The NBA season is months away, but JJ Redick has already suffered his first loss. Ironically, it’s come from within the Laker camp itself. Joining Trevor Lane, the Purple and Gold’s latest signing Quincy Olivari spoke about his first week in camp and his observations from being a part of the iconic franchise. Among his standout memories in his short while has been getting the better of Redick in a art that made him an icon once.

Sharing the story on the Laker Nation podcast, Olivari admitted to having a shooting contest against Redick. Surprisingly, Duke’s all-time leading scorer went cold, losing to the Xavier product. However, a more meaningful memory of him comes with a Lakers star who shared his path – Austin Reaves.

“Beating coach JJ Redick in a shooting competition or we were playing pick up, guarding Austin Reaves. After the possession, he dapped me up and said that was actually good defense dawg. Keep going. I said well that’s pretty cool.. Like I said in one of my interviews that’s one of the people I am most looking forward to learning from because of the situation that he took. The route he took and the situation that I am in is very similar. And he is where I want to be.” he said when asked about his favorite memory.

Like Olivari, Reaves didn’t have his name called on draft night. However, the Lakers’ scouting unit managed to poach him and their fates have been intertwined ever since. After his breakout campaign last year, Reaves is expected to assume a heavy role in the coming season. Watching his preparations and journey, Olivari too is inspired

The 23-year-old coming out of Xavier was among the top shooters in the Big East. A blazing 40% mark made him a tempting target for the Purple and Gold who are striving to improve their shooting unit. But still a raw prospect, Olivari will reportedly spend a chunk of his season in the G-League.

But depending on the training camp, if his shooting skills can translate into action, he could earn a spot. From there is takes one performance to put his name out there. Reaves is a living example of what an opportunity can do. Quincy Olivari is hopeful he can walk those steps and cement a place among a roster that boasts the likes of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

The biggest chapter for Austin Reaves awaits

It was clear that the Arkansas product would be a major part of the Lakers after his “I’m him” moment against the Grizzlies. Simply put, Austin Reaves plays with a chip on his shoulder. Over the course of three seasons, he has progressively improved and honed parts of his game regularly.

Last season, averaging a career-best 15.9 points per game, he is among the few distinguished shooters in the Lakers’ lineup. To Redick, a former marksman himself, it’s something that jumps right out. Not only does the rookie coach want James to have a greater perimeter impact, but the 26-year-old is going to be a massive part of his plans.

Their characteristics match perfectly, and Redick was raving over having the opportunity to work with Reaves.

“He’s excellent. I cannot wait to coach Austin. One of the reasons I can’t wait to coach him is because of his competitive spirit. He has a real mental toughness and competitive approach every single night,” he said in a video posted by the Lakers.

As promising as Reaves has been, his conditioning was questioned by the new Lakers head coach. Not only does poor stamina affect his late-season contributions, but Reaves’ defensive weakness can also allude to the same. Staying active and nourished for the entirety of the season is of topmost importance not just to him but also to the Lakers. And Reaves is all in on Redick’s plans which the coach revealed at his press conference.

Naturally, Reaves is a juggernaut as a competitor. It’s now time to match his passion with the optimal preparation which JJ Redick is ecstatically looking forward to.