In NBA 2K25, mastering the layup system can give players a significant edge on the court. With improved mechanics and more dynamic player animations, choosing the best layup style is now more crucial than ever. Whether you’re slashing to the rim in MyCareer or breaking ankles in The City, the layup package you equip can directly affect your scoring ability. Selecting the right style isn’t just about flash it’s about functionality, efficiency, and making sure your build can finish strong through contact or finesse around defenders.
Understanding Layup Styles in NBA 2K25
What Is a Layup Style?
In NBA 2K25, layup styles are animation packages that dictate how your player performs layups. Each style comes with its own set of animations, timing windows, gather steps, and finishing angles. Choosing the right layup package depends heavily on your player’s attributes, especially driving layup rating, speed, and ball-handling capability.
Why Layup Style Matters
Layups are one of the most frequent finishing options in the game, particularly for guards and slashers. A good layup style can help you:
- Avoid blocks from defenders
- Use the glass efficiently
- Get and-one opportunities
- Convert contested finishes more reliably
Top-Rated Layup Styles in NBA 2K25
Long Athlete Layup Package
This is one of the most popular layup styles, especially for taller guards and forwards. It provides extended animations that create space between you and the defender, allowing smoother finishes. The long strides help avoid blocks and are ideal for slashing builds.
- Best for: Slashers, tall guards, small forwards
- Driving Layup Required: 88+
- Strength: Hard to block, great reach
- Weakness: Slightly slower gather
Ja Morant Layup Package
New in NBA 2K25, the Ja Morant package brings explosive acrobatic finishes. It features a variety of stylish animations and quick gathers that mimic Morant’s real-life flair. It’s great for players who thrive on creativity and unpredictability around the rim.
- Best for: Playmakers, athletic guards
- Driving Layup Required: 87+
- Strength: Flashy and fast, hard to predict
- Weakness: Some animations are risky if poorly timed
Michael Jordan Layup Package
This classic style is known for its double clutch and reverses, which are both stylish and practical. The MJ package gives you elite options when attacking from the baseline or going up against taller defenders.
- Best for: Shot creators, balanced guards
- Driving Layup Required: 85+
- Strength: Great reverses and body control
- Weakness: Requires good timing under pressure
Default Small Layup
Surprisingly effective, the Default Small layup package is efficient and quick, making it a reliable option for shorter builds. It offers simple animations with minimal gather, making it harder for defenders to react.
- Best for: Undersized guards, pure speed builds
- Driving Layup Required: None (default access)
- Strength: Quick release and great for close-range scoring
- Weakness: Lacks creativity or finesse
Steph Curry Layup Package
This style leans heavily on finesse and touch around the rim. Featuring floaters and finger rolls, it’s excellent for avoiding contact and finishing off pick-and-roll actions. Curry’s layup style works best when you don’t rely on brute force to score.
- Best for: Playmaking guards, sharpshooters
- Driving Layup Required: 80+
- Strength: Unpredictable finishes
- Weakness: Not ideal for contact layups
Best Layup Style for Each Build Type
Slashing Playmaker
For builds that focus on speed, ball-handling, and rim attacks, the Ja Morant or Long Athlete packages are ideal. They offer the best mix of speed and animation variety to complement your explosive playstyle.
Two-Way Guard
These builds need reliable finishing without sacrificing defensive focus. The Michael Jordan or Default Small styles work best here, balancing security and finishing efficiency.
Stretch Playmaker
If your build isn’t focused on dunking or contact finishes, go with Steph Curry’s layup package. It complements shooting builds that need to sneak in for a soft layup when space opens up.
All-Around Threat
Michael Jordan’s layup package is perfect for builds that do everything. Its animation diversity allows for creative finishes in nearly any situation.
Tips for Using Layup Styles Effectively
Master the Timing
Layup timing is essential in NBA 2K25. Even the best layup package won’t help if you mistime the finish. Use layup timing in your controller settings to gain more control, especially in traffic.
Use the Right Stick
The right stick gives you directional control over your layup, allowing reverse, euro, and hop steps. Learning how to aim your finishes based on defender positioning increases your scoring percentage dramatically.
Badge Support
Pair your layup style with finishing badges like:
- Acrobat Boosts ability to hit difficult layups
- Fearless Finisher Helps with contact layups
- Giant Slayer Useful against taller opponents
Recognize Situations
Don’t force contested layups. Instead, read the floor. If defenders are waiting in the paint, use floaters or reverses. Save your aggressive finishes for mismatches or transition plays.
Finding the best layup style in NBA 2K25 depends on your build, playstyle, and preferences. From explosive acrobatics to quick and simple finishes, the right choice can significantly improve your in-game performance. Layup packages like Long Athlete, Ja Morant, and Michael Jordan offer elite options for different situations. By combining your ideal layup style with smart positioning, good timing, and the right badges, you’ll be finishing at the rim with confidence every time. Don’t overlook the value of this seemingly small detail it can make all the difference in a close game.