What happened: The Los Angeles Lakers moved up one spot in the 2026 NBA Draft to take Baylor guard Cameron Carr at No. 24, a pick originally made by the New York Knicks. Los Angeles sent the No. 25 selection — used on Spanish guard Sergio De Larrea — and cash considerations to New York.
Why it matters: It marks the Lakers' first first-round pick since 2024 as the front office reshapes the roster around Luka Doncic. Carr adds a young scoring guard to a wing rotation coming off a run to the Western Conference semifinals.
By the numbers: Carr averaged 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists last season at Baylor, earning third-team All-Big 12. The Lakers finished the regular season 53-29 as the fourth seed in the West before being swept by Oklahoma City in the second round.
What to watch: Los Angeles still faces a pivotal offseason, with LeBron James able to reach free agency when the league year ends June 30 and several rotation pieces unsigned.