LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant (Photo by Imagn Images)

Former Star Claims Young NBA Stars Idolize Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant Over LeBron James

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Kenny Nosay | Last updated Feb 18, 2026 3:14 AM ET

It’s quite normal for youngsters to be asked who their basketball idol is. For example, when Luka Doncic was presented with the same question, he did not hesitate to say that LeBron James was his idol growing up. But as good as LeBron is, a new wave of players is simply picking either Kevin Durant or Kobe Bryant when asked these questions.

It’s easy to understand why younger guys prefer either KD or Kobe. Both of their games are relatable and easier to emulate. They both shoot the ball well, and they possess elite footwork and handles. LBJ’s game is dictated by his athleticism and power, which is harder to replicate on the court. That’s why the ever-controversial Kendrick Perkins doubled down on why most stars prefer to idolize Durant or Bryant’s game over James.

“A lot of these guys, these young stars and rising superstars, they don’t look up to LeBron anyway. So, they’re not following his footsteps. A lot of these guys looked up to Kobe,” Kendrick Perkins said.

Kendrick Perkins says young players don’t look up to LeBron and idolize KD and Kobe more

“A lot of these guys, these young stars and rising superstars, they don’t look up to LeBron anyway. So, they’re not following his footsteps. A lot of these guys looked up to Kobe. A lot of… pic.twitter.com/Xyoc71dYLy
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 17, 2026

“A lot of these guys come on record and talk about how they look up to Kevin Durant more so than they look up to LeBron James. They don’t idolize him,” he added.

Some notable players who went on record as fans of either Kobe or KD are Anthony Edwards, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jayson Tatum, and Devin Booker. That’s an impressive list of young stars. And again, it’s easy to understand their choices.

LeBron James Continues To Be The Most Talked Player Today

LeBron James (Image Credits: Imagn)

While LBJ may not be too popular with the new wave of players, there’s no doubt that he’s still the ‘king’ of the news – at least when talking about the NBA. Wherever he goes, fans and the media follow. Whatever he says, it will be documented. Carmelo Anthony even reiterated that LeBron James’ position in the game remains unmatched.

“He’s living long enough to be the villain… Still holding this league down. This league don’t move without Bron. I don’t give a f--- what nobody say. It don’t move without Bron. Until he’s gone. His position in this game is bigger than wins and losses throughout the season,” Carmelo said about LeBron.

Hard to argue Melo’s logic here. Should LBJ go on to have a retirement tour, that will dominate the basketball news everywhere on this planet.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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