Lakers News: Chemistry Was Toughest Part Of Team USA Experience, Per Austin Reaves

Sometimes it's as simple as chemistry.

One of the hardest things about any sport is putting together the right group of players to complete the goal of winning the championship. It doesn’t matter the sport, because getting everyone to mesh together is key to finding any sort of success.

Team USA found that out this summer, as they went through some tough times. The Americans didn’t qualify for any medal at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, and it was a major disappointment for the program.

Lakers guard Austin Reaves was a member of Team USA this summer, and while he played very well, the overall team success failed. Reaves recently opened up about what he believed went wrong for Team USA, and it simply has to do with the level of chemistry that the roster had together.

He went on The Lowe Post podcast with ESPN's Zach Lowe to share some of his experiences from the summer.

“It was different in the fact of ya know, our team, ya know you got a couple guys here and there that you know are teammates now and have played together in the past, but for the most part your, throughout the whole process your trying to learn how to play with one another. That was really the hardest part for I would say all of us.”

Per Austin Reaves on

The Lowe Post

Reaves did a good job fitting in alongside the other star players on the team, but the lack of chemistry is what did them in. They weren't sure how to play together, and it showed against opponents that had that level of continuity for years.

Sometimes, it really is as simple as chemistry. Team USA had the talent to win the tournament, but they lacked the ability to play together. 

Now, with the 2024 Paris Olympics looming next summer, the roster will likely look very different. Stars like LeBron James have already shown interest in joining, so this time Team USA could find some real success in international competition. Will Reaves stick with next year's roster? Time will tell.

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