Lakers believe they secured a draft-night steal when they moved up to No. 24 in the 2026 NBA Draft to select Cameron Carr. Veteran guard Chris Mañon, who recently re-signed on a two-way deal, echoed that confidence this week.
Speaking with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin after the California Classic at Chase Center, Mañon praised the 6-foot-5 wing’s combination of length and shooting touch.
“He’s super long and I feel like we haven’t really seen his full athletic ability yet,” Mañon said. “He can shoot over guys and score. Once his body fills out and he puts on a little weight, he’ll be a problem for sure.”
Draft profile and summer impressions
Carr weighed 184 pounds at the NBA Draft Combine, where he posted standout numbers in the vertical leap and lane-agility drills. He also measured a 7-foot-1 wingspan, giving him the physical tools Los Angeles needs on the wing.
The rookie’s range was on display July 3, 2026, when he knocked down a three-pointer against the Golden State Warriors during the Lakers’ California Classic opener in San Francisco. Team officials view his outside shot, athleticism and positional size as immediate assets.
Building NBA-ready strength
Scouts cited Carr’s slender frame as a primary concern entering the draft. The 21-year-old has begun a strength program in hopes of withstanding NBA physicality while maintaining the quickness that helped him excel in pre-draft testing.
On the defensive end, Carr has sought guidance from Mañon, who earned a spot on last season’s G League All-Defense Team. Carr has publicly stated that becoming a reliable stopper is key to cracking head coach Darvin Ham’s rotation as a rookie.
Locked in on Summer League
Carr’s focus on preparation has been so complete that he missed the headline announcing LeBron James’ departure from Los Angeles. According to team personnel, he learned of the news only after practice sessions had concluded.
For now, the Lakers are banking on Carr’s development—and Mañon’s endorsement—to help fill the void left by the franchise star.
Source: LakersNation.com
