The Suns are the 11th most successful team in the entire league, according to the rankings for the 32 teams of NBA 2K MT. At launch, Phoenix is expected to have an overall ranking of 90. The Suns will also feature five players with ratings of 80 or more in NBA 2K23, which includes this year's nominee for the 2K23 cover player:

The Lakers' fortunes changed dramatically regarding the Los Angeles Lakers when the team made the decision to sell Russell Westbrook last summer. Los Angeles traded legitimate NBA assets as well as a first-round selection for Westbrook in an exchange which was widely condemned in the moment.

The critics of the trade ended up being correct, as Westbrook ended up being the most thorn in the team's midst last season. Now, the Lakers find themselves in a situation that they're in a position to benefit when they sell Westbrook but they might have decided to give up on the possibility of doing so.

The most disappointing thing is that Westbrook seems to believe that he's an elite athlete. He took a small amount of responsibility for his team's performance during his last exit interview of the season. Westbrook has an ego for basketball which is difficult to break. Maybe the people the at NBA 2K23 can break that illusion of a ego a bit, though. Ratings for the upcoming game are beginning to be released and Westbrook's score isn't the one of a star player (which he thinks he is). It's that of the bench player who rotates.

Russell Westbrook was given an unflattering 78 overall rating in NBA 2K23.

A lot changed regarding the Los Angeles Lakers when the team decided to sell Russell Westbrook last summer. Los Angeles traded legitimate NBA assets as well as a first-round selection for Westbrook in the move which was widely criticized when it was made. The critics of the trade ended up being correct with NBA 2K23 MT, and Westbrook was the biggest thorn in the team's camp last season. The Lakers stand in a situation where they're able to make a difference when they sell Westbrook but may have already decided to give up on the possibility of doing so.