Lakers News: International Fans Appreciating Austin Reaves' Play For Team USA

He is excelling at every level!

In just a year, it was very easy to see the kind of fan favorite player that Austin Reaves was becoming and it was definitely a product of him playing his best basketball on the biggest stage possible. The beauty of basketball is that a single player can change the energy and momentum of a game with just one play.

Reaves was able to do just that for the Los Angeles Lakers multiple times during the 2023 playoffs such as when he sank a half-court buzzer beater against the Golden State Warriors or yelled 'I'm Him!' after sinking a go-ahead bucket against the Memphis Grizzlies.

The confidence only continues to grow within the 25-year-old guard as he is now playing for Team USA in the FIBA World Cup and has found his way next other elite ball-handlers and scorers. His impact and performances in the team's first five exhibition matches before official tournament games start make a case for him to actually be in the starting lineup but head coach Steve Kerr knows what he's doing.

He has been among those highlighting Reaves' IQ and ability to plug into any lineup and loves being able to coach him this summer. The former Oklahoma guard opened up about what it's been like to play against international competition and revealed that he has been feeling the love from fans all over.

"Being in a different country, I was surprised when a fan shouted my name, it was special to me and would never take that for granted. One day, I will look back at this moment with a smile," said Reaves.

 (Via Khaleej Times)

It's great to see Reaves' fanbase growing as he represents the US in this exclusive tournament. On top of a potential gold medal, the entire Lakers community hopes to see him continue his rise.

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