From friends to rivals, the player that wants to face the most in the FIBA World Cup

The Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves had a breakout season and some impressive performances in the playoffs, especially against the Golden State Warriors which made him earn a spot in the roster for Team USA that will compete in the FIBA World Cup.

But before getting the invitation to play with Team USA to represent the states in the World Cup, Reaves spoke with his then-teammate Dennis Schröder about playing for Team Germany as the Lakers star has dual citizenship. In the end, Austin decided to play for Team USA.

Reaves passed from almost playing alongside Dennis Schröder with Team Germany to now having the opportunity to face him beyond the stage group in the FIBA World Cup.

“Definitely want to play Dennis. Obvious reasons, he’s a really good friend of mine. Obviously he’s going to Toronto next year which I’m kind of sad about but happy for him. But definitely want to compete against him.” Said Austin Reaves.

Dennis Schröder has signed with the Toronto Raptors for the next season

Dennis Schroder had a redemption year for the Lakers after agreeing to come back to the team on a one-year deal the previous summer. The German was a key cog in Darvin Ham’s rotation and went on to help them win several games during their playoff run. Dennis signed with the Toronto Raptors for two years on a 26 million contract.