How Lakers draft pick Cameron Carr has connection to Kobe Bryant through NBA dad

The Los Angeles Lakers had Cameron Carr in mind when they traded up one spot to the No. 24 pick on Tuesday night, and they landed their man after a breakthrough year at Baylor.

Carr, who transferred from Tennessee and carved out a starring role for Scott Drew's team, slipped a bit further than expected in the first round but finds himself in a winning situation playing alongside Luka Doncic and potentially LeBron James.

Long before the Lakers' newest player was even born, Carr's father had a memorable clash with Kobe Bryant.

Here's a look at Carr's dad and his slam dunk contest against the Lakers legend.

2026 NBA DRAFT HQ: Live picks tracker | Pick-by-pick grades | Best players still available

Who is Cameron Carr's dad?

Carr's father, Chris Carr, spent six seasons in the NBA with six different teams from 1995-2001.

A 6-5 guard, Carr was the 56th pick of the 1995 NBA Draft but was able to carve out a reserve role with the Suns as a rookie before his career took him to Minnesota, New Jersey, Golden State, Chicago and Boston. Carr averaged a career-high 9.9 points per game with the Timberwolves in 1997-98.

Even at 6-5, Carr's best skill might have been his ability to get high up. Carr's dunking ability not only took him into a memorable Slam Dunk Contest, but it rubbed off on his son, who flashed similar dunking abilities at Baylor.

Here's a look back at Carr's dunk contest against Kobe Bryant.

MORE: Why Mavericks drafted Morez Johnson Jr. over Michigan teammates

Chris Carr slam dunk contest

Carr competed alongside Bryant in the 1997 Slam Dunk Contest, reaching the finals along with Michael Finley. Carr impressed, scoring a 45 out of 50 in the finals, but Bryant turned in a 49 and captured the dunk contest win at just 18 years old.

Ray Allen and future Lakers coach Darvin Ham also competed in the first round, so the contest was loaded with interesting names. Carr was just a role player with the Timberwolves at the time, but he now has an NBA legacy as his son joins Bryant's former team.

The Slam Dunk Contest's place in the hierarchy of All-Star Weekend has changed, but Carr could have the opportunity to mark the 30th anniversary of his dad's contest in 2027.