General managers and team owners worry that their top players may be exposed to the idea of teaming up with other stars when they participate in international events with Team USA. Such recruiting has resulted in numerous superstar partnerships throughout the years, beginning with LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade’s decision to team up in Miami prior to the 2010 summer season.

Now, the Lakers will have a player at the World Cup: guard Austin Reaves of Team USA, who fell to Lithuania on Sunday but will play Italy in the quarterfinals. And now would be a great moment for Reaves to suggest to a few of his stellar USA teammates that they look into signing with the Lakers.

This Monday, Reaves was questioned by Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times if he were actively recruiting. “No, no, no,” Reaves emphasized repeatedly. “Not me. I’d never do it.

Woike emphasized that players must not interfere with one another in any way. Reaves agreed, sаying, “I sаy the weather in L.A. is good. As for me, I’m done.

People on the U.S. Team Bonded Closely

Nonetheless, Reaves revealed to Woike that the quick friendships he’s made at the World Cup have shocked him. Many players, whether or not they actively participate in recruiting, share that feeling upon joining Team USA. Having to play in a foreign country with somewhat different and quirky international rules can rapidly bring guys together during intense workouts.

To be very frank, I was unaware,” Reaves admitted. “I didn’t go into it thinking, ‘I’m going to become close with four, five, six guys.’ to be completely honest. I didn’t know what to expect, as I told you in Las Vegas. However, the ability to connect with all of these players is invaluable; it’s not just Kal (Bridges) or Cam (Johnson) or Tyrese (Haliburton).

Getting to know all the coaches and players on the team. We are spending so much time together in a foreign place that going out is out of the question. It’s chaotic outside the hotel if you leave, so you’re basically trapped inside. You’re constantly in each other’s company. It’s nice that we can establish these connections.

Reaves Has Contributed Well As A U.S. Bench Player

Reaves had been one of the top players in the FIBA competition up until the loss to Lithuania, when he scored just seven points and committed five fouls in just 13 minutes of action. Even on the defensive, he had trouble.

His shooting percentages dropped to 52.0% and his 3-point percentage dropped to 46.2%, resulting in 10.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game.

His 15 points, five boards, six assists, and two steals against Greece in the opening round of pool play was his finest game statistically. That day, he had a plus-19 rating.

And happily for us, the USA is still in the World Cup. The current FIBA tournament structure has teams competing in two pools before moving on to the elimination round. The U.S. will play Italy in the quarterfinals and, if successful, will face the winner of Latvia and Germany in the semis.