The 2023 FIBA World Cup semifinals witnessed an intense showdown between Team USA and Germany. The former teammates, Austin Reaves and Dennis Schroder, saw themselves on the opposite side of the game. Despite the Lakers’ guard scoring 21 points, Dennis Schroder-led Germany eliminated from the title contention Team USA. After the exhilarating match, the two ex-teammates were seen embracing each other in a warm hug. Following their emotional hug, the Boston Celtics’ guard penned down a heartfelt note for the Lakers’ guard. The touching note had the internet lamenting his trade-off from the Los Angeles Lakers.

Austin Reaves and Dennis Schroder’s history

After USA’s debacle in Round 2 against Lithuania and subsequent victory against Italy, Team USA had high hopes for winning the coveted title. However, all hope came crashing down as Germany dominated Team USA in the semifinals, earning a narrow 113-111 victory. Schroder and Reaves exchanged critical baskets towards the end of the game. Schroder led the team to victory with his all-around performance, scoring 17 points, 9 assists, and 2 rebounds. He hit multiple clutch three-pointers and critical jumpers, which made fans question whether the Lakers’ idea to trade him was the best decision for the team.

Reaves and Schroder were teammates during the 2022-23 season and showed a great deal of potential, while LeBron James and Anthony Davis were on the sidelines. The dynamic duo led the Lakers to the Western Conference Finals. The two stars had to say goodbye as the Lakers let go of Dennis Schroder and resigned Austin Reaves on a four-year, $56 million contract. However, even after this, the two guards stayed close. After Team USA’s humiliating exit from the race for the gold medal, the Boston Celtics‘ guard penned a heartfelt Instagram post.

He wrote, “Gives me tears in the eyes seeing you in front of our locker room after the game still going thru the pain bc i know how big of a winner you are!!
You are a bad man on the court & off the court you are one of the most genuine persons Brodie .. that?s why the world loves you ! Stay that way ?????? & whatever the MAX is in 4 years, that?s what you gonna get !
Ps: let me hold a $ then ?
#RESPECT AR15″

Lakers fans lament letting Dennis Schroder go

In the note, he revealed that despite losing, Reaves waited outside Schroder’s locker room to congratulate him. This note attracted a lot of attention from fans who missed their on-court chemistry and Schroder’s time with the Lakers.

One fan alluded to the Los Angeles Lakers‘ recent addition, Gabe Vincent, and stated, “Don?t get me wrong. I absolutely loved the Vincent pick up. But man, sometimes I wish we could have just have Dennis that money. Time will tell if we made the right choice.” Another user wrote, “We should have kept dennis instead of going out and getting Vincent. Dennis is a winner and I feel like he will be missed this year.” A fan commented, rooting for Gabe Vincent to lead the Lakers to their 18th title, “Gabe Vincent better work out man would have loved to see him win a chip with us.”

Read More: USA Out of the FIBA World Cup! Austin Reaves and Anthony Edwards? Resilience Fades Away as Dennis Schroder?s Germany Rattle Steve Kerr

During his one-year deal with the Lakers, Schr?der played 66 games and averaged 12.6 points. His contributions also helped the Lakers finish with a 43-39 record and propelled them to the Western Conference Finals. Despite his efforts, the Lakers refused to give him the contract he deserved. Along similar lines, one fan stated, “He single-handedly held the fort down and got us some wins in the regular season last that eventually let us make he playoffs. Glad he was able to dispel the myth that vets on a minimum can?t get paid anymore.”

One user showered his love saying, “If you?re loved during your time as a Laker, you?ll always be loved by us, no matter where you go. Doesn?t matter if you?re Josh Powell, DJ Mbenga, LO, Metta, Matt Barnes, or D12.”?Another fan stated, “He?s gonna get a standing ovation when he comes back to staples“.

Dennis Schroder has proved himself in the international arena by leading Germany to the 2023 FIBA World Cup Finals. Do you believe the Los Angeles Lakers will regret letting him go?

Watch this story: ?He?s a Tough Guard to Handle?: Dejected Steve Kerr Gives ?Ton of Credit? to 29YO German Star, as USA Sufferers Humiliating Defeat in Fiba World Cup