'NBA 2K17' is stunning — here's how it stacks up to the real thing

Every year, it gets more and more difficult to tell the difference between the "NBA 2K" video games and real basketball. Seriously, out of the corner of your eye, the two are practically identical.

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"NBA 2K17" is no different. It looks better than ever. Don't believe me? Look at this:

Exactly! So we put together a smattering of photos of the NBA's biggest names, in real life, and juxtaposed those images with the way they look in "NBA 2K17." Check it out:

lebron comparison
Real life vs. "NBA 2K17." Associated Press / 2K
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LeBron James, who exploded to the basket on his way to a historic championship run last year, in real life:

lebron james
Jose Sanchez / Associated Press

And in "NBA 2K17":

nba 2k17
LeBron's facial expression here is pretty spot-on. 2K
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Paul George, who graces the cover of "NBA 2K17" after leading the Pacers back to the playoffs, in real life:

paul george
R. Brent Smith / Associated Press

And in "NBA 2K17":

paul george
2K
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Kevin Durant, who's looking to steamroll the NBA as part of the new Warriors super-team, in real life:

kevin durant
Image credit: Eric Gay / Associated Press Eric Gay / Associated Press

And in "NBA 2K17":

NBA 2K17
2K
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Jimmy Butler, who's looking to further cement his place as the Bulls' franchise player this year, in real life:

jimmy butler
David Zalubowski / Associated Press

And in "NBA 2K17":

nba 2k17
2K
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Draymond Green, who was a nightly triple-double threat during the playoffs with the Warriors last year, in real life:

draymond green
Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press

And in "NBA 2K17":

nba 2k17
2K
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D'Angelo Russell, who could take the bulk of the shots for the Lakers this year after the retirement of Kobe Bryant, in real life:

d'angelo russell
Jae C. Young / Associated Press

And in "NBA 2K17":

d'angelo russell
2K
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Russell Westbrook, whose trademark intensity will guide the Thunder to their first season without Kevin Durant, in real life:

russell westbrook
Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press

And in "NBA 2K17":

russell westbrook
2K
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Karl-Anthony Towns, whose superhuman athleticism got him the NBA Rookie of the Year award last year for the Timberwolves, in real life:

karl anthony towns
Steve Dykes / Associated Press

And in "NBA 2K17":

karl-anthony towns
2K
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