Lakers News: Austin Reaves Almost Played For A Different Country This Summer
Playing for your country on the biggest stage is a dream for any professional athlete and such became a reality when Team USA welcomed Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Austin Reaves to their roster for their upcoming FIBA World Cup tourney this summer.
However, Reaves was heavily considering another country to play for before the American officials gave him the call to play for the stars and stripes.
Reaves knew he belonged on this stage, playing international basketball. He just didn’t think he’d be doing it for America. Reaves said he gave serious consideration to playing for the German national team. His brother, Spencer, plays professionally in Germany and recently obtained citizenship. His dual-citizenship papers are a few signatures away from being completed. But with Team USA looking at younger players to fill out its World Cup roster, Reaves couldn’t say no.
To his credit, Reaves remains happy to play for Team USA, but also mentioned that his NBA team would get some help from the experience as well.
“It’s a good opportunity to learn from a lot of guys, a lot of coaches and kinda steal what they do and go give it back to the Lakers"
A breakout season and subsequent playoff run helped Reaves earn a long-term extension with the Lakers this past summer.
Formerly undrafted from Oklahoma, the Sooner with Arkansas high school roots captivated the national audience as a key contributor to the Purple and Gold's run to the Western Conference Finals this spring.
Poised to start alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Reaves is hoping to continue building a name for himself in the league and for his country.
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