Lakers Duo Reaves and Kessler Land in NBA 2K27 Top 100
Source: SI NBA. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
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The countdown to NBA 2K27 is in its final weeks, with the latest installment of the iconic basketball simulation set to hit shelves on September 4, just ahead of training camp and the NBA preseason. As anticipation builds, a steady stream of leaks and official reveals have been lighting up social media, giving fans a glimpse of the player ratings that will define the virtual hardwood. Among the early highlights are Top 10 lists for specific attributes and, most notably, the gradual rollout of the full Top 100 overall player ratings.
For the Los Angeles Lakers, the ratings offer a mixed bag of expectations. Walker Kessler, the team's new center acquired in a trade this summer, finds himself barely inside the Top 100, slotted at No. 100 with an overall rating of 81. While Kessler is recognized as one of the top shot blockers in the game — he ranks among the elite in that category — his overall rating suggests there is room for growth. The 81 overall is hardly a stinging indictment, but it does leave room for a significant upward revision as the season unfolds. Kessler's role alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves gives him a prime platform to elevate his game on both ends of the floor. His defensive presence and ability to finish around the rim could translate into a much higher rating by the time the 2026-27 campaign wraps up.
Austin Reaves, meanwhile, has earned a much more flattering spot. The undrafted guard turned fan favorite comes in at No. 26 with an 88 overall rating. That places him just five spots and two overall points behind Anthony Davis, his former Lakers teammate now with the Washington Wizards, who earned a 90 overall at No. 21. For Reaves, this rating reflects his steady rise from a role player to a cornerstone of the Lakers' offense. In the post-LeBron James era, Reaves is expected to shoulder a heavier offensive load, and his rating could climb accordingly as the season progresses. The 88 overall is a solid foundation, but given his trajectory, it would not be surprising to see him break into the mid-90s by year's end.
Luka Doncic's placement remains a closely guarded secret, with the official reveal yet to come. However, the buzz around the league suggests he is a lock for the top five, and possibly even the No. 1 overall spot. The rating graphic shared by NBA 2K on August 14 teased the upper echelon of the list, but Doncic's specific number was not disclosed. What is clear is that he will rank well above LeBron James, now with the Philadelphia 76ers, who has already been revealed in a lower tier. Doncic's MVP-caliber play last season, combined with a revamped Lakers roster built around him, sets the stage for him to contend for the highest rating in the game — and potentially challenge for the best overall rating in NBA 2K history if he maintains his current form.
The ratings, of course, are not static. NBA 2K updates player ratings throughout the season based on real-world performance, and both Kessler and Reaves are in prime positions to benefit. Kessler, in particular, has the opportunity to transform from a borderline top-100 player into a top-50 force if he can anchor the Lakers' defense and improve his offensive game. Reaves, already a reliable scorer and playmaker, could see his rating surge as he becomes the primary secondary option behind Doncic. The Lakers' new-look roster, with its blend of youth and experience, gives both players a clear path to improvement.
As the September 4 release date approaches, fans can expect more reveals, including the Top 10 and the final ratings for Doncic and other stars. The hype surrounding NBA 2K27 is building, and for Lakers supporters, the early ratings offer both validation and hope for what the season might bring.
Article commentary
The release of NBA 2K27 ratings always sparks debate, but this year's early reveals for the Los Angeles Lakers carry particular weight. With LeBron James gone and the franchise pivoting around Luka Doncic, the ratings of Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler provide a snapshot of the team's new identity — and its potential ceilings. Walker Kessler's No. 100 ranking with an 81 overall is interesting precisely because it feels both fair and undervalued. On one hand, Kessler is still a relatively young big man who has yet to prove he can be a consistent offensive threat. His game is built on defense, shot blocking, and rebounding, which are often undervalued in overall ratings compared to scoring. But the 81 overall suggests that the game's developers see him as a rotation player rather than a star. That may be accurate for now, but it also underestimates the impact he can have in a system designed around Doncic's pick-and-roll gravity. If Kessler flourishes as a lob threat and rim protector, his rating could jump by 5-7 points by midseason. The key is whether he can stay healthy and earn consistent minutes in a crowded frontcourt. Austin Reaves at No. 26 with an 88 overall is a remarkable achievement for a player who went undrafted just three years ago. His ascent from a two-way contract to a top-30 player in NBA 2K mirrors his real-world rise. The 88 rating places him in the company of elite role players and borderline stars, and it reflects his ability to score, create, and defend. However, the leap from No. 26 to the top 15 will require him to take on a larger scoring load and prove he can be a primary option when Doncic rests. The post-LeBron era gives him that chance, but it also brings heightened expectations. If Reaves can average 22-25 points per game and improve his playmaking, a 90-plus rating is within reach. If he stagnates, the 88 may become a ceiling. Luka Doncic's withheld rating is the elephant in the room. He is widely expected to be in the top 3, possibly even No. 1, given his MVP-caliber play and the buzz around the Lakers' new roster. The fact that he is ranked above LeBron James is telling — it signals a passing of the torch in the league's hierarchy. Doncic's rating will likely be a 96 or 97, matching or exceeding the likes of Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo. This is not just a video game number; it reflects the league's perception of him as a top-tier superstar. The pressure on Doncic to deliver in Los Angeles is immense, and the NBA 2K rating adds another layer of scrutiny. Beyond the individual numbers, the ratings reveal a broader trend: the Lakers are betting on youth and versatility. Kessler and Reaves are both under 27, and their ratings are expected to rise. The team's success, however, will depend on more than just video game stats. Chemistry, health, and coaching adjustments will determine whether these ratings translate to wins. The NBA 2K27 ratings are a fun early benchmark, but they are also a reminder that the real season will write its own story.