Austin Reaves was one of the few positive surprises with the Los Angeles Lakers last season. The 24-year-old could soon become interesting for the DBB team.
According to information from SPOX Reaves has had a German passport for a few months. This was made possible because Reaves’ grandmother is German. There are also other connections to Germany, Reaves’ brother Spencer will play for Brose Bamberg next season and was already active in the ProA for the Bayer Giants Leverkusen last year.
Reaves was not drafted in 2021, instead the guard signed a two-year contract as a free agent with the Los Angeles Lakers for a total of $2.5 million. His deal for the upcoming season is not yet guaranteed, but it can be assumed that the Lakers will keep the guard.
The 24-year-old was used in 61 games last year and even started 19 times. Reaves averaged 7.3 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 23.2 minutes, 45.9 percent from the field and 31.7 percent from the line of three. Reaves is best known for a meme with LeBron James as he gave the rookie heaps of instructions on the field, leaving Reaves visibly confused.
Austin Reaves: LeBron James is also a fan
But he also made sporting headlines among other things, Reaves hit a game winner in Dallas in overtime and convinced throughout the season with his stubborn defense. In the last game of the season against the Denver Nuggets, Reaves recorded a career-first triple-double with 31 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists.
“There’s something special about Lakers nation and for him it’s just the beginning,” LeBron tweeted about Reaves after the season, calling him a “gem” during the season.
It is unclear whether Reaves will ever play for the DBB. There are no plans for the Lakers guard to wear the eagle jersey in the near future, but this could change in the coming years. A few weeks ago, Nick Weiler-Babb received a German passport from FC Bayern and is also part of national coach Gordon Herbert’s squad. According to FIBA rules, teams are allowed to have one “naturalized” player in their squad, and Weiler-Babb will most likely take this place at the EuroBasket.
Austin Reaves: His stats in the NBA
| Saison | Team | games | MIN | PTS | FG% | 3P% | REB | AST |
| 21/22 | Lakers | 61 | 23,2 | 7,3 | 45,9 | 31,7 | 3,2 | 1,8 |
