NBA 2K26 released new player ratings on Monday, giving Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves a significant upgrade that has sparked debate among fans. Reaves jumped from an overall rating of 81 and No. 88 on the leaderboard last year to an 85 rating, placing him at No. 49, the same rating as San Antonio Spurs star De’Aaron Fox, who recently signed a $222 million contract extension.
Fan Reactions Challenge the Rating Parity Between Reaves and Fox
Many NBA 2K26 players have voiced their disagreement with this rating increase, particularly the move to match Reaves’ rating with Fox’s, who is widely seen as a higher-caliber player. Last year, Fox held an 88 rating and ranked No. 28, while this year he dropped slightly to the 85 rating but remains one spot above Reaves at No. 48.
“That’s honestly insane and wrong. Fox is a good 89, and Reaves is like a 82.” —Fan
Alongside Fox and Reaves, notable players such as Kristaps Porzingis, OG Anunoby, Scottie Barnes, DeMar DeRozan, and Zach LaVine also share the same overall rating of 85 in NBA 2K26.
Producers Highlight Reaves’ Rise and Recognition in NBA 2K26
Developers behind NBA 2K26 defended Reaves’ upgraded rating by pointing to his push for the Most Improved Player award last season, which elevated his status as a promising All-Star caliber guard. They emphasized that unlike in NBA 2K25, the Lakers guard would not be overlooked in this edition, reflecting his growing impact in the league.
Reaves Stands Out as the Sole Undrafted Player in the NBA 2K26 Top 50
The NBA 2K26 top 50 list predominantly features players recognized for their collegiate or international success, including generational talents such as LeBron James and Victor Wembanyama. Within this elite group, Austin Reaves is notable for being the only undrafted player ranked in the top 50.
Other undrafted players, Naz Reid and Luguentz Dort, appear lower on the list at No. 74 and No. 84, respectively. Reaves’ climb into the top 50 marks a career milestone, reflecting his continued improvement since entering the NBA in 2021.
Reaves’ Career Progress and Contribution to the Lakers’ Lineup
Last season, Reaves set career highs across multiple categories, averaging 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game. His contributions have been especially valuable to Lakers coach JJ Redick’s strategy, with Reaves stepping up notably during absences of teammates like LeBron James and Luka Doncic. This consistent performance has helped him earn greater recognition both on the court and in 2K26 rankings.
Reaves’ journey from undrafted free agent to an important player in one of the league’s top teams illustrates his determination and skill growth, factors that clearly influenced his updated 2K26 rating alongside well-established stars.