“Kevin Durant hasn’t surpassed LeBron James yet”: NBA legend Magic Johnson makes his case for the best player in the world

Magic Johnson still believes that LeBron James is the best player in the world and that Kevin Durant needs to win more titles to surpass King James.

Lakers veteran Magic Johnson recently revealed that Durant hasn’t surpassed LeBron James as the best player in the world. The conversation came to light owing to the spectacular performances KD had in the 2021 NBA Playoffs.

Durant averaged 32.6 PPG, 7.4 RPG, and 2.2 BPG as the Nets defeated the Boston Celtics 4-1 in the first round of the playoffs. This was followed by some phenomenal performances in the conference semi-finals as well against the Milwaukee Bucks.

The eastern conference semi-finals saw two members of the big 3 go down with injuries. James Harden reaggravated his hamstring while Kyrie Irving suffered an ankle sprain in Game three. This led to Durant being the sole initiator of offense for the Nets.

Also read: “Kevin Durant is better than ‘LeGone’ James”: Skip Bayless anoints Nets’ superstar with the title of ‘best player on the planet’ ahead of LeBron James

KD led the Nets in Game five as he had one of his career-best performances that night. The former 2x NBA champion had a 49-point triple-double as he shot an incredible 69.6% from the field and 44.4% from the 3-point line.

The former 2x NBA Finals MVP displayed greatness in Game seven as well when he dropped 48-points and shot a remarkable 90.9% from the free-throw line.

However, Durant’s greatness also could not save the Nets from a Game seven elimination. The Bucks defeated the Nets at home in Game seven, thus advancing to the conference finals.

Magic Johnson thinks Kevin Durant is far from overtaking LeBron James all-time

In a recent episode of ESPN’s First Take, Magic Johnson got candid while speaking about the greatest player in the world. When asked if KD is the best player in the world, Magic had this to say: 

“He gotta win that chip. He gotta win that championship, and they came up short, just like LeBron and the Lakers came up short this season. LeBron still has the edge on those championship rings. So, I would say not yet. But I tell you…you know how the torch is being like this (passing it back), KD’s got his arm out waiting on it.”

Magic Johnson, who had played a major role in recruiting LeBron James to the LA Lakers. Magic was the President of the Lakers basketball operations at the time. The legend was a major reason why LeBron arrived in the city of Los Angeles.

Though Magic resigned after LeBron’s first season, he had clearly laid the foundation for the Lakers to go and win a championship in 2020.

Magic still believes LeBron is the best player in the world over KD while comparing their resumes. LeBron is a 4x NBA champion and Finals MVP. The 17x NBA All-Star is also a former scoring champion.

KD on the other hand has had fewer years in the league when compared to LeBron but has achieved some great feats that include 2x NBA champion and finals MVP. The 11x NBA All-Star is also a 4x scoring champion

Also Read: “What more could Kevin Durant have possibly done?!”: Stephen A Smith throws shade at Kyrie Irving for the Nets losing to Giannis and the Bucks

Though LeBron is still the best player in the world as far as his accolades are concerned. Durant is on his way to challenge the King’s throne.