JJ Redick Delivers A Crucial Cameron Carr Injury Update As Lakers Rookie Continues His Recovery

JJ Redick delivers a crucial Cameron Carr injury update© AFP via Getty Images

Cameron Carr finished a full practice on Tuesday, and Lakers coach JJ Redick called it a good step. The rookie guard, the No. 24 pick in the 2026 draft, is working back from a right oblique strain, and Los Angeles recalled him from the G League ahead of the game against Portland. He was still ruled out. Redick explained what the Lakers want to see before Carr makes his debut, though he gave no date. Five games in seven nights leave almost no practice time, which explains the cautious approach.

What Did JJ Redick Say About Cameron Carr's Injury Recovery?

JJ Redick spoke before Tuesday's game against the Trail Blazers, and his tone was measured. Cameron Carr got through a full practice after the Lakers called him back from the Coachella Valley Lakers. The coach tied the next steps to a crowded schedule.

“With five games in seven nights, we won't be able to practice this week, so we wanted to be mindful of his ramp-up and what he needs to do to get back into our lineup,” Redick told reporters. “Today was a good step for him.”

Because the strain is an upper-body injury, the harder test is contact.

“Obviously, he was able to do some conditioning because it was an upper-body injury, but we want to make sure he's able to take hits and is in shape,” Redick said.

When Will Carr Make His Lakers Debut?

No return date exists yet. Carr is day-to-day with the strain he picked up late in the preseason, and the Lakers were 3-0 heading into the Portland game behind a 52-point night from Luka Doncic. They can afford patience. Wednesday's second night of a back-to-back against the Clippers looks like another miss too.

The 6-foot-5 guard gave the team a reason to want him back. He played two preseason games and averaged 12.0 points and 2.0 steals while shooting 47.1% from the field. Redick said in September the Lakers had Carr ranked well above No. 24 on their board. He also brought up summer league, when Carr flew home for an MRI, flew back to Las Vegas and played that night anyway. “That's rare, it really is in today's NBA,” the coach said.

When Carr does return, more G League time is possible, with the season opening Nov. 6.