The Los Angeles Lakers called up Quincy Olivari from their G-League team to play against the Portland Trail Blazers last night. While Olivari didn’t light up the box score in their 108-97 win, he did score his first NBA points, making a three against the Trail Blazers. And after the game, he noted that he wanted to score many more points for the Lakers.
“I hope it’s 3 points of 50,000 … I like to dream big.”
Olivari was also asked about splitting his time between the Lakers and their G-League team. He quipped that it was all the same, as he was getting play in and representing Los Angeles.
“Either way, I’m playing basketball in L.A. or in L.A.”
Olivari made a clean three-pointer early in the second quarter of the Lakers’ game against the Trail Blazers. In the game, he scored just three points (1-3 FG).
QUINCY OLIVARI SWISHES HIS FIRST SHOT 🔥🔥
(via @LADEig ) pic.twitter.com/BTE4u3okxq
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) December 9, 2024
This was Olivari’s first official game for the Lakers, as he had been spending most of his time with the Lakers’ G-League team. To make such a major shot in his first game with the Lakers will be a huge boost to his confidence. It might even earn him more opportunities with the first team going forward.
Olivari got his chance tonight as LeBron James and Austin Reaves were unavailable. Losing two of their best players, JJ Redick knew he needed to make up for their absence with depth. If the injuries to James, Reaves, or any other players continue to persist, Redick might turn to Olivari more often.
Olivari has had a whirlwind few months. After being discovered as the Lakers’ next great two-way sensation, he has had the opportunity to play against his idol, Stephen Curry, and even signed with Curry’s Under Armour brand. He spoke about sleeping with Curry’s jersey under his pillow just a few months ago.
Quincy Olivari Will Have To Bide His Time
Even though he did well tonight, Olivari shouldn’t expect this to become a regular occurence. He was called up by the Lakers so that he could compensate for the lack of depth on the roster. Unless the Lakers suffer some kind of catastrophic injury bug, he will not get a lot of opportunities to play with the main team.
For the time being, Olivari should focus on staying in the G-League and improving his game on a nightly basis. This season, Olivari has averaged 18.6 points, 4.4 assists, 3.4 rebounds, 0.6 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game.
The Lakers have been able to use the G-League pipeline for decent players in the past. The most notable example of this has to be Alex Caruso, who went from being a G-League player to one of their most important pieces during the 2019-20 NBA Championship run.
Olivari will get those opportunities, but they will be few and far between. It is up to him to stay ready and make sure that he can make the most of those opportunities when they come his way.
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