Austin Reaves is the only undrafted free agent playing for Team USA in the World Cup this summer. He's one of only two players (Jalen Brunson, the other) who wasn't a first round pick.
But while surrounded by some of the best young talent in the NBA (including some All-Stars), Reaves is showing that he absolutely belongs. He's playing very well, providing a real spark for the US as it preps for the real tournament later this month. For Lakers fans, this isn't exactly surprising. And it's certainly not for this show's hosts, who predicted Reaves would play a significant role on Team USA, and that his coaches would love what he brings.
But it's meaningful for the Lakers that Reaves, called a connector by Steve Kerr, has an ability to do just that - connect players - while still asserting himself in important ways throughout a game. That's a difficult thing to do, and something critical if your running mates in your day job are, say, LeBron James and Anthony Davis. There are some who wonder whether Reaves can carry through his final stretch of the season/playoffs over 82 regular season games when he will, once and for all, sneak up on nobody.
More people are wondering if this will be a true breakout season. Which begs the question, what exactly does a breakout season for Reaves even look like? It's an interesting question for a guy who is already seen as a very productive player, and has a bit of a cult following.
Meanwhile... James Harden! Ha!
These are the things you can have fun with when the disgruntled star-you-don't-want isn't even slightly connected to the Lakers. Like, at all.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: Austin Reaves is playing well for Team USA, which should surprise... nobody.
SEGMENT 2: What does a breakout season for Austin Reaves look like?
SEGMENT 3: Let's talk about James Harden.
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