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Kevin Durant on sharing his career with LeBron James, Steph Curry
Kevin Durant is preparing for another NBA postseason run with the Houston Rockets, but as the playoffs begin, the 18-year veteran is also reflecting on the rare era he has shared with some of the game’s all-time greats. At 37, Durant remains one of the league’s most productive players, even as conversations about longevity and legacy begin to take center stage.
That perspective was evident in comments to The Athletic’s Nick Friedell, in which Durant spoke about competing alongside LeBron James, Stephen Curry, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook over nearly two decades. The Rockets star emphasized both the physical demands and the appreciation that come with sustaining excellence for so long.
“I’m just so grateful that I graced the league with these guys at the same time,” Durant said. “We’ve competed so hard against one another for so long, and when you get older you start appreciating how hard it is to get up every day.”
Kevin Durant on sharing his career with LeBron James, Steph Curry, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook:
“I’m just so grateful that I graced the league with these guys at the same time. We’ve competed so hard against one another for so long, and when you get older you start
Durant’s reflection comes at a moment when many of his peers are still performing at a high level late into their careers, even as the league continues to transition to a younger generation.
GettyStephen Curry, Kevin Durant, LeBron James
As Nick Friedell of The Athletic detailed, both Durant and Curry are entering another postseason aware that their careers are closer to the end than the beginning. That shared reality has added a new layer of appreciation among players who have defined the NBA for nearly two decades.
Durant pointed specifically to James and Curry as examples of sustained excellence. James, now 41, continues to set durability records while maintaining elite production. Curry, at 38, recently returned from injury to lead the Golden State Warriors into the Play-In Tournament.
“LeBron has been pushing me since he turned 37, 38,” Durant said. “He’s setting a new standard for older guys. So with Steph, he’s 38, I feel he’s gotten quicker and faster.”
The admiration extends beyond individual accolades. Durant also highlighted the broader group that has shaped this era, including Harden and Westbrook, both of whom remain impactful contributors deep into their careers.
“James Harden, after he left Brooklyn he turned it up a notch,” Durant said. “Russ is still looking good off the bench.”
This generation has consistently set benchmarks for scoring, longevity, and postseason success. James recently became the all-time leader in games played, while Durant moved into fifth place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, passing Michael Jordan.
GettyHouston Rockets forward Kevin Durant
Despite the accolades, Durant emphasized that what continues to drive him is not just personal achievement, but the daily competition with peers who have maintained similar standards over time.
“You see guys get up with that much energy every day, you get inspired and want to do the same thing,” Durant said. “Seeing these dudes makes me want to go to the gym and work on my game and keep going.”
Friedell noted that this shared experience has fostered mutual respect among players who have spent years competing at the highest level. What began as rivalries has evolved into a deeper appreciation for the work required to sustain success.
Durant also highlighted the mental side of longevity, noting that staying motivated becomes more challenging over time.
“When you’ve seen it all… and you still love it? You go through injuries, you go through tough times, losses, wins and you still want to come in and be the best player you can be, that’s true love,” Durant said.
That mindset has helped Durant remain productive into his late 30s while continuing to pursue postseason success with Houston. The Rockets enter the playoffs with a first-round matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers, adding another chapter to the long-running battles between Durant and James.
For players like Durant and Curry, each postseason opportunity carries added meaning. As Friedell wrote, “The shared history is why these moments matter more.”
Durant’s comments reflect that balance, an understanding of what lies ahead, combined with a continued commitment to the game.
As the playoffs begin, that shared journey among one of the NBA’s most accomplished generations remains a defining storyline, both for what it has produced and for how much longer it may last.
Debayan Biswas Debayan Biswas is a sports writer at Heavy Sports covering NBA, NFL, Golf, and Soccer. His work has been syndicated on Yahoo Sports, Yardbarker, Flipboard, The Sun News, and The Olympian. Previously, he contributed to Athlon Sports, EssentiallySports, and PFSN. More about Debayan Biswas
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