The Los Angeles Lakers may have found one of the steals of the 2026 NBA Draft, and one former player believes the franchise’s first-round selection is ready to contribute immediately. Cameron Carr has emerged as one of the standout performers of NBA Summer League, earning praise from analysts and former players alike.
Among his supporters is Isaiah Thomas, the two-time NBA All-Star and former Laker, who recently highlighted Carr as the player who has impressed him most during the annual offseason showcase. Thomas’ endorsement carries weight, particularly given the number of highly regarded prospects participating in Las Vegas.
Speaking on NBA TV, Thomas pointed to Carr’s versatility as the primary reason for his optimism. According to the veteran guard, the Lakers rookie possesses the type of well-rounded offensive skill set that often translates quickly to the professional level.
Carr’s early performances have only strengthened that argument. Through multiple Summer League appearances, the former Baylor standout has displayed consistent scoring ability, perimeter shooting, and a level of confidence that has made him one of the most closely watched rookies in the tournament.
1. Thomas Sees a Rising Talent
Thomas did not hesitate when asked which young player had stood out to him during Summer League. Rather than selecting one of the draft’s lottery picks, he chose Carr, citing the rookie’s ability to score, create opportunities for teammates, and stretch opposing defenses.
The former All-Star specifically praised Carr’s shooting mechanics and secondary playmaking, noting that young guards who can contribute in multiple areas tend to adapt more quickly to NBA competition. His ability to make decisions with the ball has been particularly encouraging.
Thomas also emphasized the value of floor spacing in today’s NBA. With offenses increasingly built around ball movement and perimeter threats, Carr’s ability to knock down catch-and-shoot opportunities could make him an ideal fit within the Lakers’ system.
For a franchise looking to remain competitive while integrating younger talent, Carr’s emergence offers another reason for optimism. Although expectations for late first-round picks are often modest, his performances have suggested he may be capable of exceeding them.
2. Summer League Success Continues
Carr has backed up the praise with an impressive stretch of Summer League games. He opened his campaign with 19 points and five three-pointers against Golden State before delivering an even stronger performance in an overtime victory over Miami.
Against the Heat, Carr recorded 26 points and eight rebounds, showcasing not only his scoring ability but also his willingness to contribute in other aspects of the game. He followed that effort with an 18-point outing against Oklahoma City and later added a game-high 23 points in a win over the Clippers.
His consistency has arguably been the most notable aspect of his Summer League run. Rather than relying on one breakout performance, Carr has produced at a high level across multiple contests against different opponents.
The Lakers’ decision to trade up one spot to select him with the 24th overall pick now appears increasingly justified. Early returns suggest the organization may have identified a player capable of providing immediate value while continuing to develop over the coming years.
3. A Unique Journey to the NBA
Carr’s path to the NBA was far from conventional. He began his collegiate career at Tennessee, but injuries interrupted his development and ultimately led him to seek a fresh opportunity elsewhere.
That opportunity came at Baylor, where Carr enjoyed a breakout campaign. In his lone season with the Bears, he averaged 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists while shooting efficiently from both the field and three-point range.
His stock continued to rise during the pre-draft process, particularly at the NBA Draft Combine. Carr’s athleticism stood out, highlighted by a 42.5-inch maximum vertical leap that reinforced his status as a legitimate first-round prospect.
The Lakers viewed him as a player capable of complementing their established stars, particularly Luka Doncic. With his ability to space the floor, attack closeouts, and make plays without dominating possession, Carr appears well-suited for the modern NBA. If his Summer League performances are any indication, Los Angeles may have added an important piece to its future plans.