Summer League offers a first look at the newcomers. The draft, billed as one of the best in recent years, could also include the selection of Laker when all is said and done.
In a trade with the New York Knicks, Los Angeles moved up to the 24th overall pick with Cameron Carr. In a short period of time, Carr demonstrated a complete set of NBA-ready skills and an enticing athletic profile, quickly capturing the hearts of Lakers fans.
On a roster that clearly lacks talent on the wing, Carr positions himself as a two-way producer with a real opportunity to earn a spot in head coach JJ Redick’s rotation.
His offensive game is based on his unique ability to shoot the basketball from anywhere on the court. He combines textbook shooting mechanics with detailed footwork to align the ball cleanly and realize his versatile shooting profile.
The L.A. Summer League roster doesn’t have any top-tier ball handlers, and Carr has a lot of work to do to create his own. In the clip below against the Thunder, Carr gets a defensive boost with the opposing defender in deep coverage. Acting as a ball carrier, he pulls up and punishes the space provided by the formation.
He showed good ball control, the ability to maneuver in ball screens, the ability to get to his spot and rise up athletically. Watch below as the Baylor product runs a pick-and-roll with teammate Adu Teiro, a duo that has developed good synergy so far, and gets to the extended free throw line area on the floor.
An expert pump trick freezes the defender and Carr rises to perform a patented mid-range pull-up, displaying an untouchable 7-foot wingspan.
Joining a team with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves as the lead backcourt, as well as Collin Sexton as the backup guard, leaves Carr without many responsibilities and opportunities on the ball.
The really compelling case for Carr to make the team is that he is a potentially elite off-ball forward. He’s a perfect fit for Redick, who constantly emphasizes the value of having a shooter on the team.
Los Angeles pushed him out of numerous appearances throughout Summer League to develop him as a shooter. One of the main screens used to free him up was the pindown, allowing Carr to roll into position to get a pass, as shown below.
When the defender is in a catch and trace position, he curls tightly away from the screen to catch the ball and shoot in one motion.
In the next action it comes off with the wide pin facing down. He uses his athletic profile and style of play to take advantage of the out-of-position defender. A quick deception from the triple threat allows him to step up and he finishes above the rim.
In four Summer League contests, Carr is averaging 17 points per game and shooting 37 percent on 3-point attempts, including a five-point effort he didn’t play in the second half at California.
There is just as much untapped potential on the other side of the ball. Wingspan and athletic ability allow him to electrify perimeter blocks. In an action where most players will be dependent on the hitter, Carr’s ability to recover quickly provides a high ceiling.
In four games so far, he’s averaging a block per night. Watch the outfield play below as the big man gets screened twice but still manages to recover and block a three-point attempt.
Combining blocks and triples is a unique combination, especially for a perimeter wing. Carr was the only D-1 player to make more than 70 three-point field goals and more than 40 blocked shots last season.
The Lakers still have room to improve in their latest draft. Passing reads need tightening up, off-ball defense could be improved with more focus, and he admitted he needs to add muscle in the weight room.
With that said, while it’s still early and Summer League is by no means a perfect predictor, it appears the Lakers have landed a steal in the draft and a player who could potentially contribute immediately.
You can follow Raj on X at @RajChipalu.