LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry reflect on their legacy, passion for the game, and admiration for rising stars while discussing the traits of a perfect NBA player.
The NBA has seen an influx of superstars over the past few years.
Whether it’s Giannis Antentokounmpo, Luka Doncic, Anthony Edwards, or Victor Wembanyama, the league is as talented as it has ever been.
But still running the show are those whom the NBA calls the "OGs", namely LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant.
Even at ages ranging from 36 to 39, the trio remain as the true faces of the league, with millions of fans tuning in to watch their games live or on streaming platforms.
In a recently released video by the NBA, James, Curry, and Durant sat down for a conversation during their time together with Team USA at the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
Among their discussions was what makes a perfect NBA player. The answer? The Team USA trio decided to take a piece from each other’s game.
“Give me KD's pull-up left for sure,” said James.
“Probably with Steph, I would say the quick twitch on a jump shot,” Durant added.
“I'm going to take Bron's IQ,” Curry bared.
But being a talented player and an elite player remains two different things in the league.
James, Curry, and Durant all know what it takes to become great in the NBA—and it starts with their love for the sport itself.
“We all have an experience of either watching each other play or knowing each other from when we first met to now and like that evolution is just so dope to watch because you truly understand what it takes to be great at this level so that respect is always there,” said Curry.
“I think we've cemented ourselves when it comes to the game of basketball and what we do but I think the admiration comes from the longevity you know to be able to wake up every single day and still have the drive to want to be great,” James explained.
“To still get up to go to the gym at 6:00 a.m., to still want to put up a thousand shots every day, but to keep that joy and love for the game first is what's keeping all of us going that shines bright every time you see them step on the floor,” Durant added.
While their years of being at the top of the league may be numbered, the future Hall of Famers don’t see it as a threat, but rather a sign of the league further growing from when they first started.
“I don't even look at it as like giving up the mantle or anything like that,” James explained. “We definitely are like fans of the guys that are coming up in the ranks and just doing great things.
“We hope that we just have inspired them so you know when we decide that we're done that they can keep this beautiful game going,” he added.
“We are at the point of our careers where guys that were kids when we were first coming in now they're grownups and you see that full circle we still here with them,” Durant added.
“Every year it's like some new style, some young energy coming through that challenges you but then also knowing like we know it's not going to be around forever so I feel like it gives you perspective on enjoying the game now and to enjoy every minute of it,” Curry concluded.
Watch the full video below: