LOS ANGELES — After the conclusion of the Lakers’ preseason on Friday, Quincy Olivari, a training camp invitee, expressed his desire for an NBA job, stating, “I just want a job in the NBA.”
On Saturday, the undrafted guard from Xavier saw his wish fulfilled as the Los Angeles Lakers officially signed him to a two-way contract.
The 23-year-old made a significant impact during the preseason, helping the Lakers secure their first victory in the JJ Redick era by scoring 11 points in the fourth quarter during a comeback win over the Milwaukee Bucks. In the following game, with the starters resting against the Golden State Warriors, Olivari led the team with 22 points, shooting 8-of-16 overall and 5-of-9 from three-point range.
To accommodate Olivari’s signing, the Lakers will be waiving second-year center Colin Castleton.
As the team moves on from Castleton, there is growing optimism regarding Christian Koloko’s situation. Sources have informed ESPN that a decision from the NBA’s “fitness-to-play” panel is imminent.
Koloko, a 7-foot-1 player who was selected as the 33rd pick in the 2022 NBA draft by the Toronto Raptors, signed a two-way deal with the Lakers this offseason in hopes of adding depth behind Anthony Davis. He missed the entire previous season due to a blood clot issue and is awaiting clearance from a panel of doctors before he can resume basketball activities with the Lakers.