Austin Reaves was enjoying the best season of his career for the Los Angeles Lakers before injuries ruined things. Reaves averaged a career-high 23.3 points per game, but was limited to only 51 games and also missed the start of the playoffs.
But his overall play when he was on the court greatly outweighed the time he missed to those in charge of the new NBA 2K27 video game. Reaves’ rating has climbed to the highest its ever been as he received an 88 rating, up three points from last year’s edition, via NBA 2K on X:
Moving up the list for the NBA 2K27 Top 💯
Are you surprised by any names here? pic.twitter.com/TfsXq6Lzj6
— NBA 2K (@NBA2K) August 13, 2026
The jump in rating is certainly earned as Reaves was on his way to his first career All-Star appearance before a strained left calf took him out for 19 games. And once he was finally finding his rhythm again alongside Luka Doncic and LeBron James, a Grade 2 left oblique strain took him out again. While he was able to return in the middle of the Lakers’ postseason run, he struggled to find his footing.
But that doesn’t take away from the fact that Reaves proved he is on another level and the folks at 2K agreed, hence his rating boost. Reaves is one of the best in the league at getting to the rim and drawing fouls while also being an excellent 3-point shooter. He is also a solid team defender who regularly ranks near the top of the league in charges drawn and he fits perfectly alongside superstar Luka Doncic.
Now armed with a new max contract, even more will be expected of Reaves this season. Doncic is the leader and face of the franchise, but Reaves will need to play at an All-Star level in order for the Lakers to reach their potential and compete in the Western Conference.
Austin Reaves looking forward to Lakers’ team bonding trip in Slovenia
The new-look Lakers have a lot of growing and chemistry building to go through and Doncic is getting that process started early by bringing the entire team to his home country of Slovenia for a minicamp and overall team bonding. And Reaves is looking forward to it, noting that he will enjoy being able to beat Doncic in golf while out there, but also being excited to just spending time with and getting to know his new teammates.
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