In a league that goes through drastic changes every few years, competing for decades is simply remarkable. The NBA witnessed two such players in LeBron James and Kobe Bryant as they played through multiple eras of basketball. During their glorious run in the league, James and Bryant made unprecedented names for themselves. The two greats have etched their name in NBA history with their legendary careers. However, how have they fared in NBA’s favorite game off-court?

The NBA is a global phenomenon with a rich history of fabled athletes. However, since 1999, its popularity has increased fourfold. This can majorly be credited to an off-court innovation that lets the fans be part of the NBA in a unique way. NBA 2k has revolutionized how the NBA can be consumed. With fans and players alike taking part in the game, its popularity goes unquestioned. A former NBA star, too, played his hand in the game but had some interesting picks when it came to his favorite players in the game.

Former NBA star hails LeBron James and Kobe Bryant

Since its release, NBA 2k has been one of the most popular video games in the world. While fans admire the thrill of feeling connected to the league, NBA players themselves play to the game, simply for the competitiveness and excitement. Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas too seems to have enjoyed the game over the years.

NBA 2k changes its rating and play style according to the current trends in the league. However, due to LeBron James’ longevity, there have been 21 versions of The King in the game. Similarly, Kobe Bryant has had his share of versions with unique skills over the years. While discussing his favorite players to play with in the game, the former Washington Wizards guard listed out James and Bryant, also mentioning his favorite versions of them in the game.

“Probably Bron, I forgot what year but he had this move where he drives baseline…..hook back in so you can just drive baseline the whole time….and then come back on court. 2013? And then there was one where, I don’t know what year it was on, for Kobe where he had this weird spin that just got by everybody” said the former All-Star, discussing his favorite players to play NBA 2k with.

READ MORE : 3x All-Star Gilbert Arenas Once Just Trailed LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and 3 Other Legends in NBA 2K Rating

Arenas claimed that LeBron James and Kobe Bryant emerged as his favorite players to play 2k with over the years. However, he further listed more players that he had a terrific time playing with. The likes of Philadelphia 76ers‘ James Harden and Houston Rockets legend, Yao Ming, all made it to the cut.

Arenas lists more players

The NBA 2k game has historically excited fans with new versions every year. Each year, a new and upgraded version comes up, with refreshed ratings and skills that set each player apart. James Harden has had various versions of himself in the game that have made his presence in the game a dominant force. Arenas acknowledged this very aspect of The Beard, also naming him as one of his favorites to play with.

“James Harden is a cheat code too sometimes” Arenas said, hailing the 10-time All-Star’s NBA 2k presence. He also had some appreciation for Yao Ming, saying “Yao is a cheat code. All team Houston, s**t like that, when they got Yao at his best….it be glitching, his elbow’s scoring, s**t like that.”

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Arenas showed his love for some of the most talented athletes in the basketball world and their 2k versions. With the game releasing its 25th version this year, it only raises the excitement of fans and players alike. The new ratings have also been a major point of discussion, as always.