Cameron Carr, the 24th overall pick from the 2026 NBA Draft, is already playing like someone who should've gone top 10, not 24th, and it is absolutely firing up the Los Angeles Lakers. This dude hit the draft feeling overlooked, and he is channeling that energy directly into a statement performance at the 2026 NBA Summer League.
The Draft Day Snub and the Fire Within
Everyone thought Carr was a sure bet for an earlier selection in the draft, but he surprisingly tumbled down the board. That fall to 24th overall? It lit a massive fire under him, pushing him to contribute to the Lakers as soon as humanly possible. He was so vocal about wanting to prove everyone wrong, and who could blame him? He knew he deserved to get selected higher, and honestly, the New York Knicks trading him to the Lakers might be the best thing that ever happened to him. This kid is out there with a point to prove every single time he steps on the court. "At the end of the day, I feel like you've got to have fire under your feet. Every time I step onto the court, I'm motivated to go out and do my job. I think I was overlooked, so I've got a lot to prove," Carr said after a Summer League game, and you can practically hear the chip on his shoulder.Proving the Doubters Wrong, One Shot at a Time
Carr has been a flat-out standout for the Lakers throughout Summer League. We all knew he was one of the best shooters in his draft class, but watching him translate that skill set to the NBA level so seamlessly is something else entirely. The Lakers, who desperately need reliable shooting, must be absolutely thrilled with what they are seeing. He does not just look good; he looks like one of the most NBA-ready rookies from this year's entire class, which is a huge positive for a team that will need him to hit the ground running. It is not just his perimeter shooting either; Carr is showing flashes of being a promising defender too. That combination of shooting and defense could easily make him a long-term fit alongside established stars like Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Head coach JJ Redick is definitely going to find a way to maximize Carr's shooting prowess, and playing next to Doncic and Reaves means he is going to get plenty of those wide-open looks. Carr is doing all the right things to prove he is a steal for the Lakers, and honestly, he is making a lot of teams look silly for letting him slide. The Lakers found themselves a seriously motivated player in Cameron Carr, a guy who is ready to make every single opponent regret passing on him. If he keeps this energy and skill up, we could be looking at a crucial piece for the Lakers' upcoming season.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.