Austin Reaves of the United States. SOPA Images

What Austin Reaves' performance at World Cup means for Lakers

By Ethan Temkin | Last updated 8/30/23

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves' excellent performance for Team USA at the FIBA World Cup in the Phillipines should have Lakers fans excited.

Reaves is certainly making an impression on his teammates.

"Austin plays great every night, there's nothing new," Anthony Edwards said, via NBA reporter Joe Viray. "He's a hooper, man, there's nothing surprising."

Reaves, who scored eight points in a 110-62 win Wednesday against Jordan, has demonstrated these traits at the tournament, scoring in a variety of ways — from spot-up shooting and off-ball movement to isolation situations. He also has easily broken down defenders one-on-one and attacked the basket or found an open man.

Against Jordan in Manila, he reached deep into his bag for a step-back three-pointer as the shot slock was winding down.

Another angle of Austin Reaves skillfully executing a stepback 3-pointer, placing the ball perfectly between the defenders from the Jordan team pic.twitter.com/mTKk12CuXK
— NBArepublic.com (@nba_republic) August 30, 2023

In addition, Reaves has displayed his defensive talents, outhustling his opponents for rebounds and loose balls and sticking with his man.

Reaves is averaging 11 points, three rebounds and 4.3 assists per game at the World Cup for the 3-0 Americans. His performance highlights his potential to not only contribute significantly to the national team's success but to co-exist and make a positive impact on a team with star players.

Reaves has been one of the standouts for the Americans, earning praise from other players and coaches alike, with head coach Steve Kerr having a lot of positive things to say about Reaves, via Sports Illustrated.

"He fits in wherever we put him, that’s the beauty of Austin. He’s a connector. He’s a hell of a basketball player. He’s physical, shoots, and passes it. Just so poised out there all the time. He’s a guy who enhances any lineup that he plays with."

If Reaves continues his stellar play — and there’s no reason to suggest that he won’t — it's great news for the Lakers, who agreed to a four--year, $54 million max extension with him in July.

The versatility Reaves has demonstrated during the FIBA World Cup aligns perfectly with Lakers needs. LeBron James and Anthony Davis have the major roles on offense, so Reaves' ability to provide scoring options without the ball in his hands — as well as to create plays and defend multiple positions — makes him a valuable asset to a team with championship aspirations.

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