Why Lakers rookie Cameron Carr will miss Luka Doncic-led preseason ‘team bonding’ trip to Slovenia

Credit: Thien-An Truong/Cooper Neill via Getty ImagesThe new-look Los Angeles Lakers will not have a 100% attendance for their preseason trip to Slovenia, as rookie Cameron Carr will not be attending.

>Luka Doncic invited all 17 players on the Lakers roster currently, including two-way players, to join him in his home country of Slovenia in an all-expenses-paid preseason bonding trip for the new-look franchise.

>This might be a crucial exercise in what is a fresh roster constructed this summer, with a few carryovers from last season. Unfortunately, rookie Carr will be unable to attend this crucial trip.

Lakers will miss rookie Carr in Slovenia because of the NBACarr will not be going to Slovenia because the NBA’s league office itself, as their scheduled NBA rookie orientation takes place at the same time as the squad’s trip to Slovenia, according to Marc Stein.

>“I’m told that 16 of the 17 players on the Lakers’ roster not named Doncic have all committed to attend. League sources say it would have been 17 of 17 if just-drafted swingman Cameron Carr wasn’t required to participate in an official NBA rookie orientation that conflicts with what Doncic is calling a ‘team bonding trip.’

>Carr is coming off a strong season with the Baylor Bears, averaging 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists.

Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty ImagesDespite being a Draft Combine standout as a high-ceiling two-way player, he fell all the way to No. xxx for the Lakers to select.

>Given the Lakers have a clear hole in their wing rotation, Carr could be instantly utilised by coach JJ Redick, especially as an off-ball specialist who will play hard defense and stretch the floor.

>The rookie should be on the team’s preseason bonding trip, but there is no way Carr can miss the NBA’s official rookie induction for this trip.

>Hopefully, Carr can make it over for a few days to familiarise himself with his new teammates. If not, training camp should be enough of a bonding exercise.

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