The Los Angeles Lakers’ newest first-round pick is already drawing a line in the sand when it comes to his defensive assignments. Speaking with Full Court Pass on June 24, 2026, guard Cameron Carr was asked whom he would rather defend—Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards or Oklahoma City Thunder standout Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
“Yeah, I ain’t dealing with the flopping, Anthony Edwards,” the 6-foot-5 rookie replied, taking an indirect swipe at the two-time MVP for what many fans have criticized as frequent flopping and foul-baiting.
Carr enters Lakers camp with defensive upside
Selected 24th overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, Carr arrives from Baylor with a wingspan exceeding seven feet and a reputation as a potential two-way contributor. He averaged 1.3 blocks per game last season—an unusually high figure for a guard—and is expected to take on point-of-attack duties while spacing the floor alongside primary playmakers Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.
The rookie’s comments echo a broader conversation among fans, who intensified criticism of Gilgeous-Alexander’s foul-drawing tactics during the recent playoffs. Carr could face the Thunder guard early in the coming campaign, offering a chance to back up his words on the court.
Lakers lock in Reaves with four-year, $185 million deal
Los Angeles addressed a key offseason priority by re-signing Reaves to a four-year maximum contract worth $185 million. The deal begins at $41.3 million next season and includes a $51.3 million player option in year four, pre-empting reported interest from the Detroit Pistons.
The Lakers open training camp later this summer, where Carr will begin preparing for matchups against both Edwards and Gilgeous-Alexander.
Source: Lakers Nation
