National basketball team captain Dennis Schröder and the Los Angeles Lakers won the duel with Franz Wagner and the Orlando Magic – the star of the evening, however, was another player with German roots.
In the 111:105 win, which was very important for the record champion’s playoff chances, Austin Reaves played the game of his life: In the absence of the injured superstar LeBron James, the shooting guard with the German grandma managed a career best of 35 points – among them all of the last 10 Lakers points of the game. There were also 6 rebounds and 6 assists. (NEWS: All current information about the NBA)
The ecstatic Lakers fans repeatedly celebrated the 24-year-old Reaves – who had previously expressed a vague interest in playing for the German national team – with shouts of “MVP”. Schröder and the other teammates also celebrated the unexpected hero extensively.
Austin Reaves and the Lakers: A Little Fairy Tale
The story of Reaves, younger brother of Bundesliga professional Spencer Reaves (Brose Baskets Bamberg), is an underdog story that seems to have been written for the LA dream factory.
Reaves grew up on a farm in Arkansas, a big fan of the Lakers and especially the tragically late Kobe Bryant. The son of two sports-loving parents – both mother and father played in college for Arkansas State – was not considered in the 2021 NBA draft. The Lakers then gave the country boy affectionately known as “Hillbilly Kobe” a chance – and he took it.
Reaves has established himself as a “role player”, both his playing time and his point average have increased again this season. The gala against Orlando was now a career highlight, which Reaves called “surreal” at the post-game press conference.
“Of course I’m not an MVP caliber,” said Reaves happily: “It still means a lot to me because it shows that they realize how much I give.”
Because of his German roots, Reaves has already aroused the interest of the DBB, according to reports he is said to have a German passport like brother Spencer. “He’s definitely interested,” Schröder reported in January – but also indicated that Reaves’ current priority is to establish himself with the Lakers. Reave’s current $1.5 million annual contract expires at the end of the season.
Victory vital for the Los Angeles Lakers
After two previous bankruptcies, the success against Orlando was a vital victory for the Lakers. (DATA: NBA results and schedule)
Currently, the Lakers would participate in the playin tournament as a shared ninth. But Utah in 11th place has just one win less and two games in hand. The Pelicans also have one win less in 12th place with a game down.
For Orlando, a playoff participation has become increasingly unlikely this season due to the 43rd loss in the 72nd game. You only have theoretical chances. Franz Wagner has to wait for his first playoffs. (DATA: All tables of the NBA)
Schröder scored twelve points against the Magic, Franz Wagner recorded 21 points and was therefore the best scorer on his team together with Paolo Banchero. Moritz Wagner, also under contract with Orlando and a German international, was not used.
With Sports Information Service (SID)
