LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant remain pivotal to their teams despite being among the NBA’s oldest players. At 39, James is the league’s oldest active player, while Curry and Durant are 36. Yet, all three have demonstrated through the first two months of the season that their importance to the sport has not waned.
Like the Olympics, Like the NBA: One Last Shot for LeBron, Curry, and Durant
Each star has led their teams with poise, proving that age is just a number for these all-time greats. However, their heavy workloads raise concerns about their ability to sustain their impact throughout the grueling NBA season.
LeBron James Defies Time
LeBron has adjusted to a new system under Lakers coach JJ Redick, focusing the offense on Anthony Davis. This shift has resulted in an 11-7 start for the Lakers, keeping them competitive in a loaded Western Conference.
James averages 22.9 points, his lowest since his rookie season, but still contributes across the board. He is one of only two players, alongside Nikola Jokic, averaging at least 22 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists. As he approaches his 40th birthday in December, James continues to defy expectations. Yet his history of injuries is concerning, having missed over 20 games in three of the past four seasons.
Stephen Curry Sparks a Warriors Revival
Curry remains the heart of the Golden State Warriors’ success. Despite his age, Curry leads the team (22.4 points per game) with exceptional perimeter shooting. He is hitting 44.4% of his three-point attempts while taking nearly 10 per game.
Coach Steve Kerr has limited Curry’s minutes to preserve his energy, playing him less than 30 minutes per game. The Warriors’ depth has helped reduce the strain on Curry while embracing their “Strength in Numbers” philosophy from years past. However, Curry has already missed games due to a peroneal strain. While his shooting brilliance endures, managing his health will be key to the Warriors’ season.
Kevin Durant’s Early MVP Case
Durant started the season in MVP form, averaging 27.6 points and 6.6 rebounds on 55.3% shooting from the field and 44.4% from behind the arc in his first nine games. His efficient scoring and leadership guided the Phoenix Suns to eight clutch victories in those games.
Unfortunately, Durant missed seven games due to a calf strain. He returned against the Lakers, but the injury raises familiar questions about his durability. The Suns remain a title contender with Durant, but they need him healthy to sustain their momentum.
The Toll of Age and Responsibility
James, Curry, and Durant continue to amaze, but their age demands caution. All three have missed significant time in recent seasons due to injuries. Their teams must balance their contributions with long-term health concerns. The Lakers, Warriors, and Suns lean heavily on these superstars to contend for championships. While their performances remain elite, their availability will determine how far their teams go.
A Final Chapter for LeBron, Curry and Durant?
LeBron, Curry, and Durant represent an era of NBA greatness that may soon come to a close. Each player is chasing one more title, a final triumph to add to their storied legacies. As the season progresses, fans should savor every moment of their brilliance. While time catches up to everyone, these legends remind us why they remain at the top of the basketball world. For now, they are still writing their final chapters, proving age cannot dim their greatness.
