Quincy Olivari shares reaction to making Lakers roster
After becoming one of the stories of the preseason for the Lakers, Quincy Olivari shared his reaction at practice on making the team’s roster as a two-way signing.
Quincy Olivari went from complete unknown to arguably the story of the preseason for the Lakers in recent weeks. Even the “relative” part of that phrase is doing some heavy lifting as he went viral at Media Day because fans did not know who he was.
But a memorable comeback against the Bucks kickstarted his story before he finished strong against the Warriors in their final game. Along the way, he gained a host of fans, none bigger than Lakers legend Magic Johnson.
I watched Quincy Olivari’s interview after his 22 point performance last night against the Suns where he cried talking about meeting and talking to his hero Steph Curry, mentioning how he used to sleep in his jersey every night. It was powerful and it truly touched me! Everybody…
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) October 20, 2024
That, plus his work in practice, was enough for the Lakers to make some roster moves to keep him around this weekend. On Saturday, the team waived Colin Castleton, opening up a two-way roster spot to use on Olivari.
At practice on Sunday, Olivari shared his reaction to learning he had made the team.
Quincy Olivari talked about the moment he found out he made the team and what was like to receive praise from @MagicJohnson pic.twitter.com/1zisTbQsjw
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 20, 2024
It’s been quite the ride for Olivari over the last three weeks. But even before fans and legends got behind him, JJ Redick had already been in Olivari’s corner.
Redick also talked about keeping Olivari with the team, but also was quick to credit Castleton’s work with the Lakers this preseason and the last couple of years.
I appreciated this answer from JJ Redick when asked about Quincy Olivari being converted to a two-way contract, making sure to mention the contributions of Colin Castleton, whose spot was opened up for Olivari. pic.twitter.com/hzHnU3fyR7
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 20, 2024
It’s been a wild ride for Olivari, but now he has a bit more security. A two-way contract is nothing close to a guarantee, but it’s far more certainty than he had even weeks ago.
Now, he has a clearer pathway to making his way to the NBA. And if the last three weeks have taught anyone anything, it’s not to count Olivari out.
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude.