Cameron Carr’s NBA draft night was a rollercoaster of emotions, beginning with the uncertainty of when his name would be called and culminating in a trade to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Initially selected by the New York Knicks with the No. 24 overall pick, Carr’s rights were immediately traded to the Lakers. His immediate reaction, captured on camera as he walked toward the stage to meet NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, expressed his surprise: “I’m getting traded.” The clip quickly gained traction on social media.
Despite the initial shock, Carr conveyed his excitement about joining the Lakers, a franchise he associates with a rich basketball tradition. “Oh, man, I think of greatness and rich basketball tradition, and excitement,” Carr said. “I think I’m going to fit in just fine — we’re going to be best friends.”
The Lakers traded up one spot from No. 25 to acquire Carr, a 6-foot-5 wing known for his explosive athleticism. After transferring from Tennessee to Baylor, Carr significantly boosted his draft stock during a breakout senior season, averaging 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game. His performance at the NBA draft combine, which included a 43-inch vertical leap and a 7-foot-0.75 wingspan, further solidified his first-round projection.
Carr believes his existing strengths will be key to his success in the NBA. “Continuing to be who I am and know what got me here is going to keep me here,” he stated. “I know my athletic abilities are pretty good, so I’m going to use them.”
Reflecting on his path to the league, Carr emphasized perseverance. “Everything. It took everything I’ve had to get here,” he said. “I’ve been as low as low can get, and I’ve been as high as high can get, so it’s just a blessing. Patience is a virtue.”
Carr expressed gratitude for the Lakers’ belief in his abilities. “For them to take a chance on me and want me to be in their organization. That means the world to me,” Carr told ESPN. “When I step in, I want to be as productive, as dominant as I have been.”
The rookie also displayed a touch of personality, joking before the draft that he would prefer to guard Anthony Edwards over Shai Gilgeous-Alexander due to concerns about flopping.
Carr’s journey through adversity, combined with his confidence and athleticism, has already created a memorable impression as his Lakers career begins.