We are just over a month away from the launch of NBA 2K24, the premier NBA video game that sold over 11 million copies for last year's NBA 2K23. 2K24 will bring a lot of hype with it. The most important part of the game inevitably turns out to be the ratings of the players that will feature in it. All 30 teams will have incredibly detailed rosters that will be rated down to attributes such as dunking, three-point shooting, perimeter defense, speed, and many more.
The Lakers are among the most popular NBA franchises and will likely have a lot of players interested in using them on the video game. Along with being the Lakers, they also employ LeBron James, arguably the biggest star of the modern era. The 2022-23 Lakers entered the season with minimal chances of even making the play-in tournament, but a mid-season trade saw them go from the 11th seed to the Western Conference Finals.
With the new roster finally settled in and the Lakers re-establishing themselves as Western Conference heavyweights, let's take a look at how their roster will fare with the NBA 2K24 ratings of its players.
D'Moi Hodge - 68
Credit: Fadeaway World
NBA 2K23 Rating: None
D'Moi Hodge is the first of three two-way players that the Lakers have on their roster this season. He impressed with the Lakers during Summer League and earned a two-way spot for the season. He averaged 15.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. He's an old rookie, entering the league at 24 years old and hoping to earn a chance to impress on the court.
Alex Fudge - 68
Credit: Fadeaway World
NBA 2K23 Rating: None
Alex Fudge is a 6'9 forward with a high upside, signed by the Lakers as an undrafted free agent. He's a raw prospect that averaged just 11.8 minutes per game in five appearances at Summer League but impressed the decision-makers enough to earn a spot. Fudge posted averages of 5.8 points and 4.5 rebounds in 32 games on the University of Florida Gators.
Colin Castleton - 70
Credit: Fadeaway World
NBA 2K23 Rating: None
Colin Castleton was the Lakers' true Summer League standout, impressing fans with his versatility at his size. He averaged 13.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 4.4 assists for the Lakers in Las Vegas and earned a rightful spot on the roster. Even though he didn't rely on his jumper often, he can be an interesting prospect for the Lakers to develop.
Maxwell Lewis - 70
Credit: Fadeaway World
NBA 2K23 Rating: None
The Lakers acquired a pick in the 2023 NBA Draft's second round to ensure they got their hands on Maxwell Lewis, coming out of Pepperdine. He's a two-way prospect that stands at 6'7 and has a wingspan of 6'10, impressing draft scouts. Unfortunately, he had a horrible time at Summer League, averaging just 5.4 points on 32.4% from the field and 16.7% from three. His impressive college season where he averaged 16.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists will keep people invested in seeing his development through
Max Christie - 73
Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
NBA 2K23 Rating: 71
The first returning player from the Lakers NBA 2K23 roster is Max Christie, who held onto a roster spot despite the upheaval due to his incredible potential. The 6'6" shooter promises to keep a good long-term bet for the Lakers and could find moments to shine this season. He averaged 3.1 points and 1.8 rebounds on limited opportunity last season and will be a fun player to use on 2K with his size at guard, speed, and shooting ability.
Jalen Hood-Schifino - 73
Credit: Fadeaway World
NBA 2K23 Rating: None
The Lakers' first-round pick Jalen-Hood Schifino will come into the season with relatively low expectations after a disappointing Summer League. He was drafted due to his win-now potential as a two-way point guard but his 11.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists averages at Summer League have concerned experts. His shooting efficiency was unimpressive as well, making 31.0% from the field and 35.7% from three. While he could have started his 2K life with a higher rating, the first-round pick will have to earn increases on the court.
Jaxson Hayes - 75
Credit: Fadeaway World
NBA 2K23 Rating: 75
Jaxson Hayes is the first free agent signing to make our list, as we expect him to hold steady with the 75 rating he is ending NBA 2K23 with. Hayes still projects to be a solid rim-protecting center that serves as a lob threat but his season with the Pelicans was disappointing. He barely played and averaged 5.0 points and 2.8 rebounds when he did get the opportunity. If he wants a higher rating, he has to earn it by being the only center option behind Anthony Davis.
Cam Reddish - 76
Credit: Fadeaway World
NBA 2K23 Rating: 75
Cam Reddish hasn't found his footing in the NBA despite being drafted in 2019. After a few contentious seasons with the Hawks and the Knicks, Reddish found himself getting an opportunity with the Blazers to end last season. He averaged 9.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.4 assists, showing scouts there's still some upside for him. Hopefully, he can rise in the ratings throughout the season but a 76 is the best he can start with.
Taurean Prince - 77
Credit: Fadeaway World
NBA 2K23 Rating: 75
A great veteran forward pickup for the Lakers came with Taurean Prince, who spent last season with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 3-and-D forward had a solid season and averaged 9.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists, proving a reliable defensive presence on the perimeter while knocking down wide-open shots. That archetype should nestle him a 77 at best in NBA 2K24.
Gabe Vincent - 79
Credit: Fadeaway World
NBA 2K23 Rating: 75
Gabe Vincent went from a rotational guard on the Miami Heat to one of their key pieces in an unlikely NBA Finals run. While he showed his inconsistencies, he also showed he will take on whatever challenge without fear and guard the perimeter with effort. He averaged 12.7 points, 3.5 assists, and 1.4 rebounds in the playoff run and has definitely earned an upgrade to a 79 after ending the NBA 2K23 cycle as a lowly 75.
Jarred Vanderbilt - 81
Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
NBA 2K23 Rating: 80
Jarred Vanderbilt turned out to be one of the best-returning pieces the Lakers got in the Russell Westbrook trade, immediately establishing himself as one of the best defenders on the roster. While his offense made him unplayable at times during the playoffs, Vanderbilt will slot in as the primary POA defender for the Lakers and get a slight upgrade over the 80 rating he ended last season with.
Rui Hachimura - 81
Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
NBA 2K23 Rating: 76
.Rui Hachimura is bound to be one of the biggest risers in the game from last season after how he ended the season. While he was still figuring out his role in the Lakers rotation to end the regular season, he became a valuable piece in the playoffs. He averaged 12.2 points and 3.6 rebounds on 55.7% shooting from the field and a whopping 48.4% from three. A jump to 81 will be much-earned for Hachimura, along with the new contract he signed this offseason.
D'Angelo Russell - 82
Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
NBA 2K23 Rating: 83
D'Angelo Russell hurt his chances of getting a lucrative long-term contract with the Lakers with his disappointing playoff run. The former All-Star is clearly extremely talented but still struggles with his consistency. After a strong end to the regular season, Russell was rated 83 last season. While his playoff averages of 13.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 4.6 assists should necessitate a larger drop, 2K is bound to give credence to his regular season performances as well. A -1 is sufficient, though it could be more.
Austin Reaves - 83
Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
NBA 2K23 Rating: 80
Austin Reaves started NBA 2K23 as a 74 overall player and ended the game as an 80 overall. He continued delivering for the Lakers in a breakout year in the playoffs and averaged 16.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists for that run. He emerged as the tertiary star of the Lakers behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis, with 2K likely recognizing him for the same and giving him the third-highest overall on the roster. Like Hachimura and Russell, Reaves also signed a contract extension in the summer.
Anthony Davis - 94
Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
NBA 2K23 Rating: 94
Anthony Davis entered last season with his reputation being hurt after seasons of injury impacted his on-court production. Last season, we saw AD return to the superstar everyone knows he is. He averaged 22.6 points, 14.1 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks in the playoffs but struggled with inconsistent performances. Despite that, he was arguably the best defender in the playoffs and will hold onto the 94 rating he ended the regular season with.
LeBron James - 96
Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
NBA 2K23 Rating: 97
Even while entering his 21st season in the NBA, LeBron James will be the best player on his roster heading into a new NBA 2K. LBJ defied the odds and had another strong regular season, averaging 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 6.8 assists and making the All-NBA team. Unfortunately, an injury-ridden playoff run saw James' averages drop to 24.5 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists. He won't be ranked the highest player in the NBA or even the 97 he was to end last season. A 96 is perfect for the legend at this stage in his career.
How Fun Will The Lakers Be In NBA 2K24?
Depending on how you like to play the game, the Lakers could either be a very tough team to succeed with or a very easy one. If you love spacing the floor and crossing players over on the perimeter, this won't be the roster for you. D'Angelo Russell will likely be their best in-game shooter and that won't necessarily be a rating that is featured in his skillset. Reaves, Hachimura, Prince, and more shooters are on the roster but D'Lo and maybe Reaves will be the only option to hit shots off the dribble from their guards.
If dominating the paint is how you like to play, the Lakers might be the best team for that. LeBron and AD are two of the highest-rated inside presence in the game. Jarred Vanderbilt's defense translates well into the game on the perimeter as well as on the inside. With the addition of Jaxson Hayes, the Lakers have another big option that can be devastating in pick-and-rolls which lead to easy lobs or rim finishes.
This will be a great defensive roster with the size they have. The shot-blocking will eliminate many rim attacks while the versatile defenders can use their size to mark guards within the game. It could be an incredibly fun roster if you know how to play the game, but if shooting and dribbling moves are what you want, the Lakers shouldn't be your choice.
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