Cameron Carr is already giving Luka Doncic a reason to look his way. Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka revealed that Doncic has been seeking out Carr during practice, with the young wing making an impression by knocking down corner threes and using his athleticism to finish above the rim.
“He was on Luka’s team, and Luka was looking for him because he was knocking down corner threes. Had a couple back-cut lobs where Luka threw it up, and Cam came out of nowhere to finish.”
For Carr, earning Luka’s attention this early is an encouraging sign. The Lakers don’t necessarily need him to create offense with the ball in his hands, and if he can consistently capitalize on the opportunities created by Doncic and the rest of Los Angeles’ playmakers, there could be a path toward earning minutes.
Hitting 3s
Hitting open shots is essential for role players in today’s NBA. That’s exactly what Cameron Carr was doing in practice. He was knocking down corner threes, and Doncic responded by continuing to look for him.
Playing next to a creator like Luka requires players who can punish defenses for helping off them. Carr shot 37.4 percent from three during his final college season at Baylor, although he did so on relatively limited volume, so proving that his shooting can translate consistently to the NBA will be important.
If Carr proves he’s a real catch-and-shoot threat, his athleticism will be even more valuable. Defenders would have to guard him on the outside, giving him chances to shoot open threes or drive past them if they close out too hard.
For a young player trying to crack a veteran rotation, Carr does not need to become a high-volume scorer. Consistently making the simple shots created for him and keeping the floor spaced for Doncic could be enough to keep getting opportunities.
Catching Lobs
Carr’s athleticism immediately stands out, and playing alongside Doncic could give him plenty of opportunities to put it to use. Pelinka specifically mentioning Carr finishing multiple back-cut lobs is noteworthy because that is an area where Dončić can make life easier for athletic wings.
Defenses naturally have to devote significant attention to Luka with the ball, which can create opportunities for cutters to attack open space behind the defense. At 6-foot-5, Carr has the explosiveness to finish those opportunities above the rim, meaning he doesn’t necessarily need designed plays to make an impact offensively.
If Carr can spot when defenders focus on Luka and cut at the right time, he’ll keep getting chances. The fact that Doncic is already finding him shows they’re starting to build chemistry.
Defense Will Be the Most Important Test
As encouraging as the early offensive flashes are, Carr’s best chance of earning meaningful minutes may ultimately come down to the other end of the floor. The Lakers already have plenty of offense, so Carr doesn’t need to become another scorer.
What could set Carr apart is using his athleticism on defense and becoming someone the Lakers trust to guard other wings. He has the size, length, and explosiveness to defend different positions, but using those skills well in the NBA is a separate challenge.
If Carr can use his athleticism to keep up with quick players, contest shots, and bring energy on defense, it will be easier to fit his offense into the lineup. The Lakers always need players who help the team without needing the ball, especially next to high-usage stars like Luka.
A Bright Future
Pelinka’s comments offer an early glimpse at what Carr’s role could eventually look like with the Lakers. He doesn’t need plays called for him to contribute if he can space the floor, knock down open threes, and use his athleticism to cut behind defenses for finishes at the rim.
The bigger determining factor, however, will be whether that athleticism translates defensively. If Carr can become a dependable defender while continuing to hit open shots and provide Luka with an athletic target around the basket, he has the ingredients to become a useful piece in Los Angeles.
