Cameron Carr’s wild draft night: From ‘I’m getting traded’ to ‘We’re going to be best friends’

Cameron Carr experienced nearly every emotion imaginable on NBA draft night.

The former Baylor star went from waiting longer than expected to hear his name called, to realizing he had been traded to the Lakers, to discussing what it means to join one of the NBA’s most storied franchises.

Along the way, he delivered some of the most memorable sound bites of the evening.

Moments after the Knicks selected him with the No. 24 pick in Tuesday night’s NBA draft, Carr realized his rights were being sent to the Lakers. As he walked toward the stage to shake hands with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, cameras caught his immediate reaction.

“I’m getting traded,” Carr said with shock still on his face.

The clip quickly spread across social media, but for Carr, the draft night surprise was only the beginning.

When asked about joining an iconic franchise, the former Baylor star couldn’t hide his excitement.

“Oh, man, I think of greatness and rich basketball tradition, and excitement,” Carr said. “I think I’m going to fit in just fine — we’re going to be best friends.”

The Lakers traded up one spot from No. 25 to No. 24 to secure Carr, an explosive 6-foot-5 wing who dramatically boosted his stock during a breakout season at Baylor. After battling injuries and limited opportunities early in his college career at Tennessee, Carr transferred to Baylor and emerged as one of the Big 12’s top players, averaging 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.3 blocks per game.

His performance at the NBA draft combine elevated him even further. Carr posted a 43-inch vertical leap, a 7-foot-0.75 wingspan and turned heads during scrimmages, helping solidify his place in the first round.

As for what Lakers fans can expect, Carr believes the same traits that got him drafted will keep him in the league.

“Continuing to be who I am and know what got me here is going to keep me here,” Carr said. “I know my athletic abilities are pretty good, so I’m going to use them.”

Reflecting on the journey that brought him to Los Angeles, Carr emphasized perseverance.

“Everything. It took everything I’ve had to get here,” Carr said. “I’ve been as low as low can get, and I’ve been as high as high can get, so it’s just a blessing. Patience is a virtue.”

Carr will seek to continue pushing through the challenges, building off the belief the organization has put in his abilities.

“For them to take a chance on me and want me to be in their organization. That means the world to me,” Carr told ESPN. “When I step in, I want to be as productive, as dominant as I have been.”

The rookie has already shown he’s not afraid of a little personality, either. Before the draft, Carr jokingly admitted he’d rather guard Anthony Edwards than reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

“I ain’t dealing with the flopping,” Carr joked.

His Lakers career is just beginning, but Carr’s confidence, athleticism and draft night charisma have already made a strong first impression.

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