You may know Austin Reaves as someone impressive on the court, but off-court he’s someone deeply rooted in his beliefs and value systems. Yes, behind his calm demeanor and killer instinct, he values privacy and a simple life. He’s not like other hoopsters and doesn’t ever wait for the Hollywood spotlight, preferring a low-key lifestyle when not playing. So, with that, let’s take a look into the Lakers star’s family and his background.

Where is Austin Reaves from? Is the LA Lakers star from Germany?

Austin Reaves, the LA Lakers breakout star, hails from Newark, Arkansas. He was born on May 29, 1998, and he was destined for basketball greatness. While his roots are deeply American, his family story is more diverse than it appears on the surface, mind you! His ethnicity is a blend of American and German heritage. His family roots run deep, shaped by two basketball-playing parents and a grandmother with German heritage. So now that we know about his background, let’s look into his parents.

Brian Reaves and Nicole Willett were both former college basketball players.

Austin’s mother, Nicole, hooped for Arkansas State. She was an All-Conference Forward for the Red Wolves from 1990 to 1992. Nicole’s college career was impressive, as she averaged 21.3 points during her senior year. She’s always been a fierce competitor, and her passion for basketball undoubtedly influenced Austin, who’s undeniably made her incredibly proud!

Austin’s father, Brian, also played for Arkansas State. He was a standout player who recorded 384 career assists. His expertise laid a solid foundation. Brian was a demanding mentor, always pushing AR to improve. Despite his tough approach, though, the Lakers youngster deeply appreciated his father’s guidance.

So, although Austin Reaves is American by nationality, his ethnicity carries a deeper story.

His grandmother, from his father’s side, is of German descent. This German connection means that Austin, alongside his brother Spencer, has the option for German citizenship. Spencer currently plays for Brose Bamberg in Germany.

The hoopster’s upbringing in an athletic family provided Austin with the ideal environment to thrive. Both of his parents knew the game inside out. The Laker often credits his parents for helping him navigate the highs and lows of his career. In addition to their support, his parents continue to offer invaluable advice!

Nicole is his biggest critic and supporter. She is often the first person he texts after a game, whether it’s a win or loss. Similarly, Brian is a constant source of motivation. This combination of tough love and guidance has helped Austin become the player he is today.

Did Austin Reaves show interest in playing for the German National Team?

Back in 2023, Austin Reaves expressed a desire to play for Germany’s national basketball team. Having German roots, he technically had the option to pursue German citizenship. Many wondered if he might represent the country in international competitions, especially given the growing ties between the NBA and European basketball. But, a twist arrived.

The hoopster ultimately chose to represent Team USA instead.

Yes, you read it right, as he was selected to join the 2023 U.S. national team for the FIBA World Cup. This decision was a big deal, especially considering AR’s unique status. With this, he also became the third undrafted NBA player to make a U.S. national team, following in the footsteps of Ben Wallace in 2002 and Brad Miller in 2006.

His performance there validated his decision to choose the U.S. He had a stellar tournament, averaging 13.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. He shot a remarkable 57% from the field and 50% from three-point range. His efficiency on both ends of the floor was impressive, especially considering his key role coming off the bench.

Do you know that he had a standout game against Greece? Yes, he was named Player of the Game. A team-high 15 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals. This helped Team USA secure a fourth-place finish in the World Cup.

However, despite the initial intrigue about him possibly playing for Germany, Austin Reaves ultimately chose to wear the red, white, and blue. It was a decision that paid off, marking another milestone in his fast-rising NBA career.