{
  "id": 9684501,
  "title": "Rob Pelinka says ‘extraordinary talent’ Cameron Carr is already striking up Luka Doncic connection",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/rob-pelinka-says-extraordinary-talent-cameron-carr-is-already",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-25T03:02:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/rob-pelinka-says-extraordinary-talent-030214245.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Rob Pelinka, the Los Angeles Lakers president, has highlighted the promising talents of rookie Cameron Carr, stating that the 24th overall pick has already begun to forge a connection with Luka Doncic. At the Lakers' season-opening press conference, Pelinka commended Carr’s shooting, athleticism, character, and eagerness to learn. The college-bound recruit is set to begin his NBA career following three seasons of collegiate basketball. During his stellar junior year at Baylor in 2025-26, Carr averaged 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.3 steals, shooting 37.4% from beyond the arc. He amassed 642 points, ranking fifth in the school’s history. Beyond his on-court skills, Pelinka praised Carr's intangible assets, noting his strong character and work ethic. The Lakers' brass also revealed that Carr has been engaging in pickup games alongside Doncic, showcasing his athleticism, shooting prowess, and inquisitive learning style. This nascent bond could prove advantageous as Carr vies for playing time in JJ Redick's rotation, where Quentin Grimes, Matisse Thybulle, and Ziaire Williams also compete for spots. Redick himself expressed admiration for Carr's desire to play, learn, and compete, adding that he was highly ranked on the Lakers' draft board ahead of the No. 24 selection. Carr also made an impact in the Summer League, averaging 17.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, and an assist across seven outings, scoring at least 20 points twice, including a 26-point performance on July 5. As training camp looms, Cam Carr now stands to transform his early accolades from Pelinka and Redick into a legitimate role on the Lakers alongside Doncic and the team's established stars.",
  "summary": "Rob Pelinka has given Los Angeles Lakers fans another reason to be excited about rookie Cameron Carr after revealing the 24th overall pick has already started building a connection with Luka Doncic. Pelinka praised Carr’s shooting, athleticism, character and willingness to learn during the Lakers’ start-of-season press conference.",
  "key_points": [
    "Lakers president Rob Pelinka praises rookie Cameron Carr's talent.",
    "Carr already forming connection with Luka Doncic in pickup games.",
    "Carr's stats: 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists per game in junior year."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Cameron Carr's early connection with Luka Doncic and praise from Rob Pelinka and JJ Redick position him to potentially secure a significant role in the Lakers' rotation this season.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Lakers' JJ Redick raves about rookie Cameron Carr before training camp",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/lakers-jj-redick-raves-about-rookie-cameron-carr-before-training-camp",
        "published": "2026-09-25T00:37:12.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}