Cameron Carr Set for First Rotational Minutes in 9-2 Lakers' Game vs. Hawks
The 21-year-old guard will see extended action on Monday as Austin Reaves and Quentin Grimes sit out, marking a key developmental step for the rookie wing.
By Ella Cox ·
Lakers rookie Cameron Carr is scheduled to play his first rotational minutes of the season against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night.
The 21-year-old guard has previously limited his contributions to the final minutes of games, a pattern established during his first two appearances in the NBA. This upcoming game represents his first chance to impact the contest over a longer stretch of playing time.
Carr enters the matchup after a strong performance in the G League opener last week. Playing for the Coachella Valley Lakers, he scored 13 points in 20 minutes during a 104-98 victory over the Salt Lake City Stars. He will provide a scoring option for the Lakers' backcourt while fellow ball handlers Austin Reaves and Quentin Grimes are sidelined.
Reaves is dealing with an illness, while Grimes is recovering from a right finger sprain. The injury to Grimes occurred during Sunday night's win over the Detroit Pistons. He finished that game with 12 points on 4-for-12 shooting in 32 minutes. The 26-year-old guard has started or played in all 11 games this season, averaging 8 points on 43.1% shooting.
Lakers coach JJ Redick stated that Carr's development will focus on the defensive end. Redick noted that the player will find comfort through repetitions and minutes within the offense. He described Carr as incredibly skilled and noted that maintaining rhythm is a challenge the player is addressing with staff. Redick added that the G League provides necessary practice opportunities for young players that are harder to achieve in the regular NBA schedule.
"Tonight's a great opportunity and he's going to play and he's going to play hard and we'll assess it and we'll show him film and he'll get more reps after that," Redick said. The coach emphasized that the game serves as a chance for Carr to learn and grow. Carr, who made his NBA debut on Nov. 1, was selected with the No. 24 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft via a trade with the New York Knicks.
During his time at Baylor, Carr averaged 18.9 points per game while shooting 49.4% from the field and 37.4% from three-point range. In seven games over the summer, including the NBA Summer League and the California Classic, he averaged 17.4 points on 42.3% shooting.
Second-year wing Adou Thiero, who has moved between the NBA and G League last season, offered advice to Carr on handling limited playing time. Thiero said it is important for young players to not take bench time personally and to stay ready for opportunities. "Just when my time came, I'm gonna make the most of it," Thiero said. "But until then, I'm gonna sit on the side and cheer on my teammates."
Thiero added that effort and hustle during rotational stints are the primary focuses for him and the team. Carr's first true opportunity to contribute in a Lakers uniform arrives Monday night in Atlanta.
