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Lakers’ No. 41 Earning Respect As Legitimate NBA Player

Los Angeles Lakers guard Quincy Olivari (41) rebounds

The Los Angeles Lakers already have one undrafted prospect who has become a fan favorite.

In fact, Wichita State and Oklahoma product Austin Reaves is one of the most popular players in the entire league. His salt of the earth personality is only overshadowed by his upside, as he’s a skilled shot-creator, shot-maker, and playmaker at 6-foot-5. Though the 26-year-old isn’t an elite athlete by NBA standards, he uses his brain and heart to make winning plays.

If there’s any player who might follow Reaves’s path, it’s Atlanta native Quincy Olivari.

Lakers’ Quincy Olivari Earning Respect As Legitimate NBA Player

Olivari wasn’t among the 58 players selected in the 2024 NBA Draft, but agreed to play for the Lakers shortly after it was over. A super senior who spent four seasons at Rice before transferring to Xavier, he was a respectable scorer in college. In his final two seasons, he averaged 18.9 points per game on 38.7 percent shooting from three. As a sophomore in 2020-21, he averaged 16.3 points per game while shooting a then 40.9 percent from deep.

All of that is to say, Olivari has been on the map for a while. Playing in Conference USA, where he was a two-time all-conference selection, doesn’t come with much prestige but he was a known commodity. Leading the Big East in total points, as he did in 2023-24, didn’t lead to much hype. However, and it’s the case now more than ever, the finest players usually get recognized no matter where they play.

Such is the case for Olivari, who has earned respect from Lakers teammates like Max Christie.

Olivari, who Lakers head coach JJ Redick singled out for displaying the defensive tenacity he wants to see from other players.

Olivari, who even Lakers leader LeBron James is shouting out on Instagram.

As James says, they know who ‘41’ is now.

No Stranger To Adversity

Frankly, the fanfare surrounding Olivari could fade as fast as it came. On Thursday night, he made a number of important plays for the Lakers at both ends, helping them complete a comeback against Milwaukee Bucks. On another night, things might not go so well for the 23-year-old. Fickle or fair-weather fans could turn on him.

But Olivari has already been through plenty of adversity.

Aside from going undrafted, which is every young basketball player’s dream, he’s only on an Exhibit 10 contract. There’s not a day that’s guaranteed for anyone in the NBA, but especially not him. This isn’t a new experience for Olivari though.

After his breakout sophomore season, he was hit by a car while riding without a helmet. Then he got sick, losing 20 pounds. Then he sprained his wrist in an exhibition game. Instead of letting the circumstances wear him down, he developed a greater appreciation the effort it took to play at a high level and his non-dominant hand.

With 15 players already signed to the Lakers’ standard roster and all three of their two-way slots filled, Olivari doesn’t have the greatest shot at making the cut.

OlivariKC?

Los Angeles could waive one of Maxwell Lewis or Cam Reddish to make room for Olivari on the 15-man roster. Both players are making minimum salaries that are only fully guaranteed for this season. Furthermore, neither Lewis nor Reddish have made much noise with the Lakers.

They could release one of Colin Castleton, Armel Traore, or Christian Koloko to open up a two-way slot. If Koloko isn’t cleared by the NBA’s Fitness Panel, L.A.’s problem could sign itself. However, with so many injured big men on the roster, the Lakers would be loath to make their depth any thinner.

Olivari is probably a better player Traore. Yet, Traore provides depth at forward that Olivari can’t at 6-foot-3. Both Reddish and Lewis add to the depth on the wing as well, while Reddish has flashed the potential to be a two-way playmaker.

Frankly, Olivari latching on with the South Bay Lakers as he attempts to make his NBA dreams come true seems to be the most feasible option. However, there are multiple teams that have an open roster spot, including the Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks, Houston Rockets, and Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Thunder, a young but thriving team, might even be the best fit for Olivari.

Quenton S Albertie

Quenton S Albertie

Quenton Albertie, a native of Ft. Hood, TX, is a credentialed media member with work featured on SLAM Magazine, Sports Illustrated, USA TODAY and other major publications. Currently residing in Atlanta, GA, Albertie’s favorite teams are the Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Broncos.

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