Full Breakdown
Lakers Trade Up for Cameron Carr: Draft Move Shapes Offseason Strategy
6/24/2026, 11:52:40 PM
Lakers Trade Up for Cameron Carr
On June 23, 2026, the Los Angeles Lakers sent the 25th-overall pick and cash considerations to the New York Knicks to acquire the Knicks’ 24th-overall selection, Baylor guard Cameron Carr. The Lakers then selected Spanish wing Sergio De Larrea at 25 and traded him to the Knicks with additional cash. The maneuver moved the Lakers up one slot in the first round— their first first-round pick since 2024.
Recent Draft History and Roster Gaps
Los Angeles entered the offseason with nine potential free-agent departures, including veteran forward Luke Kennard, guard Austin Reaves, and forward Rui Hachimura. The team has lacked a versatile wing since the 2024 draft and seeks a two-way player to complement Luka Doncic and shore up defensive lapses that limited their 2025 playoff run.
Cameron Carr: College Production and Projected Role
Carr, a 6-foot-5, 185-lb guard, posted 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game at Baylor, shooting 49.4 % from the field and 37.4 % from three. He recorded a 42.5-inch vertical, a 7-2-foot wingspan, and set a Baylor single-season record with 642 points. He earned third-team All-Big 12 honors and has been compared to Knicks wing Mikal Bridges for his two-way potential.
Roster and Salary Implications
- LeBron James will be an unrestricted free agent on June 30, carrying a $57.75 million cap hold.
- Austin Reaves is expected to test free agency for roughly $40 million annually; the Lakers could offer a five-year, $241 million contract.
- Luke Kennard, Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes and Maxi Kleber are also unrestricted free agents.
- Carr’s rookie deal is projected at $3.4 million for 2026-27, providing a low-cost shooting option to replace Kennard’s $11 million salary.
- Cash considerations sent to the Knicks hard-cap the Lakers at the second apron, limiting immediate free-agent flexibility.
Official Statements & Responses
Rob Pelinka, the Lakers’ president of basketball operations, declined to comment while the trade was pending NBA confirmation. The NBA Board of Governors approved the Mark Walter ownership purchase in October 2025, marking the first season without majority Buss-family ownership. Lakers front-office personnel have indicated that the Carr selection is intended to “add another scoring threat” alongside Doncic while the team evaluates Reaves, James and other free agents.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts argue that Kennard’s defensive liabilities have hindered the Lakers’ playoff success and label the franchise’s recent draft record as “disastrous.” Some contend the team should prioritize defensive upgrades over additional shooting, questioning whether Carr’s offensive upside outweighs his developmental needs.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Multiple insiders have linked the Lakers to a potential acquisition of 22-year-old center Kel’el Ware, who was part of the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade to Miami. NBA insider Marc Stein reports no confirmed Lakers involvement, while other sources claim the Lakers “would be on the phone” if Ware became available. No formal offer or trade has been announced, leaving the prospect speculative.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Lakers draft grade: B+ USA TODAY senior basketball reporter Lorenzo Reyes writes: "They did have to reportedly trade up one slot to secure him, but former Baylor guard Cameron Carr should be an excellent fit for a Lakers team that could always use another scoring threat to pair alongside Luka Doncic.” — Lorenzo Reyes, USA Today senior basketball reporter
- “I have to be honest, based on what I’ve heard. I haven’t heard that,” — Marc Stein, NBA insider
- “There would be quite a few teams interested in Kel’el Ware if he got shipped to Milwaukee and they were willing to flip him. If I were the Lakers and Kel’el got shipped to Milwaukee, I’d be on the phone.” — Michael Scotto, HoopsHype
- “Big man who can stretch the floor, high energy, block shots,” — Brian Windhorst, ESPN
What’s Next
The Lakers must decide whether to retain LeBron James, re-sign Reaves, and address wing and center needs before the July 1 moratorium. Carr will join summer workouts, and the front office will assess trade possibilities—including any potential move for Kel’el Ware—while navigating cap constraints imposed by cash considerations and the second-apron limit.
