Luka Dončić and the Los Angeles Lakers are looking to make a splash in the 2026-27 season, especially after their recent free agency signings. That said, the franchise’s recent first-round pick, Cameron Carr, could be the key to how successful L.A. will be next year.
During the offseason, the Lakers improved their depth, defense, and perimeter shooting with five new players. After signing Matisse Thybulle most recently, the Australian completes their bench rotation, but Lakers fans can’t forget about their first-round pick, especially after his play in Summer League.
Cameron Carr’s Summer League Crusade
It’s safe to say that new Laker Cameron Carr was one of, if not the best, steals of the first round.
The 21-year-old stole the show during the Summer League. He averaged 18 points per game there. Across both Summer League and the California Classic, he averaged more than 17 points across seven games, highlighted by a 26-point performance during the California Classic on July 5th.
Looking at the tape, it’s clear Carr’s scoring will play a massive role in year one. During his seven-game run, he showed great movement off-the-ball. That included Carr coming off screens and pulling up in the mid-range.
Lakers fans entered Summer League expecting to see him make it rain from deep. Instead, he overcame his three-point drought by changing his approach. It’s promising adaptability for someone so young, and his playstyle will work wonders with the Lakers’ star backcourt.
Standing at 6-foot-5 with a 7-foot wingspan, he can slide over to small forward and aim to complement the Lakers’ star backcourt of Dončić and Austin Reaves.
What Will Carr’s Role Be for the Lakers?
Even though Cameron Carr struggled from three during the Summer League, fans saw potential with his outside shooting.
For example, Carr made six threes during one scrimmage at the 2026 NBA Draft Combine.
Across both the California Classic and Summer League in Vegas, the outside shooting saw mixed results. In three games at the former, he made nearly 41% of his 7.3 three-point attempts per game. In Vegas, he shot 19% at 6.5 APG.
That said, playing with Dončić and Reaves will draw attention away from Carr, providing more off-ball opportunities. It’s a perfect situation for Carr, since he can calmly acclimate to a professional pace and physicality.
To play a notable role with the Lakers, he will be tasked with hitting two to three threes a game, giving him an average of 6-9 PPG, an amount plenty of rookies reached last year. While fans wait to see him catch fire on offense, they should also look out for his defense.
The Lakers already upgraded their defense with the additions of Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, and Thybulle. Adding a 3-and-D wing to the bench, like Carr, is divine timing for the 17-time champions.
Looking Ahead to the 2026-27 Season
From now until the start of the new year, Carr must focus on his jump shot.
A major reason the Los Angeles Lakers drafted the former Baylor Bear was his 37.4% three-point percentage during the 2025-26 NCAA season. Making his threes and playing defense will guarantee crucial playing time in year one.
Everyone knows how frustrated Head Coach JJ Redick can be at times. But he must allow Carr to learn from his (literal) rookie mistakes. Carr’s upside is undeniable, meaning he should have a relatively long leash and get the opportunity to learn and eventually make an impact.
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