LA Lakers Waive Quincy Olivari, Set to Sign Former Pelicans and Grizzlies Center
The Los Angeles Lakers have made a significant roster move, waiving guard Quincy Olivari, who had been with the team on a two-way contract since the start of the season. This decision comes as the Lakers aim to strengthen their frontcourt and make adjustments ahead of the stretch run of the 2024-2025 NBA season. Olivari, who showed promise during his brief time with the Lakers, has been let go to make room for a more experienced center.
Olivari’s departure clears the way for the Lakers to sign a former NBA starter, as the franchise is reportedly set to bring in a veteran center who has previously played for the New Orleans Pelicans and the Memphis Grizzlies. Sources close to the team indicate that the Lakers are looking to bolster their depth in the middle, an area where the team has faced some challenges this season due to injuries and inconsistent play from their current big men.
The player in question, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, brings a wealth of NBA experience, including multiple seasons as a rotational player for both the Pelicans and the Grizzlies. His presence is expected to provide the Lakers with additional size, rebounding, and defensive capabilities, particularly in the post, which has been an area of need for the team. The Lakers’ front office has been actively seeking ways to improve the roster to compete for a championship, and this move is seen as an important step in that direction.
In recent games, the Lakers have struggled to find consistent production from their center position, with starting big man Anthony Davis occasionally shifting to power forward and the team relying on a combination of backup options. While Davis remains one of the league’s elite defenders, the Lakers have been without a traditional rim protector for extended stretches, which has affected their overall defensive rating. Adding a proven center is expected to help alleviate some of these concerns.
The new center is also known for his ability to stretch the floor, adding a versatile dimension to the Lakers’ offense. With an improving outside shot, the addition of a big man who can space the floor could help open up driving lanes for LeBron James and other perimeter players. Coach Darvin Ham has expressed the need for a more balanced offensive and defensive approach, and this signing may be an answer to some of those challenges.
Olivari, on the other hand, will now be free to explore other opportunities within the league, either by joining another team’s G League affiliate or potentially earning another two-way contract with a different NBA franchise. While his time with the Lakers was brief, the organization commended him for his hard work and professionalism during his tenure. It remains to be seen whether Olivari will have a chance to rejoin the NBA at a later time.
The timing of this move comes at a critical juncture in the season for the Lakers. As the team eyes a potential playoff berth, every roster adjustment will be scrutinized as the Lakers look to improve upon their current standing. The addition of the new center is expected to be just the first of several moves that the team could make before the trade deadline, as the Lakers remain in a competitive position within the Western Conference.
As the Lakers move forward, their ability to integrate the new center into their system will be crucial to their success in the second half of the season. The team’s front office and coaching staff will be monitoring his performance closely, with high hopes that his experience and skill set can help propel the Lakers back into championship contention. The next few weeks will likely be pivotal for the Lakers as they continue to tweak their roster and sharpen their focus on a deep playoff run.
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