NBA 2K26 Player Ratings Update: Lauri Markkanen Rises, Luka Doncic Climbs, and Ja Morant Falls

2K Games has officially released a fresh round of player rating adjustments in NBA 2K26, reflecting how real-world performances are shaping the virtual hardwood.

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen leads this update after torching the Phoenix Suns for 51 points, earning a +3 boost to 87 OVR. His performance now ranks among the top eight single-game scoring feats in Jazz history — and it’s helping solidify his status as one of the league’s most dynamic forwards.

🌟 Major Winners

🔼 Lauri Markkanen (+3, 87 OVR)

Markkanen’s 51-point showcase was impossible to ignore. The Finnish star continues to anchor Utah’s offense and remains one of the most improved players in the league — both in-game and on the court.

🔼 Luka Doncic (+2, 97 OVR)

Despite missing four games, Luka Doncic remains on fire for the Los Angeles Lakers. His consistency, court vision, and clutch play have earned him a bump to 97 OVR, solidifying his spot among the league’s elite.

🔼 Austin Reaves (+3, 88 OVR)

While Doncic was sidelined, Austin Reaves stepped up — and 2K noticed. His strong performances have made him one of the top secondary scorers in the game, boosting him into the high-80s tier.

🔼 Jalen Johnson (+4, 85 OVR)

The Atlanta Hawks forward saw one of the biggest rating spikes of this update, rising four points after showing breakout potential and strong two-way play.

📉 Major Drops

🔽 Trae Young (-2, 88 OVR)

Inconsistency continues to haunt Trae Young, causing his overall to dip from the 90s into the high-80s. While still elite offensively, his recent cold streaks are reflected in this latest update.

🔽 Ja Morant (-2, 89 OVR)

The Memphis Grizzlies guard takes a step back following uneven performances since returning to the lineup. His trademark explosiveness remains intact, but efficiency concerns have lowered his OVR.

🏆 Notable Division Highlights

🟢 Atlantic Division

• Jaylen Brown (BOS) +1 → 91

• Tyrese Maxey (PHI) +3 → 89

• Joel Embiid (PHI) -2 → 90

• Karl-Anthony Towns (NYK) -2 → 90

🔴 Central Division

• Josh Giddey (CHI) +3 → 85

• Nikola Vucevic (CHI) +1 → 83

• Bennedict Mathurin (IND) +2 → 81

• Myles Turner (MIL) -2 → 81

🟡 Southeast Division

• LaMelo Ball (CHA) +1 → 88

• Jalen Johnson (ATL) +4 → 85

• Bam Adebayo (MIA) +1 → 89

• Trae Young (ATL) -2 → 88

🔵 Northwest Division

• Lauri Markkanen (UTA) +3 → 87

• Jamal Murray (DEN) +1 → 87

• Julius Randle (MIN) +2 → 88

🟣 Pacific Division

• Stephen Curry (GSW) +1 → 95

• Luka Doncic (LAL) +2 → 97

• Austin Reaves (LAL) +3 → 88

• Devin Booker (PHX) +1 → 92

⚫ Southwest Division

• Victor Wembanyama (SAS) +1 → 95

• Alperen Sengun (HOU) +1 → 88

• Ja Morant (MEM) -2 → 89

🔥 What This Update Means

These midseason updates give NBA 2K26 players a more authentic experience, mirroring the real NBA’s shifting power balance. With stars like Markkanen, Reaves, and Wembanyama on the rise — and others like Trae Young sliding — the dynamic roster system continues to evolve weekly.

Whether you’re building your MyTEAM lineup or dominating in MyCAREER, these new ratings will shake up matchups and strategies across every mode.

🧠 Final Thoughts

This latest player ratings update perfectly captures the drama of the early NBA season. Rising stars are earning recognition, established names are holding their ground, and a few struggling superstars are feeling the pressure.

Keep grinding, keep winning, and don’t forget to check back for future rating drops — the NBA 2K26 season is just getting started.

Explore more NBA 2K26 news, guides, and player updates on the 1v1Me blog