Cameron Carr has given the Lakers something more useful than July optimism. He has given them a young player worth tracking possession by possession.
Carr's California Classic run included a 26-point, eight-rebound game against Miami, with the Lakers winning 93-91 in sudden death overtime. NBA.com's recap credited Carr with leading the comeback, while Anton Watson finished it with the deciding basket after Carr missed a jumper on the first sudden-death possession.
The next test is cleaner. Los Angeles opens its Las Vegas Summer League schedule against Oklahoma City on July 10 at Thomas & Mack Center, with Carr expected to play despite a minor toe issue from the California games. Adou Thiero is also expected to be available after dealing with a wrist issue, giving the Lakers a better look at the young group they actually need to evaluate.
That matters because the Lakers' roster is mostly built around veterans and win-now pressure. Carr does not have to solve the wing rotation in July. But if the scoring translates against stronger Summer League competition, he can at least force a more serious conversation about how quickly he belongs in the season plan.
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