Stephen A. Smith settles LeBron James vs. Kevin Durant debate

“I think that Kevin Durant is one of the greatest talents this game has ever seen,” he said.

“But so is LeBron. LeBron has more rings, LeBron has shown better leadership. But he can’t shoot like Kevin Durant. He doesn’t have the offensive firepower that Durant has. If you’re asking me who would I want offensively, Durant or LeBron James, it would be Kevin Durant.”

Smith didn’t stop there, however.

“Because LeBron James shooting 73% from the free-throw line ain’t cutting it,” he continued.

“LeBron James, even though he’s improved his perimeter shooting vastly, still ain’t the shooter Kevin Durant is. No shame on LeBron, but it’s just that Kevin Durant is one of the greatest offensive players we’ve ever seen in the history of basketball. So as an offensive talent, yes I would prefer Kevin Durant.”

Shortly after he retired, Kobe Bryant was asked to name the one player he simply could not guard effectively. Many have taken to remembering that particular instance in light of Smith’s comments this week.

Regardless of where you fall in this argument, this much is clear: James and Durant are two generational talents that are a privilege to watch on a nightly basis.