The release of each new edition of the NBA 2K franchise always sparks debate, conversation, and excitement among fans and players alike. One of the biggest talking points every year is player ratings, which not only reflect a player’s past performance but also the expectations surrounding their potential in the upcoming season. This year, one name that has caught the attention of the basketball world is Austin Reaves, who has officially been given an 85 overall rating in NBA 2K26. For many, this rating serves as validation of his growth as a player and a recognition of the role he has carved out for himself with the Los Angeles Lakers. For others, it raises questions about just how quickly Reaves has gone from being an undrafted underdog to a cornerstone contributor on one of the league’s most storied franchises.
Austin Reaves’ journey to this point has been anything but conventional. Unlike many players who enter the NBA with hype and high expectations, Reaves went undrafted in 2021 after a solid but unheralded college career. He first played at Wichita State before transferring to Oklahoma, where his scoring ability and playmaking instincts started to turn heads. Still, many scouts and executives viewed him as a fringe prospect at best, someone who might catch on as a two-way player or at the end of an NBA bench if he was lucky. The Lakers took a chance on him, signing him to a two-way contract, and the rest is history. By his rookie season, he was already proving doubters wrong, hitting clutch shots and showing poise well beyond his years.
His improvement over the past three seasons has been remarkable. What started as a feel-good story about an undrafted guard making an NBA roster has transformed into one of the league’s most consistent and dependable contributors. Reaves has established himself as not only a reliable scoring option but also a versatile guard who can play both on and off the ball. His basketball IQ, combined with his steady shooting and ability to make the right play in big moments, has made him indispensable to the Lakers. By the 2024-25 season, he was logging significant minutes alongside superstars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, often closing games because of his composure, shooting touch, and defensive awareness. His growth into a core piece of the Lakers rotation is precisely what makes his NBA 2K26 rating so noteworthy.
The jump to an 85 overall rating marks a significant milestone. In NBA 2K, ratings in the mid-80s are reserved for players who are either legitimate starters on strong teams or rising stars with the potential to take on even bigger roles. For context, an 85 overall rating typically puts a player in the company of established veterans who have multiple All-Star appearances or young players on the cusp of breaking through into stardom. For Reaves, it represents a formal acknowledgment by the 2K developers that he is no longer just a role player or fan favorite, but a legitimate star-caliber player whose skill set impacts winning basketball at the highest level.
The attributes that likely contributed to Reaves’ jump in rating are easy to identify. His shooting, both from three-point range and the midrange, has become increasingly reliable. He has developed a knack for hitting difficult shots under pressure, which often translates into high ratings in categories like “Shot IQ” and “Clutch Factor” within the game. His passing ability has also been steadily improving, as he has shown the ability to run pick-and-rolls, find open teammates, and keep the offense flowing when primary ball-handlers are off the floor. On defense, Reaves may not be the most physically imposing guard, but his anticipation, effort, and awareness allow him to hold his own against tough matchups. All of these qualities add up to a player profile that 2K values highly.
Another key factor in this rating is the narrative around Reaves. NBA 2K ratings are not developed in a vacuum; they are influenced by storylines, fan perception, and the overall trajectory of a player’s career. Over the past year, Reaves has become one of the most talked-about young guards in the league. His strong play in international competitions, his performance in the NBA Playoffs, and his chemistry with the Lakers’ stars have elevated his profile. He has quickly become a fan favorite not just in Los Angeles, but across the NBA, where his underdog story resonates with many who admire hard work and perseverance. The developers at 2K likely took note of his rising popularity and steady production when assigning his rating.
Some fans, however, might question whether 85 is too high for Reaves at this stage of his career. Critics could argue that while he is a very good player, he has yet to prove himself as a consistent All-Star level talent. Ratings in the mid-80s are often reserved for players who are top-two or top-three options on their teams, whereas Reaves still plays a complementary role alongside LeBron and Davis. There is also the matter of consistency—while Reaves has had stretches of brilliance, including multiple 20+ point playoff performances, there are still games where his impact is more subdued. That said, the 2K ratings team may be projecting future growth as much as they are reflecting past performance, anticipating that Reaves will take on an even bigger role for the Lakers moving forward, especially as the franchise prepares for the post-LeBron era.
For the Lakers, this rating is significant in a symbolic sense. The team has been searching for younger talent to bridge the gap between the current championship window and the future. Having a player like Reaves, who is not only embraced by fans but also recognized by NBA 2K as an 85 overall contributor, speaks to the success of their scouting and development. In a league where star talent often dictates success, finding a player like Reaves without using draft capital or cap space is a massive win for the Lakers’ front office. His rating is not just a personal achievement, but also a reflection of the Lakers’ ability to maximize talent.
The gaming side of this news should not be overlooked either. For players of NBA 2K26, Reaves’ 85 overall rating makes him an incredibly valuable piece in modes like MyTeam or when playing with the Lakers in quick play. An 85 overall guard with shooting, passing, and clutch capabilities offers versatility and reliability that many players will find appealing. It also means that for fans of Reaves, controlling him in the game will feel much more rewarding, as his digital counterpart now reflects the real-world impact he has on the court.
What makes Reaves’ story even more compelling is how quickly things have turned in his favor. Just a few years ago, few people outside of Oklahoma or die-hard college basketball fans knew his name. Now, he is a starting guard for the Lakers, a key piece of their future, a rising star in the NBA, and officially an 85 overall in NBA 2K26. His journey illustrates not only the unpredictability of basketball careers but also the power of determination and belief. Every undrafted player in the league can look at Reaves and see what is possible with the right combination of talent, opportunity, and work ethic.
As the NBA season approaches, the debate around player ratings will only intensify, with fans dissecting every detail. But for Reaves, this particular rating stands as validation of all the work he has put in to reach this point. It also places him in an interesting position moving forward. With an 85 overall rating, expectations are higher than ever. Fans, teammates, and critics alike will be watching to see whether he can continue to elevate his game, potentially pushing into the upper 80s or even the 90s in future editions of NBA 2K if he makes an All-Star team or leads the Lakers deep into the postseason again.
Ultimately, Austin Reaves being officially recognized as an 85 overall in NBA 2K26 is more than just a number in a video game. It is a testament to his rise from undrafted free agent to NBA mainstay, a nod to his growing influence on one of the league’s most high-profile teams, and a signal that he has entered the conversation as one of the league’s top young guards. For the Lakers, it reinforces the value he brings to their championship hopes. For fans, it adds another layer of excitement to controlling their favorite underdog in the digital world. And for Reaves himself, it is likely just the beginning of what promises to be an even more impactful career. In many ways, his 85 overall rating serves as both recognition of his present and a challenge for his future, setting the stage for what could be his most important season yet.
