After averaging 19.1 points in college, Quincy Olivari didn’t get his name called on draft night. However, the Lakers gave him an opportunity with an Exhibit 10 deal. From there began the process of emulating his idol, Stephen Curry. Although, he didn’t know it would land him an opportunity to speak with the Baby Face Assassin. “I used to want to be like him so badly,” he said with his voice trembling as he reflected on celebrating Curry since the sixth grade.
Much like Curry, Olivari needed to make his mark rather than have it handed to him. AT 6’2″, he was undersized yet a dazzling college scorer. With a limited time to prove himself, his astonishing preseason performance saw the Purple and Gold offer him a two-way contract. It’s been three weeks since he joined the South Bay Lakers and also spent time with the senior team acclimating himself to the NBA life.
As far as his personality goes, Olivari is cheerful and always smiling. JJ Redick found his radiating energy to be “infectious”. But what about his Laker teammates? “I mean they kind of make jokes. As you see I have my Under Armours on my feet. They kinda joke that I think I’m Stephen Curry,” he said with a brightening expression on his face.
Olivari had already swooned JJ Redick with his pressurizing performance against the Milwaukee Bucks in preseason. However, his defining game came against the Golden State Warriors. In the last preseason clash, the Lakers might have been embarrassed, but Olivari was the bright spot.
He scored 22 points in 39 minutes, connecting on five triples and showcasing his diverse scoring arsenal. And after the game, he saw Stephen Curry. They shared a wholesome conversation, with the 23-year-old Lakers guard sharing his admiration of the NBA’s three-point king. “Pleasure bro. Appreciate you being a real one and letting me know the history!!,” Curry responded to his Instagram post of their picture together.
