All eyes were on Bronny James as he took the court for his first career start with the Los Angeles Lakers. The son of NBA legend LeBron James, Bronny was making his highly anticipated debut in the Lakers’ preseason finale against the Golden State Warriors. While the younger James displayed glimpses of his potential, it was another undrafted rookie who took center stage.
Quincy Olivari, an unheralded guard out of Xavier University, put on a dazzling performance that left fans and analysts buzzing. Logging nine minutes off the bench, Olivari poured in 11 points on an efficient 75% shooting, including 4-of-6 from beyond the arc. He also chipped in 5 rebounds and 2 assists, providing a much-needed spark for the Lakers in their 107-102 victory.
“Quincy completely changed the game,” raved Lakers head coach JJ Redick. “His energy, his defense, his ability to take time off the shot clock—he executed exactly what we want from someone in his position.”
Olivari’s breakout performance came on the heels of an impressive preseason run, where he’s steadily earned the trust of the Lakers’ coaching staff. At Media Day, the 22-year-old stood alongside LeBron James, a symbolic gesture of his integration into the team’s ecosystem. Olivari’s defensive tenacity and hustle have repeatedly caught the attention of his veteran teammates, with Max Christie praising the rookie’s work ethic.
Even the King himself took notice, with LeBron taking to social media to shout out Olivari’s efforts, cryptically posting, “They know who 41 is now.” The legendary forward’s endorsement has only added to the growing buzz surrounding the undrafted sensation.
In his first career start, Bronny James, a 20-year-old guard, demonstrated a well-rounded game that defied his youth. Logging 35 minutes, Bronny poured in 17 points on 7-of-17 shooting, adding 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, and 1 block. While he struggled from deep, going 1-of-5 from three-point range, Bronny displayed a knack for driving to the rim and making plays on the defensive end.
“Bronny looked more comfortable as the game went on,” noted one analyst. “He made good reads, cutting to the hoop whenever there was an opening, and he kept his options open from the midrange. There are definitely signs of promise there.”
However, the rise of Olivari, who has quickly become a feel-good story for the Lakers, somewhat overshadowed Bronny’s performance. The undrafted rookie’s journey mirrors that of other undrafted success stories in Los Angeles, such as Alex Caruso and Austin Reaves.
“The Lakers have consistently shown an ability to develop undrafted talent into key contributors,” said one reporter. “Caruso and Reaves are prime examples, and now Quincy Olivari is following in their footsteps.”
Indeed, Olivari’s meteoric rise has sparked discussions about his potential impact on the Lakers’ upcoming season. With an uncanny ability to capitalize on opportunities and perform brilliantly under duress, the young guard has become more than just a player to monitor—he represents hope for undrafted players striving to carve out a niche in the NBA.
As the preseason winds down, all eyes will be on Olivari and Bronny James as they vie for spots in the Lakers’ rotation. While Bronny’s story may garner more headlines, it’s clear that Quincy Olivari has stolen the spotlight with his fearless play and infectious energy.
In a league often dominated by blue-chip prospects and household names, Olivari’s narrative is a powerful reminder of the thrilling unpredictability of sports. As the regular season approaches, Lakers fans and basketball enthusiasts alike will be eagerly awaiting to see just how far this undrafted rookie can go.