Ziaire Carr described his selection by the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Draft as a surreal moment, expressing excitement and motivation as he prepares to begin his professional career. The 21-year-old, drafted in the second round, said it took him some time to fully absorb the reality of joining the storied franchise, highlighting a lifelong dream fulfilled.

“It didn’t feel real for the first couple minutes when I found out,” Carr said. “I’m about to walk across the stage and be an NBA player. I’ve dreamed of this my whole life, especially since I was a kid.” Now acclimating to the Lakers’ environment, he spoke of the rich history surrounding the team and the inspiration he draws from it. “Walking in the building, first thing you notice is the rich tradition of the people that have been here before you … It just felt good to walk in the gym and look at the people that came before me.”

Carr, who played two seasons at Baylor University, impressed scouts with his athleticism, notably his 42½-inch vertical leap, and his shooting ability from beyond the arc. During his sophomore season, he averaged 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game while shooting nearly 50% from the field and over 37% on three-pointers. Despite his offensive skills, Carr emphasized defense as a primary focus in his role with the Lakers.

“First things first is establishing a defensive consistency and showing I can be dominant or a plus on the defensive end as someone they would like to guard the best player,” Carr said. He acknowledged that being part of a team with a shared mindset will aid his development and expressed confidence in contributing through energy plays such as cutting, dunking, and running in transition.

Carr also reflected on the influence of his father, Chris Carr, who played six seasons in the NBA and notably finished second to Kobe Bryant in the 1997 slam dunk contest. “I’ve always wanted to be better than him,” he stated, underscoring the motivation and mentorship his father has provided throughout his journey. “He was a heck of a player, so it’s some big footsteps I’ve got to follow and a long journey.”

The Lakers' president of basketball operations, Rob Pelinka, met with Carr but did not comment publicly during a news conference due to NBA restrictions during the free agency moratorium, which lasts until July 6. Consequently, questions about other team developments—including Austin Reaves’s recent four-year, $185 million contract extension and ongoing talks with free agent LeBron James—remained unanswered. For now, the focus remains on Carr's transition to the professional ranks and his adjustment to the Lakers franchise.