Is Kevin Durant Actually a “Better Basketball Player” Than LeBron James?

The debate for the Greatest of All-Time will rumble on till the end of time and still, we won’t have a unanimous winner. It has sparked compassionate discussions and comparisons across generations. The sheer complexity of the debate, transcending eras and playing styles, renders it an ongoing and inconclusive dialogue. For many people, looking past Michael Jordan is unfathomable. His Airness came into the league in the 1980s, an era in the NBA which was littered with instances of unprofessional behavior from its athletes. Jordan’s charisma and professionalism played a pivotal role in elevating the NBA to stratospheric heights.

The viewership of the NBA reached unprecedented levels in the 1990s due to the popularity of Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. However, the league faced a significant setback when Jordan chose to retire in 1998, resulting in a substantial decline in viewership during his absence. The NBA needed a new ‘Face of the League’ and in 2003, they found him. A high-flying and supremely gifted boy from Akron, Ohio. Dubbed the “Chosen One” even before stepping foot on an NBA court, LeBron James’ arrival revitalized the NBA. The hype and attention generated by LeBron’s entry positioned the NBA once again as a contemporary sporting spectacle.

The hype and expectation put on LeBron’s shoulders in 2003 were immense. However, King James has not only matched those lofty expectations but even surpassed them. Across a career spanning three decades, LeBron has won everything there is to win in the league. LeBron continues to defy his age and basic biology, as he is still one of the best players in the league in his 21st season as an NBA professional. Despite LeBron’s continued excellence and impact on the NBA for the past two decades, many people refuse to give LeBron his due credit.

LeBron James’ unquestionable brilliance

The NBA has seen its fair share of legendary players such as Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, and Kobe Bryant. Yet, only a select few can rival the profound impact that LeBron James has had on the league. In his 21st season as an NBA player, LeBron’s longevity continues to confound the common expectations. In his Hall of Fame career, LeBron has won four NBA titles, four NBA MVP awards, and multiple All-Star and All-NBA accolades.

LeBron’s skill set defies conventional boundaries. From his explosive athleticism and precise court vision to his defensive prowess, he is a complete player. His scoring prowess, leadership qualities, and ability to elevate teammates make him an unmatched force. Throughout his illustrious career, LeBron has consistently faced detractors. Yet there are fans who remain entrenched in the past, unwilling to acknowledge his greatness.

Former NBA player Rashad McCants falls in that category. The 39-year-old recently suggested that Kevin Durant is a better player than LeBron. During a conversation with Gilbert Arenas on Gil’s Arena podcast, McCants said, “The real hoopers know that Kevin Durant is gonna go down as a better basketball player than LeBron at the end of the road.” 

Kevin Durant’s polarizing NBA career

Kevin Durant rose to prominence in 2007, when the Seattle SuperSonics drafted him with the No.2 pick. The NBA had never witnessed a player possessing Durant’s unique skill set—a 6’11” forward renowned for his exceptional jump-shot and lethal three-point accuracy. He epitomized the concept of a “Unicorn” in its truest sense.

He became the youngest player to win a scoring title in 2010. He would go on to win another three scoring titles in his career, however, he never won a title with the OKC Thunder. In a career move that has tarnished his reputation and probably his legacy, KD joined the 73-9 Warriors in 2016. His addition to an already impervious Warriors roster led to a period of dominance from 2016 to 2019 that was unprecedented in NBA history.

During this period of dominance, Durant regularly faced LeBron and his Cavaliers team. However, LeBron’s brilliance proved inconsequential as the Warriors juggernaut steamrolled his side and denied him multiple titles. Despite his brilliance and numerous accolades, does that still make KD a better player than LeBron James?

Numbers don’t lie

While picking a better player between KD and LeBron is tough and highly subjective, statistics paint a different picture. In his 21 seasons as an NBA player, LeBron has averaged 27.2 points, 7.3 assists and 7.5 rebounds. Whereas, KD has averaged 27.3 points, 4.3 assists, and 7.1 rebounds in his stellar 17-year career.

LeBron also holds the distinction of being the leading scorer in both the regular season and postseason. Currently, he has amassed 8,023 points in the playoffs and 39,060 points in the regular season. Durant isn’t too far behind, as he occupies the 11th spot with 27,363 points. LeBron James is ranked fourth in the all-time assists leaderboard, recording 10,526 assists. Additionally, he holds the eighth position in the all-time steals leaderboard, with a total of 2,210 steals. This does not diminish KD’s outstanding career, but the statistics unequivocally indicate who the superior player is between the two.

Read More: Will Bronny James Get Drafted by the Lakers to Fulfil Father LeBron?s Retirement Wish?

Durant and LeBron, along with Stephen Curry, have defined the current era of basketball. Both the players are legends of the game, with careers that only a few can match. However, suggesting that KD is a better player than LeBron is ignorant. While KD is a one-of-a-kind hooper, he is nowhere near the greatness of King James.

Watch this Story: How Michael Jordan Comparisons Hampered Multiple MVPs for Lebron James: Gilbert Arenas Explains