LeBron James currently holds the record as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, yet many fans and analysts debate whether he deserves recognition as the greatest scorer in terms of technique and versatility. Players like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Tracy McGrady often enter this conversation, challenging James’s scoring prowess. Austin Rivers, a former NBA guard who has competed against both James and Kevin Durant, recently weighed in, asserting that Durant’s scoring ability eclipses that of LeBron James. This claim has intensified the ongoing Kevin Durant scoring ability debate.
Durant’s Recent Social Media Exchanges Reveal His Confidence
Kevin Durant has been actively engaged in discussions about his scoring credentials on social media, particularly on X. He has openly confronted fans who downplay his offensive skills, clearly emphasizing his confidence in his scoring capabilities. Durant challenged critics by reminding them of his mastery over scoring from an early age, refusing to accept comparisons that diminish his legacy.
Dime dropper, I mastered scoring at 24 years old, man. Give it a rest, I don’t care about being the best scorer ever. You are diminishing my all-time greatness, calling me that,
Durant said.
Despite the backlash his social media posts occasionally receive, Durant is widely regarded as one of the best scorers in NBA history. Even LeBron has acknowledged Durant’s high status among scorers. Currently ranked eighth on the all-time scoring list with 30,571 points, Durant is positioned to climb higher, potentially reaching sixth place by the end of the upcoming season.
What Sets Durant Apart According to Austin Rivers
Austin Rivers explained that evaluating a great scorer involves multiple factors, not just total points scored. He emphasized efficiency, scoring volume, and the ability to score from different levels on the court as key components that distinguish exemplary scorers.
You can’t say what makes a great scorer is this [one thing],
Rivers commented on the Off Guard podcast.
It’s a multitude of things. How efficient are you? How many points have you scored? Are you a three-level scorer?
Rivers argues that Kevin Durant fulfills these criteria more comprehensively than LeBron James. While James excels in efficiency and total points, Rivers challenges LeBron’s status as a “three-level scorer,” meaning the ability to consistently score from the paint, mid-range, and beyond the arc.
Analyzing LeBron’s Scoring Style Versus Durant’s Versatility
Rivers noted that LeBron’s offensive game is unique but more limited in scoring variety compared to Durant’s.
For example, with the all-time leading scorer, it’s complicated, because [LeBron’s] not a guy who’s a three-level scorer. He can be at times. You got to give him credit,
Rivers stated.
Over his career, LeBron relied more heavily on his extraordinary athleticism, especially in his younger years, while his jump shot and scoring variety were less developed. In contrast, Durant has consistently displayed scoring skills from multiple spots on the floor, using his height and shooting ability to overwhelm defenders.
LeBron has scored more points than Kevin, but Kevin can score in a much [broader] variety of ways. LeBron doesn’t have half the offensive bag that Kevin has,
Rivers added.
Rivers’ List of the Most Impressive Scorers Excludes LeBron James
Given Rivers’ direct experience playing against these athletes, his perspective carries weight. When asked to name his top scorers ever, he highlighted Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, James Harden, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Allen Iverson, notably leaving out LeBron James from this list.
I would say Kevin, [Carmelo Anthony], James Harden, Michael, Kobe and [Allen Iverson] are the best scorers I’ve ever seen,
Rivers revealed.
While Rivers’ assessment is subjective, it offers a provocative angle on the ongoing Kevin Durant scoring ability debate. At 40 years old, LeBron James could still influence opinions with standout performances in upcoming seasons for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Implications for the Scoring Legacy Debate
This discussion underscores the complexity in determining the greatest scorer in NBA history, as different skills and approaches factor into how players are evaluated. Kevin Durant’s versatile skill set and efficiency have reshaped how scoring excellence is perceived, challenging the dominance of long-standing records held by players like LeBron James. Fans and analysts alike will continue to scrutinize these talents as the current NBA season unfolds, with Durant’s progression up the scoring list adding fresh momentum to this debate.