Cameron Carr, the Los Angeles Lakers’ 24th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, is navigating the transition from college athlete to professional player with a focused and measured approach. Since officially signing his four-year, $16.8 million rookie scale contract on Thursday, Carr has been immersing himself in the team environment and learning from veteran players as he adjusts to the demands of the NBA.

Carr made his summer league debut in Friday’s California Classic contest against the Golden State Warriors, where he scored 19 points, tying for the game-high. He improved on that performance in Sunday’s double-overtime victory over the San Antonio Spurs, contributing 26 points and eight rebounds. His shooting—particularly from three-point range—stood out, as he connected on several deep catch-and-shoot attempts, demonstrating the skills that made him an attractive prospect leading up to the draft.

Despite the excitement surrounding his entrance into the league, Carr has maintained a deliberate focus on his development rather than external distractions. When news broke on June 29 that LeBron James would not return to the Lakers for what would have been his 24th NBA season and ninth with the franchise, Carr said he was largely unfazed. He noted that he was not active on social media at the time and remained concentrated on his immediate responsibilities during the summer league.

“I was probably thinking more about how this was going to go,” Carr said, emphasizing his intent to stay present and engaged. “Got a lot of older guys, things can pass by really fast. 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.”

At 6-foot-5, Carr impressed scouts with his combination of shooting and versatility, which initially placed him in projections for a mid-to-late first-round selection before the Lakers traded up to secure him at No. 24. As he continues to acclimate to the professional game, Carr has embraced a “sponge-like” mindset, seeking to absorb knowledge from the team’s veterans and improve his game.

“Just learn,” he said. “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.”

While it is early to predict the trajectory of Carr’s NBA career based on summer league performances alone, his initial outings suggest he is adapting well to the league’s pace and competition, setting the stage for his role with the Lakers moving forward.