With the NBA Draft only a couple days away and the offseason in full swing, many Lakers fans are buzzing over what next year’s roster could look like. One of the first orders of business, however, will be assembling the team for Summer League, which begins in early July for LA with the California Classic.
One former Laker has already confirmed he’ll be back for offseason play. Would the team be wise to give him another chance?
Lakers Fans Could See Familiar Face in Summer League
The Comeback Kid: Quincy Olivari
In an interview with Lakers Nation’s Trevor Lane, Quincy Olivari—who played with the Lakers on a two-way contract—confirmed his status for the summer.
“I will definitely be in Summer League,” Olivari said. “Talking with my agent, still kind of working through our options, analyzing different situations. Obviously I love the Lakers franchise but I gotta figure out what’s best for me. I’ve done a couple free agent minicamps and I’ve gone to some teams and got some great feedback, which is also giving me a lot of confidence about what I’ve been doing this summer has been working. But I will definitely be in Summer League, for sure.”
The ex-Xavier guard played sparingly for the purple and gold last season but shined for their G League affiliate. In 31 games for the South Bay Lakers, Olivari put up 17.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.6 assists on .399/.340/.789 splits.
He also discussed the kind of work he’s put in so far, namely grueling workouts with his college coach and frequent check-ins with Lakers senior adviser Kurt Rambis. All of it has come with a lofty goal for next season.
“Next season I want to be undeniable, that’s the biggest thing I’m taking into it,” Olivari added. “I know I’m gonna make mistakes, I know at times I’m gonna make the wrong decision on the court, I’m not gonna play a whole Summer League season or a whole NBA season with zero turnovers, but just making those reads and being more effective around the basket and just continuing to have fun and spread positive light. This game is beautiful when it’s played the right way and I’m just so locked in on being undeniable.”
Lakers Should Take Another Flier on Olivari
As the Lakers build out their Summer League roster post-draft, it wouldn’t hurt to give Olivari another opportunity. He lit up the G League with scintillating performances, proving his worth as a 3&D workhorse. During an impressive preseason, head coach JJ Redick called Olivari the “blueprint” for his role players.
The Lakers previously filled roster spots (primarily two-ways) with various Summer League standouts—most notably Alex Caruso (2017), Mac McClung (2021) and Austin Reaves (2021). Even if Olivari doesn’t join the summer squad, the Lakers could always pick him up for training camp down the line. With a two-way spot there for the taking and the rotation primed for a shake-up, the 24-year-old has an opportunity to rejoin the franchise that took a chance on him.
Having left such a tremendous first impression on teammates, coaches and fans, it’s only right that Olivari gets a second shot with the Lakers.
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