It’s never a dull day in the world of the Los Angeles Lakers, is it? Just when fans thought the team was done tweaking its roster, Rob Pelinka decided to make another move. The Lakers will reportedly waive fan-favorite Quincy Olivari and sign Trey Jemison to a two-way deal. Naturally, Lakers Nation (and even Warriors fans) had plenty to say about it.
The move came just before the matchup with the Miami Heat. It adds more depth—a clear signal the Lakers are still experimenting alongside Anthony Davis. However, losing Olivari, a spark plug from the Summer League, hasn’t sat well with everyone.
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Rob Pelinka shaking it up: Why Quincy Olivari had to go?
Quincy Olivari quickly became a fan favorite. At 23 years old, his dynamic scoring and hard work earned him a two-way contract. He impressed in the Summer League and preseason. Unfortunately, with a crowded backcourt, Olivari only saw garbage-time minutes in two games. He never had a real chance to prove himself at the NBA level.
The Lakers, meanwhile, are on the verge of signing 25-year-old Trey Jemison. He has brought size and physicality to the frontcourt where the team has needed the most. In his 41 career NBA games, Jemison averaged 5.1 points and 4.3 rebounds. The Lakers don’t see numbers that pop, but potential.
But this move feels like a gamble. Fans are already buzzing about Rob Pelinka’s off-season decisions. Letting go of young talent like Olivari for a journeyman-esque big man raises questions. Could this be part of a larger plan before the trade deadline? Bigger moves may be on the horizon.
Fans proudly pre-declare former Lakers youngster’s next move: “Quincy to the Warriors, let’s get it done”
The news of Quincy Olivari’s departure sparked a mix of emotions across fanbases. From optimism to criticism, the reactions showcased the high expectations surrounding Olivari’s next move. Let’s dive into what fans are saying and what it might mean.
One optimistic Warriors fan ignited the conversation with, “Quincy to the Warriors, let’s get it done.” The idea of Olivari joining Golden State sparked curiosity, with many envisioning how he could thrive alongside Steph Curry and bolster the team’s depth. Warriors fans, known for their belief in maximizing untapped potential, seem intrigued by what Olivari could bring to the Bay Area. With already names like JK, Podziemski, Moody, and Trayce making their presence felt, the Quincy could be a real steal deal.
However, not everyone shared the excitement. A Lakers fan voiced their frustration, writing, “ROB MADE A MOVE BUT THE WRONG ONE.” This reaction highlighted ongoing dissatisfaction with Lakers GM Rob Pelinka’s recent decisions. Read further. Another fan took the critique further by reflecting on the past: “The Lakers are already regretting trading D’Angelo Russell. He’s making Brooklyn a contender now.” These responses suggest that some Lakers fans feel the team’s moves lack a coherent strategy, adding to their growing concerns about the franchise’s direction.
D’Lo was, for sure, struggling to move ahead with the LA pressure. Losing his respected starter spot, his averages saw a steep drop. Someone who racked up an 18-point haul every night was only managing 12.4 points this season, shooting at an embarrassing 33.3 from deep. But 4 games into his Nets journey, those playmaking averages have suddenly gone up again!
ROB MADE A MOVE
BUT THE WRONG ONE
— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) January 15, 2025
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Amid the debate, humor found its way into the mix. One fan joked, “Steph not gonna like that waiving,” implying Olivari’s release could create waves across the Western Conference if he signs with a direct rival instead of GSW. Comments like these underline the league-wide ripple effects of even minor roster changes, especially for teams contending for playoff positioning.
On the other hand, some Lakers fans remained optimistic. One confidently stated, “Rob Pelinka cookin” hinting that this move could be part of a larger, calculated strategy. These fans see Pelinka as someone willing to make bold decisions to pursue long-term success, even if the short-term optics seem questionable.
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Just recently, Steph Curry spoke about the Warriors not being ‘desperate’ about quick success. Clearly, the boardroom discussions are different in LA because while Pelinka has been patient, he’s also slowly setting his team up for final success with LeBron. Vanderbilt and Wood could be the next two on their way out, with the Lakers in the hunt for a true center to pair with AD.
So, Quincy Olivari’s departure has clearly left a lasting impression, even in his limited minutes. While some fans see untapped potential ready to shine elsewhere, others question the Lakers’ somewhat ‘win-now’ approach to roster management. What do you think? Does this signal trouble for the Lakers, or could it lead to something bigger? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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Did the Lakers just make a huge mistake waiving Olivari for Jemison's average stats?
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