The Los Angeles Lakers consistently develop undrafted talent into key contributors. In recent years, Alex Caruso and Austin Reaves have emerged as prime examples of success stories under Rob Pelinka’s leadership. These players transitioned from overlooked prospects to vital parts of the Lakers’ system. Quincy Olivari now aims to follow this path. He signed an Exhibit 10 contract in August. Quincy Olivari has already impressed the Lakers’ organization with his preseason performance and training camp effort.
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Despite going undrafted, Quincy Olivari made an immediate impact. At Media Day, he stood alongside LeBron James, symbolizing his integration into the Lakers’ ecosystem. His defensive tenacity earned him praise from Coach JJ Redick. He helped fuel a fourth-quarter comeback in a preseason game against the Milwaukee Bucks. Max Christie praised Olivari’s work ethic and this highlighted the respect he earned from his teammates. Even LeBron acknowledged Olivari’s efforts by posting about him on social media.
LeBron showing Quincy Olivari ❤️ on IG pic.twitter.com/gBifOr52Ti
— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) October 11, 2024
Lakers’ Success with Undrafted Players
The Lakers have built a strong reputation for developing undrafted talent into core contributors. Caruso exemplified this, carving out a role with the Lakers by showcasing his defensive prowess and intensity. Before leaving for the Chicago Bulls, Caruso had secured his place as one of the league’s top defenders. The Oklahoma City Thunder later traded for him in a deal involving Josh Giddey. Caruso’s path from undrafted player to elite defender highlights his relentless work ethic. As he enters the final year of his contract, with a $9.89 million cap hit, he is set for a major payday after proving his value on both ends of the court.
Similarly, Reaves emerged as a key player after going undrafted from Wichita State and Oklahoma. Reaves earned his spot in the Lakers’ starting lineup and continues to contribute as a playmaker and shot-creator. Entering the second year of a four-year, $53.8 million contract, Reaves’ story highlights the Lakers’ ability to identify and develop talent that fits their system.
Pelinka has faced considerable criticism for some of his roster decisions, particularly around high-profile signings and missed opportunities at trade deadlines. However, he deserves recognition for his success in developing undrafted players and reclamation projects. Notably, Malik Monk and Lonnie Walker IV thrived during their time with the Lakers, revitalizing their careers under Pelinka’s guidance. Additionally, Pelinka’s emphasis on finding value through overlooked players has helped strengthen the Lakers’ depth, contributing to their overall competitiveness. This aspect of Pelinka’s management shows his eye for talent, even when the spotlight is often on more high-stakes moves.
Quincy Olivari’s Potential in the Lakers’ System
Like Caruso and Reaves, Quincy Olivari is capitalizing on his opportunity in the Lakers’ system. A former standout at Rice University, Olivari averaged 18.9 points per game in his last season with Rice. Olivari transferred to Xavier for his final season of college where averaged 19.1 points. His shooting ability was highly impressive in college he shot 38.9 percent from beyond the arc for his career including two seasons where he shot above 40 percent. Olivari showcased his potential to be another undrafted success story through his strong preseason performance, despite not being selected in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Pelinka’s ability to build a culture around identifying undervalued players could prove fruitful with Olivari. Quincy Olivari has already shown promise within the Lakers’ defensive schemes. As Olivari continues to develop, his path resembles those of Caruso and Reaves. This further bolsters the Lakers’ developmental reputation.
Quincy Olivari Joins the Lakers, a Proven System
As Olivari earns praise from Lakers coaches and teammates, his trajectory mirrors the success stories of undrafted players before him. The Lakers’ system has produced valuable NBA talents, and Quincy Olivari’s early flashes of potential indicate he may be the next to rise. With the Lakers’ proven track record and Olivari’s work ethic, fans have reasons to feel optimistic about his future with the team.
