Why Kevin Durant Says LeBron James Is Still Getting Better

As Los Angeles Lakers‘ superstar LeBron James is going through his historic 23rd NBA seasonquestions of longevity and decline naturally follow. Still, even as the Lakers forward approaches his 41st birthday, some of the league’s sharpest basketball minds believe James is still evolving, not fading. One of them is a longtime rival and fellow superstar Kevin Durant.

Durant recently shared his perspective during an appearance on the Unguarded podcast, where he reflected on James’ late career transformation and why age did not stop his growth.

“I feel like LeBron (James) is still getting better at his game,” Durant said on the podcast. “I feel like he’s mastered his game recently at about 38. He’s added a three-pointer, he’s added a layup, more consistent. You know what I’m saying? I look at it that way. I think he’s on his way to mastering, to really mastering what he wants to be.”

“I feel like LeBron (James) is still getting better in his game. I feel like he’s mastered his game recently at about 38. He’s added a three-pointer, he’s added an outlet that’s more consistent.”

-Kevin Durant

(via “Unguarded”, @boardroom)pic.tvitter.com/vCvAtc8pkKs

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 18, 2025

Durant’s comments come from watching James has subtly reshaped his offensive identity. Early in his career, James relied heavily on attacking the rim and overpowering defenders in the paint.

Over time, however, he expanded his skills, becoming more reliable outside the arc and the addition of slick moves in the post, including a fadeaway jumper, that expanded his scoring range as his athleticism naturally diminished.

Now in its 23rd season, James has a different statistical profile. For the first time, he is averaging less than 20 points per game, averaging 17.6 points, 7.2 assists and 5.7 rebounds.

He also recently ended his long streak of scoring double figures in every game. Still, flashes of vintage brilliance remain, from emphatic dunks to perfectly timed rush blocks.

Durant, who is also sailing in the later stages of his own career in his 19th NBA season, he understands the art of adjustment. He noted how James has maintained his efficiency despite shooting more jumpers, shooting 51.2 percent from the field during his tenure with the Lakers.

As the Lakers sit at 18-7 and continue their road trip against the Utah Jazz (10-15), James’ evolution remains key to their success. If Durant’s assessment is correct, the league may not have seen the final version of LeBron James yet, even at nearly 41.