KD: LeBron's longevity 'has to be a standard' for greatness
LeBron James has achieved numerous accolades during his NBA career, but Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant believes it's his longevity that has truly set him apart.
Durant reflected on James' 21-year career in a conversation with his business partner Rich Kleiman for "Boardroom," explaining how impressed he's been by the Los Angeles Lakers star's continued dominance.
"When you're 39 in your 20th year, and then like half your life is in the league, and then you've played against like 40% of players that have ever played in the league. It's just like, that longevity has to mean something," Durant said. "That has to be a standard.
"If you really, truly want to know what greatness is like, of course, you could accumulate championships in a short amount of time and accolades in a short amount of time. You can have a nice, quick spur-of-the-moment, but like, I truly appreciate somebody who's been in that shit for a long time."
James is averaging 24.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, 7.8 assists, and 1.3 steals through 49 games this season. He's set to make an NBA-record 20th All-Star Game appearance Sunday in Indianapolis.
Durant is in the midst of his 17th season. He'll be playing in his 14th All-Star Game, joining James on the Western Conference squad.