Cameron Carr Completes ‘very Important Step’ As He Nears Return From Injury

After making two preseason appearances earlier this month, rookie Cameron Carr hasn’t suited up since Oct. 6 as he navigates a right oblique strain. But according to Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick, Carr is making clear progress and practiced with the Coachella Valley Lakers on Tuesday.

“He was able to do a full practice today,” Redick told reporters prior to Tuesday’s loss against the Portland Trail Blazers. “[With] five games in seven nights, we’re not going to be able to practice this week. [We] wanted to be cognizant of his ramp up and what he needed to do to be back in our lineup. Today was a good step for him.”

Carr participating in a full practice is a crucial checkpoint on his road to recovery. The oblique strain hasn’t really hindered his ability to stay well-conditioned but the organization wanted to ensure he could handle the bumps and bruises associated with the sport’s physical nature. On Tuesday, Carr accomplished that.

“Well, we needed him to be able to get through a full practice. So that’s probably a very important step,” Redick said. “Obviously, he was able to do some level of conditioning because it was an upper body injury. Wanted make sure he’s able to take hits and able to be in shape.”

In Carr’s preseason debut against the Sacramento Kings, he delighted to the tune of 19 points (7-of-13 shooting, 3-of-7 from deep), three rebounds, two assists and two steals. A day later against the Golden State Warriors, he didn’t offer as rosy an encore with five points (1-of-4 shooting, 1-of-3 from deep) and two steals.

Presumably, Carr will earn plenty of run with Coachella Valley once he’s fully healthy this season, so familiarizing himself with those surroundings certainly can’t hurt. He’ll join the Lakers’ trio of two-way guys, Arthur Kaluma, Chris Mañon and AK Okereke, as a significant G League contributor who also spends lots of time with the big league club.

Coachella Valley begins its season Nov. 6 against the Salt Lake City Stars as part of the G League Tip-Off Tournament.

You can follow Jackson on Twitter at @jackfrank_jjf.