“At the end of the day, my time in the spotlight is dwindling, and I want to be able to control what I do and what I don’t want to do”. For Michael Jordan, the legacy he was creating was eating up on him even post-retirement. For the world itself, it would have been hard to bid adieu to a star who had dominated the game of basketball for two decades. Now, modern NBA fans may soon have to deal with bidding adieu to not one, but THREE of the greatest players the NBA has seen. With the time and spotlight ‘dwindling’ from their end too, the trio of LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant have revealed what everlasting impression they look to create through their final years.

It’s Christmas Eve, and a series of events are taking place before the NBA conduct’s its annual five games on the main day. Earlier today, ESPN held a Christmas Special to interview LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry together! During the same, LeBron reflected how, while each of them gave their best to the sport, their longevity on the court is what helped to create a mutual sense of admiration.

For Kevin Durant, he considered it a mentionable feat that, even after being above the age of 35, he and his two on-court rivals “still get up to go to the gym at 6:00 a.m. But to still want to put up a thousand shots every day, but to keep that joy and love for the game first, is what’s keeping all of us going. That shines bright every time you see them step on the floor”. Remembering facts like these are important, especially since the torch will now be passed down to a younger generation of players.

“Every year, it’s like some new style, some new, you know, young energy coming through that challenges. But then, also knowing like…. we know it’s not going to be around forever, so I feel like it gives you perspective on enjoying the game now and to enjoy every minute of it” said Curry, when referencing the younger players.

Together, the trio have created more than their fair share of impact on the NBA court. LeBron James would walk away from the NBA court as the All-Time Scoring Leader. He would carry the title of a four-time champion, four-time MVP, four-time Finals MVP. Furthermore, he would also be remembered as someone who is continuously compared with Michael Jordan on the GOAT level. From being a rookie with ankle issues, and doubts on whether he could surpass his father’s legacy, to ushering in the golden era of the Golden State Warriors, becoming the All-Time Three-Point Leader, and securing numerous All-Team honors, Stephen Curry’s legacy would not be forgotten for decades to come. As for Kevin Durant, he created history not only on the NBA Court, but alongside Team USA too. He stands as an example of what longevity and consistency looks like when it is converted into a human being.

The trio of LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant are someone who, over two decades, have been inter-connected in their pursuit of glory. Even today, the Golden State Warriors-Cleveland Cavaliers rivalry, between 2014 and 2018, is considered to be an intense one. Modern fans got their own version of Larry Bird-Magic Johnson when LeBron and Curry competed in 4 consecutive finals.

Meanwhile, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry even served as teammates for three years, winning two championships in the process. The dream of seeing the trio on the same team, at least once, was fulfilled earlier this year. The same occurred when all of them represented Team USA during the 2024 Paris Olympics. As they posed together, with the Gold Medals, fans may have been reminded of what they had for decades. What they will soon lose, but will still pass down to the younger players.

“I don’t even look at it as like giving up the mantle, or anything like that,” said the Los Angeles Lakers star. “You know, we definitely are like fans of like the guys that’s coming up in the ranks and just doing great things. You know, we hope that we just have inspired them. So, you know, when we decide that we’re done, that they can keep this beautiful game going”.

From Luka Doncic to Anthony Edwards, the next generation of players are already making a mark. They are already steering the conversation towards them. However, the veteran trio may definitely want to see someone who carries a small part of themselves with him.

LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry talk about an ideal NBA player with each of their best characteristics

The conversation by the ESPN crew progressed. During the same, the veteran trio was asked what they would do if they could robotically make the perfect NBA player. LeBron James highlighted that he would definitely want Kevin Durant’s pull-up skills. The Phoenix Suns star himself would take Stephen Curry’s quick twitch that accompanied his iconic jump shots. After all, who wouldn’t? For Curry, the most appealing thing that he would take from LeBron James would be the 39-year-old’s basketball IQ. After all, as the Warriors star highlighted, “being able to control the tempo and the flow of a game single-handedly is insane”.

It’s going to be sad when LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant are no longer in the NBA. However, if there is anyone who has deserved to earn that post-retirement life, it is the trio. While Michael Jordan has had his moments about his “time in the spotlight” “dwindling”, the same will continue shining on the trio for years to come.