Lakers add AK Okereke to two-way deal; Carr is the lone draft pick.

The Los Angeles Lakers wrapped up the NBA draft with a modest haul, landing just one new addition who could contribute right away: Cameron Carr. Carr, who slid from a late lottery projection to the 24th pick, was selected by the New York Knicks and then traded to the Lakers. Such late-breaking moves can be game-changers in building depth, and the hope is Carr develops into a true impact player rather than a fleeting prospect.

In addition to Carr, the Lakers explored opportunities after the draft concluded and identified Vanderbilt forward AK Okereke as a strong fit for a two-way contract. Okereke, who went undrafted, quickly agreed to terms with the Lakers, adding another potential contributor to the roster.

AK Okereke stands 6-foot-7 and began his college career at Cornell before transferring to Vanderbilt. Last season he averaged 9.6 points on 48.1% shooting. He previously led the Ivy League in shooting percentage in 2024, posting 59.5% from the field while averaging 13.9 points per game. The transition to the tougher SEC posed challenges, but he consistently performed well enough to catch NBA evaluators’ attention.

During a prior interview, Okereke discussed how his game evolved as he climbed the ranks, noting that feedback often highlighted his one-on-one prowess. He explained that his collegiate system emphasized team-oriented play, but he developed the ability to create opportunities for himself and to recognize when to kick the ball to open teammates. He highlighted his potential to translate one-on-one scoring ability to higher levels of competition and to contribute as a playmaker when help defense collapses.

Looking ahead, the Lakers will be counting on a combination of Carr’s potential upside and Okereke’s versatile wingspan and scoring ability to bolster the roster. The two-way contract for Okereke provides a pathway to develop within the Lakers’ system, with the potential to earn a more permanent spot based on performance, development, and fit with the team’s style of play.

As with any draft period, there are questions to be answered. Carr’s transition to the NBA will depend on his adaptability, consistency, and how well he leverages the opportunities presented by a franchise that is continually building toward a more competitive core. Okereke will need to maximize his shooting, decision-making, and defense at the professional level to carve out a larger role on the roster.

In summary, the Lakers entered the post-draft phase with two key additions. Cameron Carr provides a cornerstone potential piece from the 2024 draft cycle, while AK Okereke adds valuable depth and the opportunity to develop within the organization through a two-way contract. If both players continue to progress and integrate with the team’s established system, they could contribute meaningfully to the Lakers’ roster construction in the coming seasons.