Lakers News: Austin Reaves’ Inner Circle Thought He Was Being Recruited To Team USA Select Team

They got quite the surprise!

Austin Reaves continued making an even bigger name for himself during the 2023 offseason as he landed a five-year extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, debuted his signature shoe line and also represented the USA in the FIBA World Cup tournament. Reaves, at just 25-years-old, became one of the hottest topics in the basketball world following a breakout postseason with the purple and gold.

Reaves was given the opportunity to showcase his ability to fit and contribute on a squad filled with players very different than his Lakers teammates. Among them were Anthony Edwards, Mikel Bridges and Jalen Brunson just to name. Steve Kerr was named head coach of Team USA and he utilized Reaves fully off the bench.

Even though the US failed to even get the bronze medal in the tournament, the hoops world continued to grow their respect for the former Oklahoma guard as he consistently scored in the double-digits against international competition while creating other open looks for others.

However, it looks like when Reaves first received the invite to represent America in the FIBA World Cup, his inner camp initially thought he was being asked to join the Select team, not the official team. Zach Lowe shared this information during an interview with his Austin Reaves on Lowe's own podcast.

"Someone close to you told me that when Rob Pelinka told your group that Grant Hill was going to reach out about Team USA," said Lowe. "Someone in your group said, 'Wait, is he going to be on the Select Team."

(Via The Lowe Post)

This year's Team USA Select Team featured some excellent young NBA players such as Jalen Green, Chet Holmgren and Cade Cunningham just to name a few. It still would have been a great honor to be a part of this roster but Reaves being asked to play in the actual tournament games showcased exactly what his value is around the league right now.

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