Have Lakers landed an undrafted gem?

Olivari, initially signed to a training camp deal, quickly became the talk of the Lakers’ preseason. He turned heads with an 11-point fourth-quarter performance in a come-from-behind victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, marking the first win of JJ Redick's tenure as head coach. 

Days later, Olivari erupted for 22 points against the Warriors, shooting an impressive 5-of-9 from three-point range as the Lakers rested their starters. 

Known for spotting undrafted talent, the Lakers may have found another promising prospect in Olivari. 

The 6-foot-3 guard displayed his sharpshooting prowess, hitting 8-of-14 from beyond the arc throughout the preseason, showing exactly why he’s earned a reputation as a long-range threat.

Olivari shot 40.9 percent from three in his senior season at Xavier, leading the Big East. He also set the school's single-season record for three-pointers with 106. 

Before his time at Xavier, Olivari spent four seasons at Rice University, where he built a consistent shooting reputation. Overall, he shot 38.7 percent from range across five college seasons.

While shooting will always be valued in the NBA, Redick praised Olivari in early October for more than just his on-court skills, via Spectrum Sportsnet.

"He has an infectious spirit and soul about him. It’s not that he’s some super talkative, boisterous guy, but he carries himself well, he carries himself with intent. His work ethic is really high, and I think people respond to that," Redick previously said.

"When you have someone who cares, who’s a good teammate, who does all the right things, and then he comes in a game, and is picking up full court with a bloody mouth and changing the entire dynamic for us as a team, it’s easy to respond to that as a teammate and as a coaching staff."

Although earning a two-way contract is a significant milestone for Olivari, his future in the NBA remains uncertain. 

He is expected to spend significant time with the South Bay Lakers in the G League, where his shooting and tenacity could make him one of the league’s most exciting players to watch.

But with the Lakers’ growing emphasis on G League development under Redick, Olivari will remain close to the action, and just a step away from the NBA stage.