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LeBron James stands as arguably the biggest name in the NBA. Despite being well beyond his prime, he displays remarkable consistency in his later years, maintaining a level of performance that sets him a class apart. Moreover, while sustaining his excellence, he has also amassed some of the most prestigious records in NBA history. Last year, James became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. This year, he secured 20th All-Star selection, a feat unparalleled by any other player. Moreover, James continues to accumulate coveted records, bringing many narratives to light.
With that, James’ enduring dominance has sparked conversations about longevity, positioning him as the ultimate standard within the league. Moreover, it also gives James an upper hand in debates about the greatest basketball player of all time. Now, Kevin Durant adds to this discourse by including James in an all-time list of legends from various fields.
Kevin Durant lifts the benchmark of the GOAT conversation
In a recent Bleacher Report interview, KD talked ball with his manager and business partner, Rich Kleiman. Delving into the topic of LeBron James’ longevity, Durant posed a thought-provoking question to underscore the challenges James faces. Kevin queried, “Who can have those conversations that truly know what he’s going through as LeBron James?.” As Kleiman took a moment, KD suggested Michael Jordan. Following that, Rich mentioned Tom Brady, Serena Williams, and Drake. Durant endorsed the names and added Tiger Woods to the lineup of people who can understand the trials and tribulations of James’ career.
Entering his 21st NBA season, James maintains an impressive average of nearly 25 points on a shooting percentage exceeding 50% this season. Moreover, his sights are set on nothing less than a championship, with the formidable challenge of spearheading a Lakers comeback in the upcoming months.
Jordan, coming into the league in the 80s, revolutionized the NBA landscape since day 1. With his high-flying acrobatics and outgoing demeanor, he brought global attention and drew eyes from all corners of the world. Basking in the adoration of fans, he found himself constantly thrust into the limelight, carrying the weight of lofty expectations.
On the gridiron, Tom Brady defied the conventional timeline of pro athletes. Brady extended his career until the age of 45 while retaining his skills more than expected. Boasting an impressive 23 seasons in the NFL, he stands as one of the foremost symbols of athletic longevity. Meanwhile, Serena Williams, with her illustrious 27-year professional career, commands a similar spotlight in the realm of sports. Moreover, given her one-of-a-kind on and off-court endeavors, she serves as an idol for several youngsters even after retirement.
Tiger Woods’ story comes by shining through adversity, including multiple back operations, spinal fusions, and a battle with drug addiction that once derailed his career. Now, at 48 years old, he continues to hold his own among the elite golfers worldwide.
What Durant means to imply is that these greats not only have the athletic longevity to understand what James has been going through, but they also have been on top of their sport for at least a decade during their prime. Who better to understand what James is going through than someone who’s been in the same position before? After all, “birds of a feather flock together” right?
