Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves has been doing well with Team USA as it prepares for the start of the FIBA World Cup just days from now.
The team went 5-0 in its exhibition games, and Reaves turned in some nice performances. It will face New Zealand in group play on Aug. 26.
The undrafted Arkansas native has made a nice impression on his Team USA teammates. In fact, he hinted he may be trying to recruit at least one of them to eventually join him in Los Angeles.
Via The Athletic:
“Reaves has even played into the idea of being a lead recruiter for the Lakers, following a long line of Team USA being the soil for seeding super teams — most famously in 2008 when (LeBron) James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh formed a bond that led them to team up in Miami in 2010,” wrote Jovan Buha.
“‘I can’t speak on that,’ Reaves said, laughing. ‘But I like some of the guys we’re playing with. So … yeah.'”
While there isn’t a James or Wade on this edition of Team USA, there are a few men who could help the Lakers transition into life after James.
Who could be the right star for Reaves to recruit?
Some Lakers fans may love the idea of Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards coming to the team. He has done extremely well so far, scoring 34 points in the squad’s last exhibition contest, and he could be on the verge of exploding into an NBA superstar this season.
The 22-year-old 6-foot-4 guard averaged 24.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.4 assists a game during the 2022-23 campaign, and he is emerging as something of a defensive standout.
Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers is emerging as a bona fide star. He put up 20.7 points and 10.4 assists a game while shooting 40% from 3-point range this past season, and at 6-foot-5, he can play both guard spots.
The idea of Brandon Ingram returning to the Lakers is irresistible to some. The New Orleans Pelicans forward averaged 24.7 points per contest last season, and he is one of the game’s best one-on-one players. Plus, just days away from his 26th birthday, he’s still young enough to help carry the torch after James leaves.
But perhaps the likeliest candidate is Mikal Bridges, who is reportedly developing a bond with Reaves. After being traded by the Phoenix Suns to the Brooklyn Nets in February, Bridges had 26.1 points a game in 27 regular season games. He is considered a lockdown defender on the other end of the floor.
