Los Angeles Lakers guard Quincy Olivari has been one of the feel-good stories of the 2024 preseason. An undrafted rookie who was overlooked due to his age and positional ambiguity, Olivari has proven to have noteworthy talent ahead of the 2024-25 season.
In response to his breakout performances, the Lakers have ensured that Olivari will continue to establish himself in the purple and gold.
Olivari made waves during the Lakers' third preseason outing, dropping 11 points in nine minutes against the Milwaukee Bucks. Roughly a week later, he showed out against the Golden State Warriors in a statement game that has redefined his career trajectory.
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Lakers are waiving center Colin Castleton and converting Olivari's deal to a two-way contract.
The Los Angeles Lakers are signing Quincy Olivari to a two-way NBA contract, his agent Darrell Comer told me and @mcten. Incredible story for the Lakers' undrafted rookie out of Xavier who earns roster spot after standout preseason. Lakers are waiving center Colin Castleton. pic.twitter.com/R132rLudFv
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 19, 2024
The news comes less than 24 hours after Olivari gave the NBA one of its best soundbites to date, explaining how his dream has come full circle after meeting his favorite player ever: Stephen Curry.
Quincy Olivari got emotional after meeting Steph Curry:
— NBA (@NBA) October 19, 2024
"I liked him since I was in 6th grade... that's my favorite player ever... the first thing he told me was 'I'm a big fan of your game'... I had his jersey, he signed it twice. I used to sleep under that jersey."
👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/5F1QiPXe18
It's unfortunate that the Lakers are losing Castleton, one of the stars of the 2024 Summer League, but Olivari has undoubtedly earned this opportunity.
Lakers sign preseason star Quincy Olivari to two-way contract
Olivari took center stage during the Lakers' preseason finale, dropping 22 points, seven rebounds, two offensive boards, and two assists in 39 minutes. He shot 8-of-16 from the field, 5-of-9 from beyond the arc, and 1-of-1 at the free throw line.
It was a stunning display from the former Rice Owls and Xavier Musketeers star, who could be the latest in a long line of undrafted Lakers gems.
Los Angeles previously found diamonds in the rough with guards Alex Caruso and Austin Reaves. Both were undrafted, but ultimately became key cogs on Lakers teams that experienced postseason success—including a title with Caruso and a Conference Finals trip with Reaves.
It's far too soon to claim that Olivari will reach the heights that Caruso and Reaves have, but this isn't the first time the Lakers have found a promising player where no one else was looking.
Olivari is a 23-year-old incoming rookie, which is the primary reason he went undrafted this past June. He'll now join Los Angeles' G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, with an opportunity to earn NBA minutes sooner than later.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick has made it abundantly clear that the G League will act as an extension of his team rather than a distant affiliate, and Olivari stands to benefit as much as anyone.
A sharpshooting guard who crashes the boards and plays with consistent intensity, Olivari has clear NBA potential. On a team that paid combo guard Gabe Vincent $33 million over three seasons, there appears to be a place for his positionless status in Los Angeles.
One of the best stories of the preseason has officially been completed, with Olivari earning an opportunity to become the latest G League standout turned Lakers player in 2024-25 or beyond.