Kevin Durant vs. LeBron James: Round II
A rather entertaining and comical conversation took place on the set of Pardon the Interruption today between hosts Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser and guest Bill Simmons of ESPN.com.
The trio debated whether Kevin Durant could eventually have a better career than Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James. It’s a variation of an argument that first gained traction this summer. Longtime NBA scribe Sam Smith wrote in July that he’s heard multiple league execs suggest Durant could one day be a better player than James.
Tuesday’s slight distinction in the debate seems a little more plausible when you think about it. Still, neither Wilbon nor Kornheiser were buying what Simmons, who is extremely high on Durant, was selling. Here’s the transcript.
MW: Let’s talk about two guys still in their 20s, even though one of them has been around for a while. LeBron James, Kevin Durant, two of your favorite subjects. You’ve questioned how the Cavs have built around LeBron and praised the Thunder and the way they’ve built around Durant. Can you see in any scenario, because I can’t Bill, Durant having a greater career than LeBron James?
BS: Well, Durant has two things that LeBron never had. He has a good GM, and he actually has good young teammates that they’re building around. I mean, LeBron, what did he have? Ricky Davis? Zydrunas Ilgauskas? Like, he never really had that second guy and that third guy. As we talked about before we came out, if LeBron goes to the Clippers next year, suddenly he’s got cap space, he’s got a good young team. So I don’t know if the LeBron book as been written yet because it’s all going to depend on where he goes.
