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Video game's controversial image ignites new rivalry for the Hawks

(Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

The Atlanta Hawks may be in rebuild mode, but the future looks bright with rookies like John Collins on the roster.

The Hawks' first round pick is a big man with exceptional dunking skills. He displayed that during his time at Wake Forest and in the NBA Summer League, where he shot almost 60 percent from the floor and scored 77 points in five games.

NBA 2K18 released its player ratings before the video game's release in September. With the rating is an image of Collins, dunking over Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Ingram.

Ingram was the Lakers top rookie in 2016, and they're looking for more out of him this season. But neither Ingram nor some his teammates liked 2K having him posterized on the wrong end of a made up dunk.

The Lakers 2017 first round pick Lonzo Ball threatened the video game makers.

2K was quick to even the score. On Ingram's rating, they reversed the script, having Ingram dunking right back on Collins.

Collins' teammates backed him up.

Funny how a fake dunk may have just created a real rivalry. When the Hawks and Lakers meet this season, we'll just have to see which poster will end up being real.

PHOTOS | 1st round pick John Collins

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