LA Lakers rookie shows true colors with reaction to NBA Today appearance after viral interview

Quincy Olivari had a priceless reaction upon seeing his postgame interview with Los Angeles Lakers radio host John Ireland make its way to ESPN’s “NBA Today.”

The interview in question came after the Lakers came back from a large deficit to get the 107-102 comeback win over the Milwaukee Bucks in preseason. Olivari played a big part in the win, scoring 11 points on 4-of-6 shooting from the field to go along with five rebounds.

During the interview with Ireland, Olivari became emotional, claiming all he wanted to do was speak to his family after his outstanding outing in preseason. It was this portion of the interview that “NBA Today” clipped, noting how it was a special moment for Olivari.

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The 23-year-old then took to X to express how he felt seeing his interview go viral on social media. “Wow, I was just watching NBA Today and then I popped up on the screen,” his post began . “Im [sic] just very very thankful. All honor and Glory goes to God.”

In the original interview, Olivari struggled to contain his emotions. The former Xavier star had played the game of his NBA career and while it was just preseason, Olivari understood just how important his performance was, especially as an undrafted rookie.

“It means the world,” Olivari told Ireland . “I really, honestly just want to get on the phone, call my dad and cry. I’m trying to fight tears now man, because this is crazy. I just don’t know how to describe it, man. I’m just so blessed - I’m so lucky, and I’m just grateful. Really grateful.”

Lakers head coach JJ Redick sang Olivari’s praises after the game. Speaking to reporters after the win, Redick explained that Olivari’s energy ultimately was what won the game for Los Angeles.

“Quincy just completely changed the game and to me, and I told the guys after, what he did is the blueprint for what we’re asking from a few of our players in terms of just picking up full court, being disruptive, taking time off the shot clock,” Redick said.

“I thought he just executed exactly what we want from someone in his position, and we’ve challenged a number of guys, and they’ve done it well to varying degrees but haven’t seen it that well until tonight with Quincy.”

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Because of what Olivari brings to the table for the Lakers, Redick explained how he and the rest of the coaching staff are “excited” to have him on the team and see the rookie in “very high regard.”

With Olivari’s infectious energy, it appears as if the rest of the team caught on, which propelled the team to victory. “Whenever I come in, whether it’s the last two minutes or the first two minutes of the second half, just to come in with as much energy as I can and give the team everything I have,” he said.

“So just shout out to the coaching staff for trusting me in the game and shout out to my teammates for going out there, trusting each other and getting this dub.”