In a surprising turn of events, the Los Angeles Lakers have signed undrafted rookie guard Quincy Olivari to a two-way contract after the 23-year-old’s impressive showing during the NBA preseason. Olivari, who went undrafted out of Xavier University, made the most of his opportunity with the Lakers and showcased his scoring prowess and outside shooting in limited minutes.
Olivari’s Preseason Heroics
Olivari first turned heads in the Lakers’ come-from-behind preseason victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, scoring 11 fourth-quarter points to lead L.A. to the win. He followed that up with a team-high 22 points on efficient shooting in the Lakers’ preseason finale against the Golden State Warriors.
“I just want a job in the NBA,” Olivari told reporters after his strong preseason showing.
Quincy Olivari, Los Angeles Lakers guard
The undrafted rookie’s wish was granted on Saturday when the Lakers inked him to a two-way deal, his agent Darrell Comer told ESPN. The signing gives the Lakers an intriguing young prospect to develop in their backcourt.
Roster Moves to Make Room
To open up a two-way slot for Olivari, the Lakers are waiving second-year center Colin Castleton. The franchise is hopeful that another of their young big men, 7-foot-1 center Christian Koloko, will soon be cleared to play by the NBA’s “fitness-to-play” panel.
Koloko, the 33rd pick in the 2022 draft by the Toronto Raptors, missed all of his rookie season due to a blood clot issue. The Lakers signed him to a two-way contract this offseason with the hopes of adding frontcourt depth behind superstar Anthony Davis. A decision from the league’s medical panel on Koloko’s status is expected soon, per sources.
Olivari’s Path to the NBA
Olivari’s journey to the NBA is a testament to hard work and perseverance. Despite going undrafted, he earned an invite to Lakers training camp and made the most of his opportunity. In four preseason appearances, the 6-foot-4 guard averaged 9.0 points in just 13.7 minutes per game while shooting a scorching 56.3% from the field and 50% from 3-point range.
- Averaged 15.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists as a senior at Xavier in 2022-23
- Shot 37% from 3-point range on 6.4 attempts per game in his final college season
- First-team All-Big East selection as a senior
Olivari’s ability to provide instant offense off the bench could prove valuable for a Lakers team with championship aspirations. His two-way contract will allow him to split time between the Lakers and their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, as he continues his development at the pro level.
Looking Ahead
With the regular season set to tip off next week, Olivari will look to carve out a role in head coach JJ Redick’s rotation. His scoring ability and 3-point shooting could help space the floor for superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
The Lakers hope Olivari can follow in the footsteps of other undrafted success stories like former Lakers guards Alex Caruso and Austin Reaves, who both earned bigger roles after making the most of their two-way opportunities. If the rookie continues to impress, he could find himself earning a standard NBA contract down the line.
For now, Olivari is just thrilled to have a job in the NBA and the chance to prove himself at the highest level. “This is a dream come true,” he said after signing his contract. “I’m ready to do whatever the team needs from me and keep working to get better every day.”
