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By Anne Erickson
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The Los Angeles Lakers have a pretty clear formula for building around Luka Doncic.
It works, usually, and they need to keep going with it, this time without LeBron James.
Put shooters around him. Add players who can defend. Find guys who don't need the ball in their hands to make an impact.
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That's where Cameron Carr comes in. The young wing could end up being the Lakers' x-factor heading into the 2026 season.
Carr makes almost too much sense for what Los Angeles is trying to do. He's 21 years old, has three years of college experience, and showed he can sink shots at Baylor, especially when he's playing off the ball. That skill could get him on the floor quickly.
Playing alongside Doncic means there will be chances. Defenses are going to spend most of their energy trying to slow down one of the best offensive players in the world, and that creates chances for teammates to step into open shots.
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Carr has to be ready to take them. The biggest thing standing in his way is his size. But that's not a totally bad thing.
At 184 pounds, Carr is lighter than most NBA wings, and that could make things difficult early on. Bigger forwards will test him physically, and he'll need to add strength if he wants to become the type of defender the Lakers are hoping he can be.
Because that's the next step. Doncic has had his best success when he's surrounded by wings who can defend and hit 3-pointers. That balance gives him more freedom offensively.
Carr isn't that player yet. But he has one of the most important pieces already: shooting. He's glorious at shooting.
The Lakers don't need him to come in and carry a huge offensive load. They need him to knock down open shots, compete defensively, bring this team energy and excitement and grow into a dependable role. That's a realistic path for him.
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If Carr can develop into the kind of two-way wing Los Angeles has been looking for, he could become a very important piece of the next Lakers era.
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