Amid the FIBA World Cup Heroics, Austin Reaves Receives Praises From Fellow NBA “Cult” Member: “He’s a Real Basketball Player”

The Los Angeles Lakers star guard is making the headlines for his excellent performance at the 2023 FIBA World Cup. However, Team USA suffered a setback at the hands of Lithuania in Group J for the Round of 16. With a 110-104 score, it was an embarrassing match against the Lithuanian power. Even though the loss is consequential as the USA has secured a berth in the quarterfinals, the loss was an immense blow to the team’s confidence. After a series of dazzling performances, Los Angeles Lakers star guard Austin Reaves also delivered his worst performance yet. Following the humiliating loss, an NBA All-Star shows his admiration for him.

NBA All-Star lauds Austin Reaves

During his recent appearance in the Aarthi and Sriram podcast, Andre Iguodala divulged about his relationship with Austin Reaves and their shared interest in golf. He said, “He’s a big golfer like really into golf and so when you have a guy in the NBA into golf, we’re like our own little cult in itself and so he and I will get together and play some golf, we can talk trash. He’s a lot better than folks thought he was. He’s a real basketball player, and that’s why I’m a fan of his.”

Iguodala then discussed Reaves’ flexibility, expressing how his winning mindset makes him an asset for any team he goes to. He might average more points in one team than the other, but one thing consistent is his zeal to win.

Austin Reaves’ inspirational journey

Andre Iguodala’s claim does hold a lot of weight when we take a look at Hillbilly Kobe‘s NBA journey. His first forays into his athletic journey did begin on an unfortunate note. But he soon emerged as a star player. He was undrafted at the 2021 NBA Draft before the Lakers made him a two-way offer.

Now he is one of the key players in the Lakers and has also led Team USA to various victories in the FIBA World Cup. He rose to prominence with his exceptional performance in the matchup against Greece, in which he scored 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists. However, after the defeat against Lithuania, his average dropped to 10.8 points.

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From being undrafted to being a fan favorite, Austin Reaves’ inspirational journey is sure to evoke feelings of awe. After a disastrous defeat, fans are looking forward to his comeback at the next showdown against Italy.

Watch this story: Hours After FIBA World Cup Heroics, “Captain America” Austin Reaves Welcomes Newest Lakers Star With a Simple Gesture