The excitement among basketball fans around the world for the upcoming FIBA World Cup is high and it is no secret that the NBA teams are expecting an injury-free world cup for their players. This is the same for Los Angeles Lakers as their budding star Austin Reaves will be playing for Team USA in the tournament.
The Lakers have a good amount of matches lined up for them in the upcoming season, and it is natural for Lakers coach Darvin Ham to expect his players to come back fit and fine from the world tournament. In light of this, Austin Reaves has shared his thoughts on his teammate Dennis Schröder, appreciating his skills and more.
Reaves surprises Team USA with exceptional performance
Carrying the playoff performance, Austin Reaves is proving that he has become an offensive force on the court and a crucial clutch player. Reaves has averaged a total of 2.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists in friendly action while his team gears up for regulation play.
In a tweet featuring a moment from the USA vs Greece, match Reaves can be seen doing pretty well by getting past defenders and scoring a beautiful layup.
Austin Reaves is too nice 😮💨🔥 pic.twitter.com/ueB1EPo8tV
— The Laker Files (@LakerFiles) August 18, 2023
Austin Reaves holds the fifth position in the scoring charts for Team USA which is quite surprising given his form. On the other hand, his teammate Schröder holds first place for Team Germany. Schröder is averaging a score of 20 points per game while Franz Wagner of Orlando Magic trails him with 17.7 points per game. Moritz his brother leads the rebounding department of team Germany averaging about 7.3 rebounds till now.
Austin Reaves holds nothing back on Dennis Schröder’s skills
In a candid interview, Austin Reaves revealed that he would like to face his teammate Dennis Schröder in the FIBA World Cup. He states that he and Dennis are close friends and he would want to fare against him in a match. He further states that Dennis will be leaving Los Angles Lakers and going to Toronto Raptors next year and this will make him sad. But he is also happy for him as he would be able to pursue his challenges and grow.
In Austin Reaves’s own words: “I definitely want to play Dennis. He’s a really good friend of mine… Defined want to compete against him.”
Team USA is the favorite to win the FIBA World Cup this time as the current defending champions Spain are undergoing a transition phase. Team USA will be facing Team Germany this Sunday at noon in a friendly match.
Reaves&schroder pic.twitter.com/oTeTVgHf3f
— Ben Hustle (@BenHustle4) August 20, 2023
It will be interesting to see how Team USA a tournament favorite fares against Team Germany. If the USA wants a win they will have to accomplish a balanced effort from top players like Jaren Jackson Jr., Mikal Bridges, and others.
Who do you think will emerge victorious in the clash of these two titans? Be sure to let us know your predictions and thoughts for the match in the comment.
