Quincy Olivari, a name that wasn’t on most people’s radar during the NBA Draft, has quickly become one of the most heartwarming stories of the season. The undrafted guard has secured a two-way contract with the LA Lakers after an impressive preseason, marking a significant milestone in his basketball journey. However, the story doesn’t just begin and end with basketball. Olivari’s connection to the NBA goes back to his childhood, thanks to his mother, Courtney Olivari, a retired cake artist who delivered birthday cakes to some of the biggest names in the league—including the legendary Shaquille O’Neal.
A Full-Circle Moment: Quincy Olivari’s Journey to the NBA
Quincy Olivari’s rise to the NBA is nothing short of inspiring. After a five-year college career split between Rice and Xavier, Olivari went undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft. But as many have learned over the years, the draft isn’t always the final word in a player’s career. In August, the Lakers signed him to an Exhibit 10 contract, a deal that often leads to either a G-League opportunity or a training camp invitation.
Olivari didn’t just take the chance—he ran with it. Throughout the Lakers’ preseason, he emerged as one of the most consistent offensive players on the roster. His breakout performance came during the team’s preseason finale against the Golden State Warriors, where he posted an impressive stat line: 22 points, seven rebounds, five 3-pointers, and a 50% shooting performance. This standout game paved the way for the Lakers to convert his deal into a two-way contract, effectively replacing big man Colin Castleton.
A Heartwarming Appeal: Courtney Olivari’s Touching Connection to the NBA
The significance of Olivari’s ascent isn’t just about stats and contracts; it’s also about a beautiful, personal history with the NBA. His mother, Courtney Olivari, used to bring birthday cakes to the “Inside the NBA” crew on TNT, including some of the most iconic players in basketball history. In a heartfelt social media post on X/Twitter, Courtney shared throwback photos of young Quincy with NBA legends like Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, and Isiah Thomas.
Courtney’s appeal didn’t stop at nostalgic photos. She called on the crew at TNT to invite Quincy onto the show for what she described as a “full-circle moment.” In her post, she reminisced about how Quincy used to help her deliver cakes for these NBA legends and expressed her hope that her son could now appear as a guest on the show—not as a fan or helper, but as an NBA player.
“NBA on TNT, now that Quincy Olivari is a Laker, please invite him on the show for a full-circle moment. He used to help me deliver the birthday cakes for the guys!”
It’s the kind of story that fans and the NBA itself can’t help but love. The “Inside the NBA” crew, known for their fun, lighthearted content, is likely to embrace the heartfelt plea. After all, O’Neal and his colleagues have a track record of supporting touching moments in the basketball world. It wouldn’t be surprising if we see Quincy on the show in the near future, perhaps after a Lakers game broadcasted on TNT.
Quincy Olivari’s Reflections on Making the Lakers Roster
For Quincy Olivari, earning a spot on the Lakers’ roster is a dream come true, but he’s well aware that the journey is far from over. Reflecting on his preseason success, Olivari shared his confidence after his performance against the Warriors, saying that he felt he’d done enough to earn a two-way contract, even though he wasn’t sure where he would end up.
“I was very confident after the Golden State game that I put myself in position to receive a two-way, [I] just didn’t know where,”
Despite his excitement about joining one of the NBA’s most storied franchises, Olivari remains focused and determined to continue working hard. He made it clear that while making the team is a significant achievement, it’s just one step in his broader goals as a player.
“Just keep working. This ain’t my end goal in life, but it’s another milestone that I’ve completed and accomplished. I’m just glad that I was able to come back up here to practice today.”
Can Quincy Olivari Carve Out a Consistent Role with the Lakers?
With the Lakers’ regular-season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves just around the corner, all eyes will be on Quincy Olivari to see if he can carry his preseason momentum into the games that matter. His preseason stats are promising: 8.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.0 3-pointers per game while shooting an impressive 52.2% from the field and 57.1% from beyond the arc.
For a player who came into training camp as a relative unknown, Olivari has certainly made a strong case for himself. Now, the challenge will be to continue that level of play as the competition ramps up. Whether he becomes a consistent role player for the Lakers or spends more time honing his skills in the G-League, Quincy Olivari’s journey to the NBA is already one of the feel-good stories of the year.
A Family’s NBA Legacy Comes to Life
Quincy Olivari’s story is more than just a tale of perseverance and hard work; it’s about family, history, and dreams coming true. His mother, Courtney, played a unique role in connecting him to the NBA long before he ever stepped onto the court as a player. Through birthday cakes and personal moments with NBA legends, Quincy got a glimpse of the league’s magic as a child. Now, he’s part of it, not as an observer but as a participant.
The Olivari family’s dream has come full circle, and it’s a reminder that sometimes, life has a funny way of working out. From delivering cakes to NBA legends to playing alongside today’s stars, Quincy Olivari’s journey is one that will be remembered by fans and embraced by the league.
I am a writer with a passion for technology and gaming. I write about a variety of subjects, including Esports, Games, Shows, and Sports. I create engaging and informative content for Hiptoro.