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Lakers Bench Boost Could Come From Two-Way Rookie

Oct 25, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Quincy Olivari (41) before the game against the Phoenix Suns at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

The Lakers have thrived since making significant rotation changes, moving D’Angelo Russell to the bench to act as the burner on a struggling stovetop. While Russell was thought to be the primary scorer and playmaker off the bench, he hasn’t been alone in the team’s recent contests. Rookie Dalton Knecht scored a career-high 19 points while shooting 5/5 from deep Wednesday. When that performance earned him his second starting nod, it was Max Christie’s turn, as he dropped 11 points (4/7 FG) last night in his best game of the season.

But now, a two-way rookie is beginning to prove himself with LA’s G League affiliate, with many wondering if he’s next in line to make an impact in JJ Redick’s rotation.

Lakers Bench Boost Could Come From Two-Way Rookie

Remember No. 41?

Undrafted rookie Quincy Olivari turned heads in preseason with his surprising play, which culminated in an efficient 22-point performance (8/16 FG, 5/9 3PT) against the Warriors in the tune-up finale. That performance, among others, was enough for the Lakers, who signed him to a two-way contract the day after.

The team assigned Olivari to their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, prior to the start of the NBA regular season. He showed out in his debut with the team, notching 28 points on 8/19 shooting from the field and 7/15 from three—all with Redick, Russell, LeBron James and Anthony Davis in attendance.

Russell even had high praise for Olivari after his first game with South Bay.

“I just told him to stay humble. Honestly, it looked like he was too good for being out there, respectfully. But I know how that can get you high and then you have a bad game and get you low. It is what it is. I just told him to stay even keel.”

Olivari followed his sensational debut with a career-high in his second game. Facing the Santa Cruz Warriors on the road last night, Olivari torched them for 33 points (7/21 FG, 5/13 3PT), six rebounds, five assists and two steals. Though the Warriors beat the Lakers 128-118, many pointed to that game as a reason why Olivari should be called up. The 23-year-old’s hot start has brought him to an average of 30.5 points on 37% shooting from the field, 43% from three and 84% from the free-throw line.

How Olivari Could Help the Lakers

It’s early in the G League season, but Olivari is already proving his worth as a scintillating scorer. Going from undrafted to sparking a preseason comeback against a contender is no easy feat. Neither is averaging 30 points in your first two G League games. Olivari has quickly risen to become an NBA-caliber player, showing off his shooting, aggressiveness, and defensive intensity required to succeed in the league.

And aside from the skills, Olivari has already proven to be a consummate teammate, shining a spotlight on others instead of himself and fitting right into the culture set by Redick on day one.

Olivari’s game has already translated well to the NBA, and his recent showings further prove he can help the Lakers and their bench. The team’s second unit has improved with the inclusion of Russell, who has boosted them to 34.3 PPG on 50% shooting from the field and 44% from deep in the last three games. Substantial contributions from Knecht and Christie have aided that success, but the Lakers could always use more weapons in the rotation, especially considering the pile-up of injuries in the frontcourt. That’s where Olivari could show off what he calls “Qdini magic” to Lakers Nation.

If given the chance, Olivari can elevate the Lakers with his energy and effort on both ends of the floor. It may require a shuffle of the Lakers’ backcourt—-notable given the ascension of Knecht and struggles of Gabe Vincent—but Redick has shown he’s willing to make those changes before. Adding Olivari to the Lakers’ equation would only reap benefits for a team that’s currently on a roll.

Jordan Pagkalinawan

Jordan Pagkalinawan

Jordan Pagkalinawan is a journalism student at Emerson College who serves as an editor and Lakers writer for Last Word on Sports. He previously interned with CBS Sports, writing stories for their editorial team. Jordan covers Emerson's Div. III athletics through print and broadcast media, and aims to translate those skills towards a career in covering professional sports.

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