In a recent interview, Kevin Durant, one of the NBA’s most prolific scorers, couldn’t hold back his admiration for LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar whose career continues to defy the boundaries of time and expectation. At 40 years old, James is not only competing at an elite level but also rewriting the record books, prompting awe from peers like Durant, who himself is no stranger to greatness. Durant’s comments shine a spotlight on James’ unparalleled longevity and unyielding passion, qualities that have cemented his status as one of basketball’s all-time greats.

LeBron James, now in his 22nd NBA season, has achieved milestones that seem almost mythical. Earlier this year, he surpassed 41,000 career points, further solidifying his place as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, a record he claimed from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 2023. Beyond scoring, James continues to deliver all-around brilliance, averaging close to a triple-double in recent games while anchoring the Lakers’ playoff aspirations. His ability to perform at this level, two decades into his career, is what Durant finds most staggering. “It’s unreal,” Durant said. “To see him still out there, moving like that, leading his team, and breaking records—it’s like he’s defying Father Time.”

Durant, a former MVP and two-time NBA champion, is uniquely qualified to appreciate James’ sustained excellence. At 36, Durant is navigating his own journey through the latter stages of a storied career, yet even he marvels at James’ ability to maintain peak performance. “I’m trying to keep up with my own body, and here’s LeBron, still playing 35 minutes a night, guarding the best players, and dropping 30 points like it’s nothing,” Durant noted with a laugh. The respect is mutual, as James has often praised Durant’s scoring prowess and versatility, but it’s James’ endurance that has captivated the basketball world.

James’ longevity is not just about physical gifts, though his athleticism remains remarkable. His discipline, from a meticulously managed diet to a rigorous training regimen, has allowed him to stay ahead of the curve. Off the court, James invests heavily in recovery, utilizing cutting-edge technologies like cryotherapy and hyperbaric chambers. Durant highlighted this commitment, saying, “He’s a professional in every sense. The way he takes care of himself, the way he studies the game—it’s a blueprint for anyone who wants to last in this league.”

What sets James apart, however, is his passion for the game, which burns as brightly now as it did when he entered the league as a teenager in 2003. Whether it’s diving for loose balls, mentoring younger teammates, or delivering in clutch moments, James plays with an intensity that inspires those around him. Durant pointed to a recent game where James, after a grueling 40-minute performance, was back in the gym the next morning, working on his craft. “That’s not normal,” Durant said. “That kind of love for the game, after all he’s accomplished, it’s rare.”

James’ historic achievements extend beyond statistics. He’s a four-time NBA champion, a four-time MVP, and a global icon whose influence transcends basketball. His work in philanthropy, particularly through the I Promise School in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, has changed lives, while his media ventures, including SpringHill Company, have reshaped storytelling in sports. Yet, despite these accolades, James remains driven by competition. In a recent postgame press conference, he spoke about his desire to keep improving, saying, “I’m still chasing something. I’m not done yet.”

For Durant, James’ ability to stay motivated amidst such success is what truly stands out