Who’s Better: LeBron James Or Kevin Durant?
Kevin Durant (photo. Dorothy Hong)
PLAYOFF SUCCESS
LeBron James: 92 games, 4,011 minutes, record: 56-34, series record: 11-6, Finals record: 0-2
Kevin Durant: 23 games, 953 minutes, record: 11-12, series record: 2-2, Finals record: N/A
Determining who has had more playoff success is difficult considering Durant has only been to the playoffs twice. This past postseason, Durant led the league with 28.6 points per game before being bounced in the Western Conference Finals by eventual champion Dallas. Impressive, yes, but nothing compared to what LeBron did in his second postseason.
At the spry age of 22, LeBron completely took over the Eastern Conference Finals against an experienced, veteran-laden Detroit Pistons team. Down 2-0, he would lead a comeback to take down their division rival in six. Game 5 produced one of the best single-game performances ever. Dropping 48 points to go along with nine rebounds and seven assists, LeBron showed his dominance by scoring Cleveland last 25 points in a double-overtime thriller. It was a performance for the ages, one that Steve Kerr described as “Jordan-esque.” Despite his recent fourth quarter disappearances, you can’t take away the fact that he has now been to two NBA Finals.
Using only their first two playoff appearances to level the playing field, LeBron still takes the cake by leading his team to the Finals.
Advantage: LeBron James
FUTURE EFFECT
Since both of these superstars still have so much basketball ahead of them, instead of comparing their historical effect, we are going to take a look at what lies ahead.
As everybody and their mother knows, LeBron “took his talents” to Miami last year to set himself up for multiple championship opportunities. On a much more quiet front, Durant also locked himself up long term in Oklahoma City last summer.
Both of these players did wonders for their respective careers, as they will be playing on competitive teams for years to come. No one should be surprised if LeBron-Durant matchups become a regularity in the Finals. With good young talent around them, the sky is the limit for both of these potential Hall of Famers.
Push
THE VERDICT
LeBron edges out Durant 3-0-1 in a matchup (much closer than it looks). Had Durant had the same experience as LeBron, they would most likely be dead even. With a better resume and more complete game, we have to give it to LeBron. For all we know we can revisit this showdown in five years and things will be completely different, but for now, LeBron James is the best small forward in the NBA.
Winner: LeBron James
Who do you think is better?
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September 19th, 2011 at 4:11 pm
King says:
Lebron Easy. Lebron does everything better than him other than shooting jump shots
September 19th, 2011 at 4:40 pm
ctkennedy says:
Bron can play n guard more positions….which Durant cant do …the only thing that Durant can HANDS DOWN do better than James is shoot free throws …Bron midrange jumper is just as or better than Durant …Range neck n neck …n James is better as lead dog…Durant without Russell Westbrook u cant hands down tell me that make the playoffs in the West
September 19th, 2011 at 5:12 pm
Oscarisalakerfan says:
The lockout needs to end. First time I check the site out in months. We need bball basketball to come back.
September 19th, 2011 at 5:27 pm
Promoman says:
Nothing against KD but the only thing that Kevin has over LeBron is in the realm of positive public perception. Kevin is a better pure shooter but LeBron is a better scorer and a better player period. This is no contest.
September 19th, 2011 at 5:28 pm
dagwaller says:
As of right now, I think it’s LeBron, easily.
They can both score very well, but LeBron’s passing ability and defensive dedication put him above any other player in the game today.
That said, Durant is a few years younger and has a few years less experience. Ten years from now, we might be singing a different song (though I doubt it).
September 19th, 2011 at 5:34 pm
Ian says:
bron easy
September 19th, 2011 at 5:39 pm
K Dizzle says:
KD – better shooter. Range isn’t even comparble.
LBJ – better all-around player. Floor game not comparable
no shame in being 2 of the top 5 players in the game.
September 19th, 2011 at 6:01 pm
ERIC says:
KD – CLUTCH
LBJ – CHOKE
September 19th, 2011 at 7:40 pm
deeds says:
LeBron, and it isn’t really that close
September 19th, 2011 at 7:48 pm
beiber newz says:
lebron by far. here’s why and think about this.
lebron is conceivably the only athlete in the nba right now, who just like shaq in his prime, can dominate a game IN A WAY where all you need is him and a few Joe-schmoes to win a championship. okay, you’re thinking then why hasn’t he done it. all i’m saying is that lebron is so physically gifted and talented that he can carry an entire team. durant can score but his talents won’t win a championship by himself. shaq can just be lobbed the ball and can bruise defenders. i dont know if this made sense. i hope i don’t catch heat for this. this is one of those things where you know what you mean in your head but have no idea of how to convey it in writing or verbally. i hate when that happens. smh.
September 19th, 2011 at 10:17 pm
Ian says:
beiber
i kinda get it and yeah i agree
September 19th, 2011 at 10:43 pm
Dave says:
LBJ… for now. KD coming up fast.
September 19th, 2011 at 11:15 pm
yea says:
LBJ all the way
September 20th, 2011 at 2:40 am
air yeezy says:
I think it’s LeBron, easily. too too
September 20th, 2011 at 8:18 am
JAY says:
Are we really discussing this?? It’s way too early. KD is just scratching the surface. and Lebron is rumoured to be developing his post game. These guys have a long way to go before we start talking about who’s better.
What’s next? Who’s Better? Kyrie Irving or Jeff Teague?
September 20th, 2011 at 9:23 am
Team JORDAN says:
LEBRON… HANDS DOWN So There’s NO POINT To Make This A DEBATE.
September 20th, 2011 at 10:15 am
sh!tfaced says:
Basketball, douchebaggery and choking – LeBron is better.
But shooting and everything else in life – KD. Hands down.
September 20th, 2011 at 12:56 pm
JAY says:
If bigger is better… Lebron definitely has a better forehead.
September 20th, 2011 at 6:38 pm
mike says:
hahahahahaha lebron of course………..idiot question as a matter fact he’s the best to come in the nba sence jordan
September 22nd, 2011 at 12:37 pm
beiber newz says:
i wasnt gonna say nuthin…but i hav to leaVE MY MARK. kobe will have something to say about that statement in post #19!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
September 24th, 2011 at 3:06 pm
ju says:
Lebron’s ability to do everything puts him in the winning spot in any matchup. Simply because he does it all, both offense & defense… But Durant is my guy though. & will break all individual records posted by kobe & lebron.
September 26th, 2011 at 1:31 pm
Cal says:
Lebron is still the best player on the planet. KD shoots better, Lebron does everything else better. Just look at the disparity in assists. KD is my man, he’s from my hometown, but there really is no argument. Who wins one on one? Bron! Everytime.
http://www.theyoungandthebold.com
September 26th, 2011 at 1:51 pm
the truth says:
Love kd but its not even close