Bright Prospects Emerge in a Tough Preseason Finale for the Lakers

Golden State Warriors Dominate While Lakers’ Stars Take a Break

The Los Angeles Lakers, opting to rest their key players, faced a harsh 132-74 defeat at the hands of the Golden State Warriors in their final preseason game. However, the game was not entirely a loss for the Lakers, as rookie Bronny James showed promising development in his performance.

Bronny James: Rising Star Amidst the Storm

Bronny, son of the legendary LeBron James and a 55th draft pick for Los Angeles, commenced his game against the Warriors, recording an impressive 17 points on 7-for-17 shooting, along with 4 rebounds, 3 steals, and 1 block in a 35-minute play. Bronny expressed his satisfaction post-game, stating, “It’s an amazing feeling to just play without overthinking.”

In his initial five preseason rounds, the 20-year-old had a rough start, amassing only eight points overall on 4-for-20 shooting, with five turnovers. However, Friday’s game painted a different picture.

Turning the Tide: Bronny’s Improved Performance

Bronny’s first successful shot came less than a minute post-tipoff, on a cutting layup and contact absorption at the rim. He scored a 3-pointer, beating the shot clock with a 28-foot jumper from the top of the arc in the second quarter.

Lakers’ coach, JJ Redick acknowledged this as another milestone in Bronny’s progression, whom the Lakers have signed for a four-year, $7.9 million contract. “All moments, good or bad, are stepping stones for him and our other young players. They are learning opportunities,” Redick remarked.

Quincy Olivari: A Ray of Hope in a Defeat

Another silver lining for the Lakers in the crushing defeat was Quincy Olivari, a rookie who led Los Angeles with 22 points on 8-for-16 shooting and 7 rebounds. The Warriors’ star player, Stephen Curry, who was absent due to a sprained finger, spent time with both Bronny and Olivari after the game.

In a touching moment, Olivari showed Curry a video of him as a child, receiving an autograph from Curry at a Warriors road game against the Dallas Mavericks. The star gifted Olivari a pair of his sneakers and signed them, leaving Olivari visibly moved.

What’s Next for Olivari?

Olivari’s Exhibit 10 deal will allow the Lakers to keep his rights for their G League team, the South Bay Lakers. While the Lakers could decide to waive one of their dual-role players to promote him to their NBA squad, those spots are currently filled by power forwards as a backup for Anthony Davis and Jaxson Hayes, particularly with Christian Wood injured at the start of the season.

“I just want a position in the NBA. It’s all I’ve wanted ever since I was 5 years old, and according to my dad, my biggest gift is my energy. I bring a positive force to any team that wants me, and I elevate every group,” said Olivari.