The Los Angeles Lakers acquired an arguable steal of this year’s draft in Baylor guard Cameron Carr. His athleticism and 3-and-D potential make him a promising fit for the purple and gold and an ideal piece for the Luka Doncic era. Still, Carr’s presence may have varying impacts on two of his newest teammates: Adou Thiero and Dalton Knecht.
How Cameron Carr’s Arrival Impacts 2 Young Lakers
Good News for Adou Thiero
Carr’s selection may seem puzzling given who the Lakers drafted last year: another athletic two-way wing in Thiero, who they traded up for in the second round. Thiero’s rookie season was marred by injuries, though he continued to flash his potential in brief spurts and productive G League play. In seven regular-season contests with the South Bay (now Coachella Valley) Lakers, Thiero averaged 15.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 blocks. Apart from showing off his 41-inch vertical and defensive intangibles, he gradually improved as a floor spacer, nailing 9 of 14 from long range—including five in one game.
The Lakers essentially drafted their own version of Thiero for the backcourt, with Carr’s 42.5-inch max vertical stealing the show along with his efficient 3-point shooting and promising defensive effort. If given the proper opportunities, Carr and Thiero could energize a team that ranked 22nd in pace this past season and second-to-last in the playoffs. The two also provide valuable options on the guard and wing slots, respectively, both breaths of fresh air on a roster filled with veterans.
During his end-of-season press conference, president/GM Rob Pelinka said: “There’s ways to add to your roster if you commit to doing the hard work and commit to the process of adding the right pieces. … We’ve gotta find a way to have a roster that will compete with any team in the NBA. That’s what we do here.”
By drafting Carr and allowing him to develop next to Thiero, the Lakers have taken a valuable leap toward the sustained excellence they’re striving for.
Bad News for Dalton Knecht
Carr and Knecht were teammates at Tennessee, but if trade rumors hold true, the duo may not reunite in LA after all. Knecht, the 17th pick in last year’s draft, was widely expected to be an athletic 3-and-D wing in LA’s rotation—the same role that Carr, conceivably, may be asked to take on now. A promising rookie campaign was derailed by a sophomore slump (including that infamous nixed deal), leaving the 25-year-old on the trade block—again.
In 54 games this season, Knecht put up 4.2 points and 1.4 rebounds while shooting 46.5% from the field and 34.2% from deep. He, along with defensive-minded forward Jarred Vanderbilt, have been frequently linked together in trade packages as LA eyes upgrades on the wing and in the middle. Entering his third year in the league and eyeing a season of redemption, it’s very likely Knecht won’t get it with the Lakers. Many—including The Athletic’s John Hollinger—believe Carr could now replace his former collegiate teammate:
“I had Carr rated five spots higher than this and like his fit in L.A. as an athletic shot-maker who can do more than just make jump shots. I think Carr has a chance to be the player the Lakers thought they were getting when they picked Dalton Knecht. The Lakers paid to trade up and make sure they got their guy.”
Knecht’s role had already shrunk over the course of last season, but Carr’s addition may seal the deal that it’s time for a fresh start.
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