Cameron Carr is maintaining a focus on the present moment as he navigates his initial summer league experience with the Los Angeles Lakers. The team's first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft is concentrating on his immediate tasks with his summer league teammates and the acclimation process, even amid significant team news.
Carr stated he was not on social media when the announcement was made on June 29 that LeBron James would not return to the Lakers for his 24th NBA season. Despite having expressed excitement about the potential of playing alongside James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves during his June 26 media availability, Carr emphasized his commitment to being present.
"In all honesty, [I] was probably thinking more about how this was going to go," Carr told The California Post. "Me and my [summer league] teammates, I wasn’t really caught up in the moment of everything going on. Just to be present and be engaged with what’s going on, especially with this team. Got a lot of older guys, things can pass by really fast. And so I was just trying to be in the moment and learn as much as I can and don’t get taken away from outside distractions of what’s going on."
Carr officially became a Laker on Thursday after signing a four-year, $16.8 million rookie scale contract. He took a step in his transition from college player to NBA prospect by making his summer league debut in the Lakers' California Classic loss to the Warriors on Friday.
"It’s really just been trying to be a sponge, soak as much as I can in," Carr said of his approach. "Just learn. I feel like this team that I got around me right now, they’ve got a lot of vets that I can learn from, ask questions to. So just trying to catch up and [not] look like a rookie, stand out. That’s been my emphasis."
Carr demonstrated his skill set in his first summer league game, scoring a game-high-tying 19 points on 7-of-15 shooting, including 5-of-11 from three-point range. He followed this with a 26-point performance on 7-of-16 shooting (4 of 9 on 3s) and 8 rebounds in a double overtime win against the Spurs.
Carr showcased the abilities that made him an intriguing prospect, projected to be selected between picks 15-20 before the Lakers traded up to select him at No. 24. He demonstrated proficiency in spot-up catch-and-shoot situations, including deep three-pointers, and also proved effective off movement in off-ball actions. His passing reads when running the pick-and-roll, including pocket passes to the roll man after drawing a second defender, were also noted as encouraging signs, even though primary ball-handling duties are not expected of him as a rookie.
Lakers summer league head coach Ty Abbott commented on Carr's role, stating, "You try to blend them, you try to give them a little bit of both. Obviously, it’s different here. He’s super talented, and you want to try to play through him and give him opportunities to play, feel free, score. And it’s a really good way for him to build confidence going into our training camp or our season. But you also have to put him in a position to be playing off the ball and give him a taste of what it’s gonna be like when he gets to that big team so he can be successful when that time comes."
Carr has also emphasized defense, expressing a desire to be the team's best defender. While his on-ball defense was not heavily tested in the California Classic, he recorded a blocked three-pointer against both the Warriors and Spurs. Carr acknowledges the need to improve his physical strength to reach his defensive goals.
Abbott expressed confidence in Carr's defensive potential, noting his mindset and physical attributes. "His mindset, the fact that he said that that’s something that he wants to do is a great start," Abbott said. "Physically you see the length, you see the athleticism, he’s got an ability to read the game. He’s not out there and completely lost. He kind of understands, and if he does make a mistake, he recognizes it pretty early. So for him, it’ll just be about probably adding some strength, maybe some weight and then just getting the reps. Getting the reps, you just gotta go out there and do it. There’s no better way to learn how to guard good players than to guard good players."
With the Lakers undergoing roster changes and a need on the wing, Carr, who possesses one of the longest wingspans among players 6-6 or shorter at the combine, sees an opportunity. However, he remains grounded.
"Man, at the end of the day I start from ground zero," Carr stated. "I’m a rookie, so I got to come and prove everything: What I can be or what I can do. So first thing I’m gonna do is just try to be the best, most consistent dude I can defensively and not bring as many lapses. And when they rely on me, step up in those areas, especially defensively."
Carr is focused on his immediate development and adjusting to the physicality of the NBA game.
"Just get into the rhythm," he said regarding feedback he has received. "Fall into the rhythm, especially at this level. It’s not college anymore. That was the biggest thing I had to learn, it’s a different game, more physical. So just get used to those types of bumps, that hand-to-hand combat and stuff. Just trying to catch up. I feel like it’s all about learning, being a sponge, being in the moment."