LeBron James shouts out Quincy Olivari for game-changing performance: "They know who 41 is now"
Lakers superstar LeBron James gave a shoutout to Quincy Olivari following his standout performance in the team’s 107-102 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday. Olivari impressed with his relentless hustle, defensive intensity, rebounding and sharp 3-point shooting during the Lakers' third preseason game.
Olivari, an undrafted player, was subbed in by JJ Redick in the 4th quarter, and he made the most of his opportunity. Not only did he knock down key shots, but his relentless full-court defense and hustle stood out.
After the game, LeBron reacted to the former Xavier Musketeers guard's game-changing performance and applauded Olivari for making a name for himself.
"Yeeeeaaaahhhhh Q!! They know who 41 is now," LeBron wrote as he shared the video of Olivari being mobbed by the Lakers players.
Olivari, who was signed by the Lakers on an Exhibit 10 contract earlier in the offseason, seized his opportunity to shine on the big stage. The 23-year-old guard made the most of his chance, scoring 11 points on 4-of-6 shooting, including 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. In just 9:24 seconds of play, the former Rice Owls standout also grabbed five rebounds and dished out two assists.
Lakers coach JJ Redick was highly impressed with Olivari's performance, praising the young guard for making winning plays. Redick openly referred to Olivari as the game-changer and shared that the coaching staff is encouraging players in his position to adopt the same style of play.
"Quincy completely changed the game…picking up full court, being disruptive, taking time off the shot clock. I thought he executed exactly what we want from someone in his position," Redick told reporters after the game.
How did LeBron James fare vs. Milwaukee Bucks?
LeBron James played only the first half of the Lakers' game against the Milwaukee Bucks, mirroring his playing time from the previous preseason matchup against the Phoenix Suns.
The four-time NBA champion logged 15:49 minutes and tallied 11 points on 4-of-11 shooting, including 2-of-4 from beyond the arc. He also recorded six rebounds, three assists and two turnovers.
LeBron and the Lakers will next face Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors in their fourth preseason game set for Tuesday at the T-Mobile Arena.
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