Do the Lakers need to trade for a PG or is he already on the roster?

Some Lakers players have taken notice of Olivari’s play. 

“He honestly looked like he was too good for being out there, respectfully,” D’Angelo Russell said after Olivari’s first G-league contest. “But I know how that can get you high and then have a bad game and then get you low. It is what it is. So I just told him to stay even keel.”

It’s no secret that the Lakers’ point guard rotation has struggled this season. Russell is mired in a shooting slump, hitting just 31.1% of his three-point attempts, while his point-of-attack defense has been equally disappointing, all of which has prompted head coach JJ Redick to move him to the bench in favor of Cam Reddish. 

Gabe Vincent has also failed to make a positive impact, averaging just 3.2 PPG, 0.5 APG and 0.9 RPG on 19.2% shooting from three and 31.0% overall. Though known for his defensive prowess, Vincent has the worst Defensive Rating among all Lakers’ regular rotation players at 121, and his assignments are shooting 49.3% from the field — one of the poorest marks on the team.

While Many believe a trade involving either Russell or Vincent is inevitable, what if L.A. already has their backup point guard solution in Olivari? The team has a knack for unearthing hidden talent, as demonstrated by Austin Reaves’ rise from undrafted two-way player to key contributor. Could Olivari become a similar success story?

The Lakers’ bench currently ranks 27th in the NBA in points scored, and after last season’s lackluster shooting performance (10.7% from three) and uninspiring defense, it’s reasonable to question if Vincent’s struggles are just who he is as a player. 

L.A. should consider calling up Olivari and giving him a chance as the backup point guard. His relentless energy, outside touch and potential to provide a much-needed spark could help elevate the second unit and lighten the load on LeBron James and Anthony Davis.