Even though LeBron James’ weekend was marked by a raging defeat in Boston and a huge officiating error, the King took another big step towards Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record. A record that obviously symbolizes the exceptional longevity of the Chosen One, considered “the ultimate example” by a certain Kevin Durant.
____
Whether you’re Kevin Durant or kevin_du_67, it’s impossible not to admire the current exploits of LeBron James.
38 years old, 20th NBA season on the clock, more than 30 points – 8 rebounds – 7 average assists over the 2022-23 campaign. Of. Never. Seen. Simply.
KD, who arrived in the Big League just before LeBron won his first MVP title with Cleveland, spoke specifically regarding James’ incredible longevity. It was during his visit to #NBAHooperVision Saturday night. The respect that KD has for the King, it is immense.
KD on LeBron’s legacy and longevity.#NBAHooperVision
???? https://t.co/VPCjoRV5NJ pic.twitter.com/f3D00IYyrx— NBA (@NBA) January 28, 2023
“His longevity is an inspiration. 30 points per game at 38, he continues to be decisive on both sides of the court, he crosses the field at full speed, he is always explosive, he continues to drop big dunks where I say to myself ‘but how can he do this once more?’.
He is the ultimate example for an athlete. Not everyone can do what they do. You can’t do better than that. […] He became the benchmark for basketball players for a long time.”
Often considered LeBron James’ number 1 rival in his accession to the throne, Kevin Durant saw the greatness of the guy very closely. Three times the two have faced each other on the biggest of stages – the NBA Finals – with a victory for James (2012) and two for KD under the jersey of the untouchable Warriors (2017, 2018).
But if LeBron’s longevity is so etched in Durant’s mind, it may also be because the latter knows how difficult it is to stay on top for so long without experiencing (big) injuries, with such a regularity and such durability. Whereas James is just 117 points away from becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, KD is him “only” in 14th place in the all-time ranking of scorers despite the fourth highest scoring average of all time (27.28, just ahead of James). Blame it on the big sores suffered over the years, whether in Oklahoma City, Golden State or Brooklyn.
When will LeBron James break Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record? There are 117 points left to score, logically in four or five games it’s gone. This takes us to around February 7-9, a date to circle in red on your calendar.
Source texte : #NBAHooperVision
