Lakers News: Team USA, Austin Reaves Blow Out Team Jordan, Advance To Round 2

Team USA goes 3-0 in pool play!

Although it's hardly a surprise, Team USA has improved to a 3-0 record as it wraps up the first round group stage of 2023 FIBA World Cup competition, thanks to a massive 110-62 win over Team Jordan earlier today in Manila.

Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Austin Reaves had a more modest night than his previous high-scoring outing against Team Greece on Monday, but nevertheless he once again proved to be an efficient option off the bench for Team USA. Across 19 minutes (tied for the second-highest total on the team, behind Tyrese Haliburton), Reaves chipped in eight points on 3-of-6 shooting from the floor (2-of-4 from deep), two rebounds, an assist (against four turnovers) and a steal.

Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star wing Anthony Edwards paced the program with 22 points, eight boards and four dimes. Milwaukee Bucks big man Bobby Portis (13 points), Memphis Grizzlies Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. (12 points, six boards, two rejections), and New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson (10 points, four dishes) all also contributed double-digit scoring.

On the Team Jordan side, former Brooklyn Nets wing Rondae Hollis-Jefferson was the top scorer, notching 20 points, pulling down seven rebounds and dishing out three dimes.

In the second round group stage, Team USA is set to next face off against Montenegro and Lithuania. The latter club could actually be somewhat of a threat. New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas is averaging 13.7 points and 10 rebounds per game for his homeland, which has also gone 3-0 thus far in advancing to the second round. Lithuania got there in part by walloping Montenegro 91-71, despite the latter club also boasting a solid NBA starting center in Chicago Bulls big man Nikola Vucevic. 

Are you following us on Twitter, Facebook, or YouTube yet? Join the conversation as we discuss the latest Lakers news and rumors with fans like you!