Lakers Fans Fear the Worst for Quincy Olivari as Rob Pelinka Continues to Overlook 23YO Rookie Amid $4B Deal Buzz
via Imago
Full-circle moment for Quincy Olivari but the Lakers fans are out of their wits with worry.
The 23-year-old rookie has had a whirlwind journey, from being a young Stephen Curry superfan to now reportedly signing an endorsement deal with none other than the $4 billion brand, Under Armour. Olivari’s childhood was marked by admiration for Curry – he first met the ‘Bay Area God’ as a sixth grader and had his jersey signed twice.
That jersey would, no doubt, go on to become a treasured possession, with the 6’3 guard confessing he even slept with a “Number 30 Stephen Curry jersey” as Shams Charania noted in his appearance at NBA Today. With this experience just a decade old, the ESPN Senior NBA Insider also pointed out that Quincy Olivari stands as only the second active player, alongside De’Aaron Fox, to sign with Curry Brand.
“Olivari is set to become the second active NBA player to sign with Curry Brand, joining Kings star De’Aaron Fox, who received a signature shoe that debuts today,” Shams tweeted on X.
Olivari is set to become the second active NBA player to sign with Curry Brand, joining Kings star De’Aaron Fox, who received a signature shoe that debuts today.
https://t.co/fTpJxcYdxw— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 6, 2024
While congratulatory messages and well wishes flowed in, few were very concerned with these developments—specifically, the Lakers fans. With injuries piling up and the team struggling with a shooting slump, Olivari’s limited role has become a sore point for the fanbase. And with good reason!
The former Musketeer might not have caught anyone’s attention during draft night this year. But Olivari ensured all eyes were on him the first chance he got. After the Purple & Gold extended him that hand, the young guard made a statement in his standout preseason performance against none other than Steph and his Warriors!
In Los Angeles’ second preseason clash with the Dubs, Quincy Olivary led the team with 22 points along with seven rebounds, and an impressive 5-of-9 from the deep in 39 minutes. Although the Lakers did not get out unscathed (losing with a whopping 58-point difference at 132-74), Olivari showcased his potential to make an immediate impact.
Perhaps that is why this fan had a simple two-word response to Lakers Nation‘s Trevor Lane’s congratulatory message to Quincy. “A wasted talent..” the user wrote under Lane’s “Big congratulations to a great guy, @quincyolivari.”
Big congratulations to a great guy, @quincyolivari https://t.co/dp8hHffZz0
— Trevor Lane (@Trevor_Lane) December 6, 2024
Clearly, the guy echoes the larger sentiment that the Lakers are simply letting a talented young player slip away right from their palms. Many feel that Olivari’s ability to space the floor and score efficiently could provide the boost the team so desperately needs.
Another fan, though, had a slightly longer remark. Well … more of a prediction, really. “I can see what’s going to happen. Rob will ignore this man’s talent and he will end up a GSW,” they wrote, followed by a face-palming emoji, the frustration with what they perceive as Pelinka and the front office overlooking a valuable asset clear behind those words.
Much like the worst fear noted by our friend above—a team like the GSW poaching Quincy Olivari—particularly because the Lakers failed to prioritize him, this next fan is practically shouting, in the hopes that it might move the franchise to action. “IF Lakers dont take him seriously he will end up with Warriors in no time, and it will bite our asses for the reminder of his career. PLEASE WAKE THE F UP AND MAKE HIM A ROTATION PLAYER.”
Given Olivari’s connection to Stephen Curry, and the shared history between the two, the fans’ fears are warranted. As such, another section of the Lakers faithful have rallied to push for getting him more minutes. “Bro we need to give this boy some mins,” wrote a fan.
This sentiment just so aligns with his remarkable performances in the preseason. While the Warriors’ matchup might have been insane, Olivari’s contributions to the Lakers’ comeback against Milwaukee were just as impressive. In fact, his high-energy play in the fourth quarter received high praise from JJ Redick.
“Quincy (Olivari) just completely changed the game. … And I told our guys this after, what he did is the blueprint. … we’ve challenged a number of guys and they’ve done it well to varying degrees. But I haven’t seen it executed that well until tonight with Quincy,” Coach Redick noted post-game.
via Imago
And finally, this fan had some harsh truths for the Lakers. “Quincy is performing well enough to garner a shoe deal while the Lakers are playing theatrics juggling Bronny back-and-forth between rosters. WTF are we doing here, let’s get this man on the squad and win some games…we need help!“
This reflects yet another growing frustration, that is, the Purple & Gold’s broader roster decisions. Bronny’s mention in this comment highlights frustration over perceived distractions, such as focusing on marketing and personal stories instead of maximizing on-court potential.
The simple fact that Olivari earned a shoe deal ahead of consistent floor time (despite impressive showings) is seen as a glaring oversight, especially with the season they are having now.
Despite these concerns, Olivari’s journey is a beacon of hope. From going undrafted to earning a spot with the Lakers through sheer determination in itself is more than a feel-good story. Will the Lakers give him the chance to shine? Or will Quincy become another ‘what-if’ in their history?
Only time will tell. But for now, the buzz surrounding Olivari’s potential is impossible to ignore.
