Quincy Olivari’s exciting play in NBA preseason vs. Bucks: How Olivari went from undrafted to joining the Lakers

Quincy Olivari, the Los Angeles Lakers’ under-the-radar rookie, made a surprising impact on Thursday night’s preseason win over the Milwaukee Bucks. Signed to an Exhibit 10 contract, Olivari seized his moment when the Lakers needed it most.

With Los Angeles trailing by 15 points early in the fourth quarter, it looked like another loss was inevitable. Down 89-74 with under nine minutes to play, the team was searching for a spark—and Olivari delivered.

He jump started a massive 20-0 run with relentless defense, aggressive rebounding, and quick transitions that helped the Lakers flip the script.

In just nine minutes of play, Olivari put up an impressive 11 points, hitting 4 of 6 from the field and 3 of 4 from deep, while adding five rebounds and two assists. His burst of energy helped Los Angeles hold off Milwaukee to secure a 107-102 comeback victory, marking their first preseason win.

After the game, head coach JJ Redick couldn’t hide his admiration for Olivari.

“Quincy completely changed the game. What he did is the blueprint for what we’re asking for a few of our players,” Redick said.

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Quincy Olivari goes from undrafted rookie to Lakers’ game-changer

Quincy Olivari joined the Lakers as an undrafted free agent from Xavier University, following an unremarkable Summer League stint.

Across five games in the California Classic and Las Vegas, the 23-year-old guard averaged 5.8 points and 1.8 rebounds in just under 15 minutes per game, shooting 28.6% from the field and 26.7% from beyond the arc. His stats, limited by inconsistent playing time, didn’t fully capture his potential.

Standing at 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, Olivari spent four seasons at Rice University before transferring to Xavier for his final year. At Xavier, he elevated his game, posting 19.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, all while shooting an impressive 40.9% from three. His senior year made him a standout, known for his scoring ability and intensity on both ends of the floor.

Yet, Olivari’s path with the Lakers is anything but assured. The young guard has to fight for every opportunity, battling a crowded backcourt and high expectations in Los Angeles. His Exhibit 10 contract represents a shot to prove his worth, but roster spots are limited.

Still, if Olivari’s preseason performance is any indication, he’s up to the challenge. With his impactful play on Thursday, he showcased the grit and skill set that could help him secure a role in Los Angeles