Lakers’ 1st-Round Pick Cameron Carr’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Take Goes Viral: “I Ain’t Dealing With the Flopping”

The Los Angeles Lakers moved up one spot to No. 24 in the 2026 NBA Draft to nab Cameron Carr from the Baylor Bears.


Lakers’ 1st-Round Pick Cameron Carr’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Take Goes Viral: “I Ain’t Dealing With the Flopping”

LeBron James, Cameron Carr, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Image via FirstSportz)

The Los Angeles Lakers knew they would be selecting late in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft. But when Cameron Carr was available, the franchise jumped up one spot to ensure they got him.

The 21-year-old was a four-star recruit out of high school, which led to an offer from the Tennessee Volunteers. He took that, thinking it was the best platform for his development.

After nearly two seasons, the Minnesota native decided that it was not working out and entered the transfer portal. The following season, he signed with the Baylor Bears.

With that program, he fulfilled his potential, averaging 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. But what stood out was his combination of athleticism and a deft touch on the ball.

He excelled on his drives to the basket and also as a deep three-point shooter. On top of that, his perimeter defense was stellar enough to convince Rob Pelinka that the cash considerations he gave the New York Knicks were worth it.

Now, as he prepares to become LeBron James and Luka Doncic‘s teammate, it was natural that Lakers fans would dig into his past. One video appeared that quickly went viral.

Yeah, I ain’t dealing with the flopping. Anthony Edwards.

Cameron Carr said

This was the 24th overall pick’s response when House of Highlights asked him who he would rather guard. His answer was a direct shot at Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

After all, the latter’s flopping has dominated conversations in the past two postseasons. Moreover, Lakers fans will love hearing this, knowing he is willing to take on Anthony Edwards, the other young superstar who has been a thorn in their side.

What are the Lakers getting in Cameron Carr?

This was the second time that the Los Angeles Lakers traded up to draft a player in the past two seasons. Last year, it was Adou Thiero, and the forward slowly became an important role player.

Even LeBron James had to defend his then-rookie from the perils of officiating. That vote of confidence means that the soon-to-be sophomore will have a place on the roster.

Thiero is a bigger player, with elite athleticism and size to boot. He is exceptional on the glass and can body opposing players approaching the rim.

Cameron Carr is quite a bit different. He is lean and has incredible quickness, which he uses to shift gears when driving to the paint. On top of that, his agility allows him to adjust on the fly, which will be important when going up against the NBA’s best.

But where he stands out as a dual-threat player is his ability to score, catch, and shoot threes, and also defend well. His speed and quick feet will help him stay with the league’s best guards, and that is where he helps the Lakers the most.

However, it will be a tough task for the Baylor alum to get meaningful playing time next season. The team has a decent roster, and Rob Pelinka might not be done with his tinkering. Whatever moment he gets, it would be wise for Cameron Carr to make the most of it.

Lakers will need more to convince LeBron James to return

Bringing in Cameron Carr was a good move. By drafting the 6’5″ guard, they get a player who can handle both ends of the floor. But the reality is that the Lakers need more to become a championship contender.

Cameron Carr could help Lakers compete for a title
Cameron Carr could help Lakers compete for a title (Image via Lake Show/X)

Carr is perfectly suited to play alongside Luka Doncic. But what the franchise needs to do urgently is bring in a center who can play better than Deandre Ayton, and a couple of other bench players who can perform well when called upon.

If the team is to bring LeBron James back, they have to make the roster capable of competing for the title. The King does not have long and would want to spend his remaining days fighting for a chance.

He is waiting to see what Rob Pelinka does with the remaining days of free agency. Only then will James decide on his future with the organization.

Also Read: