- Kevin Durant recognizes LeBron for his evolving play style
- KD said, “I can do that to” after watching LeBron extend his career
- Durant aims to unlock LeBron-like longevity at 34 years old
Kevin Durant has played second-fiddle to LeBron James for most of his NBA career, but KD has never held a grudge against the 4x champion. In fact, as Durant revealed on the ETCs podcast, he holds LeBron in very high regard and has used his career as an example for his own life.
“He adapted his game and still has that youthful energy. Popping around everywhere, diving all over the floor,” said Durant on King James. “It’s inspiring to see. As a competitor, I’m like, ‘Man, f— that. I can do that s— too.”
LeBron and Durant have had plenty of matchups over the years, including in 2012, 2017, and 2018, when they faced off in the NBA Finals. Durant is 2-1 in those matchups, although he’s never been considered the better overall player until recently.
For Durant, while he is finally in a position to call himself the best player in the world, only winning a title with the Suns will change the narrative of his NBA career.
Now at 34 years old, entering a brand new season, KD is going to be looking to follow LeBron’s example on how to age gracefully and extend his playing career for several more years.
KD Wants To Adapt His Game Like LeBron
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of LeBron James’ career is his amazing longevity. For nearly two decades now, the King has played like one of the best players in the world.
The secret to his run is no doubt tied to his genetics and the millions he spends every season to maintain his peak physical condition, but it’s also the result of constant adjustments to his game.
Unlike many aging stars, LeBron did not resist the need to change his play style. In fact, he embraced his evolving skill set to become a more methodical and effective version of himself. With three-point shooting, for example, LeBron used to only attempt a few per game, but he was up to nearly 7 attempts per game for the 2022-23 season.
As Durant continues to get older, making these tweaks will become increasingly important to preserving his game in the same way LeBron did.
Can Durant Lead The Suns To A Title?
As a 2x champion with the Warriors, Kevin Durant proved that he has what it takes to win it all in the NBA. The question is, can he do it again? At 34 years old, KD is certainly closer to the end than the beginning, but he still ranks among the top players in the game.
In 47 games last season, the 13x All-Star averaged 29.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5 assists per game on 56% shooting. The Suns, after an up-and-down campaign, were practically unbeatable with KD down the stretch and managed to finish fourth in the West behind the Nuggets, Grizzlies, and Kings.
This season, it’ll likely be Devin Booker who steps up to lead the Suns but if Durant can properly adjust his game to compliment his co-star then it could be the last thing they need to bring home the title.
Regardless, the path to success still goes through LeBron, and KD will have to beat him again if he wants to complete the mission.
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