The Los Angeles Lakers have granted Quincy Olivari a two-way contract after his impressive showings during the preseason. The Lakers chose to add Olivari to their roster and waive center Colin Castleton, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania and Dave McMenamin.
Olivari’s Journey from Undrafted to Contracted
Olivari inked an Exhibit 10 deal with the Lakers in June following his absence from the 2024 NBA Draft. The guard, 23, performed well in his final year at Xavier, with an average of 19.1 points per game. His persistence was rewarded when he earned a spot in head coach JJ Redick’s preseason rotation, which ultimately led to this chance with the Lakers.
Head Coach JJ Redick Praises Olivari’s Impact
Olivari showcased his defensive energy and shooting skills completely during the preseason. In a memorable match against the Milwaukee Bucks, he managed to score 11 points within a mere nine minutes, making three out of four three-point shots. Coach JJ Redick emphasized Olivari’s skill in causing disruptions during the game and commended his execution, stating, “Quincy completely altered the game… I believed he performed precisely as we desire from someone in his role.
High Praise from Stephen Curry
Even NBA superstars like Stephen Curry noticed Olivari’s performances and even had a meeting with him post a Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors game. Curry’s recognition reflects Olivari’s increasing standing as a talented young prospect.
A Bright Future in Los Angeles
Utilizing his two-way contract, Olivari has the opportunity to play in a maximum of 50 regular-season games and continue his growth with the South Bay Lakers in the G League. If he continues to effectively space the floor, his excellent shooting and defensive skills may lead to him getting playing time with Lakers top players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
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