At the end of the Los Angeles Lakers’ preseason, Quincy Olivari, a training camp invitee, expressed his desire for a position in the NBA. His wish came true when the Lakers signed him to a two-way contract the following day. The 23-year-old guard, who went undrafted after his time at Xavier University, had been looking to make an impression and secure a place on an NBA roster.
Olivari had a standout performance during the preseason, particularly in a game against the Milwaukee Bucks where he scored 11 points in the fourth quarter to help the Lakers secure their first win of the JJ Redick era. He also led the team in scoring during a game against the Golden State Warriors, finishing with 22 points on 8-of-16 shooting, including a solid 5-of-9 from three-point range. These impressive outings undoubtedly played a significant role in the Lakers’ decision to sign him.
To make room for Olivari, the Lakers announced that they would waive second-year center Colin Castleton. This decision highlights the team’s commitment to giving Olivari an opportunity to prove himself in the NBA. The move also indicates a shift in the Lakers’ roster strategy as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Additionally, there is a sense of optimism within the Lakers’ organization regarding Christian Koloko’s situation. Koloko, a 7-foot-1 center who was drafted by the Toronto Raptors in 2022, is awaiting clearance from the NBA’s “fitness-to-play” panel after missing the entire previous season due to a blood clot issue. The Lakers had signed him to a two-way deal in hopes of bolstering their big man depth behind star player Anthony Davis.
As the Lakers navigate their roster changes, they remain focused on strengthening their lineup for the new season. With Olivari’s addition and Koloko’s potential return, the team is positioning itself to enhance its performance and depth, aiming to build on the momentum generated during the preseason.
