If you’re a Lakers’ fan, swallow your pride.
The news just keeps getting worse for Team USA. After literally losing a baker’s dozen player personnel to “other commitments” their depleted roster came up short in their 2nd 2 rendez-vous with the Australian national team, led by Patty Mills the San Antonio Spurs no less. The exhibition loss marked the end a 78-game win streak for the US Men’s Basketball outfit.
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Then, it was announced that a left ankle injury would prevent Kyle Kuzma from participating in the upcoming FIBA World Cup – after much deliberation over his role within the team. With bigs like Tobias Harris, Kevin Love and Anthony Davis opting out at their earliest convenience – Kuzma looked set to take up a primary role on the fensive side the floor, his deficiencies masked by the nuclear presence P.J. Tucker.
Seeing as Kuzma was one 13 players participating in camp when the medical decision was rendered, Team USA’s roster kind finalized itself. The 12-man lineup, as coached by Gregg Popovich, is comprised Harrison Barnes (Sacramento Kings), Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics), Joe Harris (Brooklyn Nets), Brook Lopez (Milwaukee Bucks), Khris Middleton (Bucks), Donovan Mitchell (Utah Jazz), Mason Plumlee (Denver Nuggets), Marcus Smart (Celtics), Jayson Tatum (Celtics), Myles Turner (Indiana Pacers), Kemba Walker (Celtics) and coach’s pet Derrick White (San Antonio Spurs).