LeBron James and Kevin Durant are two of the best players in the NBA today.
Naturally, this has led to debates regarding which is better.
This week, Stephen A. Smith attempted to tackle the topic of who is the more impressive talent offensively.
His take left people a bit surprised.
“I think that Kevin Durant is one of the greatest talents this game has ever seen,” he said.
“But so is LeBron. LeBron has more rings, LeBron has shown better leadership. But he can’t shoot like Kevin Durant. He doesn’t have the offensive firepower that Durant has. If you’re asking me who would I want offensively, Durant or LeBron James, it would be Kevin Durant.”
Smith didn’t stop there, though.
“Because LeBron James shooting 73% from the free-throw line ain’t cutting it,” he continued.
“LeBron James, even though he’s improved his perimeter shooting vastly, still ain’t the shooter Kevin Durant is. No shame on LeBron, but it’s just that Kevin Durant is one of the greatest offensive players we’ve ever seen in the history of basketball. So as an offensive talent, yes I would prefer Kevin Durant.”
Shortly after he retired, Kobe Bryant was asked to name the one player he simply could not guard effectively. Many have taken to remembering that particular instance in light of Smith’s comments this week.
That’s one way to watch a game. https://t.co/rlfZSR4DDe
— Game 7 (@game7__) May 13, 2021
Regardless of where you fall in this argument, this much is clear: James and Durant are two generational talents that are a privilege to watch on a nightly basis.
Who is truly better?
That’s for each individual fan to decide on their own.
Related: LeBron James Sparks Controversy For Partying Before Lakers-Warriors
A longtime sports reporter, Carlos Garcia has written about some of the biggest and most notable athletic events of the last 5 years. He has been credentialed to cover MLS, NBA and MLB games all over the United States. His work has been published on Fox Sports, Bleacher Report, AOL and the Washington Post.
