LeBron James recently praised Kevin Durant as the most naturally gifted scorer the NBA has ever witnessed, highlighting KD’s elite scoring ability during their latest encounter. This commendation comes as part of a discussion about Durant’s remarkable talent and efficiency, reinforcing the recognition of Kevin Durant elite scorer praise across the league.
LeBron James Commends Durant’s Scoring Mastery and Efficiency
In a candid interview, LeBron James expressed admiration for Durant’s scoring prowess, emphasizing KD’s consistent efficiency and range on the court.
“He has not shot under 50% since 2012. In a league that does not talk about efficiency enough… this guy when it comes to three-level scorers, We haven’t had a scorer as equipped in our league as KD… ever,”
LeBron stated, underlining how rare Durant’s skill set truly is.
Durant’s career statistics impressively support this view. He ranks eighth on the all-time NBA scoring list with over 30,000 points scored. Additionally, with a 27.2 points-per-game average, he holds fourth place among players with at least 500 games played, showcasing extreme consistency and scoring ability throughout his career.
Durant’s Unique Combination of Scoring and Defensive Impact
Beyond scoring, Durant stands out for his all-around game. He is the only player in more than 50 years of recorded steals and blocks to average at least 25 points, one steal, and one block per game over 500 contests. This rare combination attests to his versatility, making him a formidable force on both ends of the court.
His shooting efficiency is elite, second only to Steph Curry in true shooting percentage among players with over 20,000 career points. Durant uniquely maintains a shooting mark above 50% from the field along with a three-point accuracy exceeding 37%, a feat unmatched by his peers.
Enduring Excellence After Injury
Even after overcoming an Achilles injury, Durant has demonstrated remarkable resilience and maintained high-level performance. Over the past five seasons, he has consistently produced standout numbers with impressive efficiency, further validating LeBron James’ praise and signifying Durant’s lasting elite status in the NBA.
As these two basketball icons continue to face off, LeBron’s recognition highlights Kevin Durant’s extraordinary natural talent and places him in a rarefied class of scorers in NBA history. The ongoing comparison adds excitement to their rivalry, while fans and analysts alike watch how Durant’s career further unfolds in the league.