How much time Lakers rookie Bronny James will spend in the NBA this season remains up in the air.
The second-round pick is expected to play alongside his father at the start of the season, making NBA history, but he's likely headed for the G League for much of the year to continue his development.
While Lakers fans might only see glimpses of James at the NBA level this season, any fan will be able to break out NBA 2K25 and see him. The 19-year-old will be in the game, as is the case with any rookie draft pick entering the league.
The burning question following Summer League, though, was James' 2K25 rating. Many believe the hype surrounding James exceeds what he's earned. Will his rating reflect that, or will it be more in line with players selected near the back end of the draft?
Here's what to know about James' NBA 2K25 rating.
MORE: Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and A'ja Wilson make history with NBA 2K25 ratings
What is Bronny James NBA 2K25 rating?
James will be rated a 68 overall on NBA 2K25.
On Aug. 16, Ronnie Singh, also known as Ronnie 2K, revealed James' official rating alongside other peers in the 2024 NBA Draft class. Nos. 1 and 2 overall picks Zaccharie Risacher and Alexandre Sarr are both rated 75 overall, making them the highest-rated rookies in the game.
James is one of 17 rookies to earn the 68 overall rating.
— Ronnie 2K 2K25 (@Ronnie2K) August 16, 2024
James went on the record before the draft by saying he believes he should have a rating of 81, which ruffled some feathers. 81 isn't realistic for any late second-round pick, let alone most rookies in any season.
Still, it wouldn't make much sense to hear James give himself a low rating. He believes in his ability, and the Lakers are hopeful he can become the kind of player who earns an 81 or higher.
Victor Wembanyama is the only rookie to ever begin his career with a 2K rating higher than 81 — he was an 84 overall before playing a game — so 81 was well out of the question for any rookie this year in what was considered a weak draft class.
Then again, a low 2K rating is something a player can recover from. Giannis Antetokounmpo began his career as a 60 overall when he was still a little-known commodity out of Greece, while Rudy Gobert was as low as 52 out of the same draft.
MORE: Serena Williams throws playful jab at Bronny James during ESPYs
When are NBA 2K25 ratings released?
NBA 2K25 will begin to roll out the top 100 ratings on Monday, Aug. 19.
NBA 2K25 is set to be released on Sept. 6. The game recently revealed four covers, with Jayson Tatum on the standard cover. The WNBA edition features Las Vegas Aces star A'ja Wilson, while the All-Star edition features both Tatum and Wilson.
NBA 2K25 will also release a Hall of Fame edition with Vince Carter on the cover. Carter was elected to the Hall of Fame in April.
