Lakers rookie clears injury

Cameron Carr is officially available to play for the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night at Crypto.com Arena. The rookie guard, selected 24th overall in the 2026 NBA draft, exited the league-mandated injury report on Saturday afternoon. He was cleared for action after participating in three practices with the G League’s Coachella Valley Lakers during the previous week.

Carr missed the season opener against the Golden State Warriors due to a right oblique strain sustained during the preseason. He watched the victory from the bench in street clothes. Coach JJ Redick confirmed Carr’s availability in a pregame press conference on Sunday. Redick stated that the rookie was officially available for the game against the Toronto Raptors.

The 21-year-old guard expressed readiness to take the floor. Carr told the Southern California News Group on Friday that he feels physically good and is eager to make one big play. He described his goal as getting a deflection, a steal, or a rebound to loosen the nerves. He called the opportunity to debut a blessing and said he is soaking in the moment before stepping onto the hardwood.

Carr’s college statistics at Baylor last season included 18.9 points per game on 49.4% field goal shooting. He hit 37.4% of his shots from beyond the arc. In the NBA Summer League and the California Classic, he played seven games and averaged 17.4 points per game on 42.3% shooting. During the preseason opener against the Sacramento Kings last month, he recorded 19 points on 7-of-13 shooting and made three of seven three-point attempts.

The son of former NBA guard Chris Carr has focused on physical development since joining the Lakers. He stated in his initial media interactions that he wanted to build strength in the weight room and develop defensive traits. Carr said he feels stronger after five months with the team. He noted that he is learning daily from veteran players and improving as a defender.

Redick outlined specific expectations for Carr if he enters the game. The coach said he hopes Carr shoots well and continues to learn the team’s system. Redick emphasized the importance of being a low man, using off-ball physicality, crashing the boards, and making shots. He described these elements as the requirements for the rookie’s contribution.

Two-way center Lawson Lovering joined the Lakers on a two-year contract on Wednesday. The 23-year-old big man had just a few hours to pack when he learned of the signing. Lovering averaged 7.7 points and 7.0 rebounds for the Memphis Hustle in the G League last season. He has practiced with Coachella Valley since joining the roster.

Lovering said he is adjusting his routines by watching center Walker Kessler daily. He described setting screens for Luka Doncic as a cool thought. Lovering told the Southern California News Group that he brings elite size and a feel for the game. He positioned himself as a dirty work guy who competes hard and does what the coaches ask.