Cameron Carr
The Lakers added Cameron Carr, the 24th overall pick, after a strong pre-draft period that had some chatter about him sneaking into the lottery. The 6-foot-5 wing was a two-way force at Baylor, showing strong shooting, finishing ability, and elite defense.
Carr made an immediate impact in Summer League, scoring 19 points in his debut and leading the Lakers in scoring. He followed with a 26-point, eight-rebound performance in his second game, signaling that he could be one of the draft’s best scorers and that the Lakers may have found a valuable contributor early in his career.
Yaxel Lendenborg
Yaxel Lendenborg’s Summer League start matched the high regard many had for his collegiate season at Michigan. In his debut, he demonstrated that his strong year at Michigan wasn’t merely a product of a favorable environment or coaching; it reflected his own talent.
The 23-year-old delivered a well-rounded line, going 6-for-6 from the field and 4-for-4 from three-point range, while adding six assists, five rebounds, a steal, and a block. Although he was taken 11th in the draft, Lendenborg has already begun to prove the doubters wrong with a standout start.
Darryn Peterson
The No. 2 pick has looked like the draft’s best scorer early on. Peterson was widely regarded as a top prospect who fell to second due to character concerns, but his scoring ability remains unquestioned. In his debut, Peterson showed off his offensive versatility and efficiency.
He finished with 28 points on 21 shots, scoring smoothly at all three levels. He also went 4-for-7 from three-point range, added five rebounds, two assists, and two blocks, underscoring why he was considered a premier scoring talent in the class.
Overall, through the opening Summer League games, Carr, Lendenborg, and Peterson have distinguished themselves as players to watch as the rookie class begins to acclimate to the NBA. Their early performances suggest exciting potential as their careers unfold.
