The debate over who sits at the top of basketball’s summit-LeBron James or Kevin Durant-has raged for years. Yet in a recent poll carried out by Bleacher Report, the results of an NBA general managers survey have turned heads: GMs appear to lean toward Durant.
At first glance, the notion that front office professionals prefer Durant over LeBron may seem counterintuitive.
LeBron’s career has been defined by longevity, versatility, and consistent dominance, while Durant‘s has been marked by injuries, team changes, and reinvention. The talent on offer is undeniable.
But in the landscape of modern basketball, Durant‘s attributes-elite scoring, shot creation, and efficiency-align with how decision-makers now evaluate talent and impact.
Here’s a closer look at why the tide may be turning in Durant‘s favor, and what this shift says about how the league defines greatness in 2025.
Why some GMs favor KD: efficiency, adaptability, and modern valuation
In the Bleacher Report survey, general managers weighed both players’ careers and present-day relevance. While LeBron‘s four MVPs and all-around game are unmatched, many respondents cited Durant’s precision scoring and consistency as key differentiators.
His back-to-back Finals MVPs in 2017 and 2018 showcased his ability to rise in the biggest moments, particularly when surrounded by elite talent.
Durant‘s skillset as earned him the reputation of one of basketball’s purest scorers. His style fits seamlessly into today’s analytics-driven game, which values spacing, perimeter shooting, and efficient offensive production.
LeBron, on the other hand, remains a dominant force but thrives in a system built around his playmaking and physicality-traits that, while still valuable, are less emphasized in today’s stylistic trends.
Another factor is adaptability. Despite battling injuries, Durant has shown a willingness to evolve his role depending on team needs.
He’s shifted from being the centerpiece of an offense to operating as a sharpshooting co-star, excelling both as a primary scorer and complementary piece. In contrast, LeBron‘s game has naturally slowed with age, making him more selective in his bursts of dominance.
GMs also recognize that Durant‘s approach requires fewer system changes. While LeBron demands an offense structured around his decision-making, Durant can slot into virtually any system and still deliver elite scoring-something that makes roster construction easier for executives and coaches alike.
The case for LeBron
Of course, none of this diminishes LeBron‘s case as one of the greatest players ever. His longevity, leadership, and two-way contributions remain unparalleled.
But as the NBA’s style of play evolves-prioritizing pace, floor spacing, and efficiency-Durant‘s value has grown accordingly.
Ultimately, this survey doesn’t close the debate between the two legends, but it does suggest a changing perspective among league insiders.
In an era increasingly defined by precision over power and adaptability over dominance, Kevin Durant‘s name continues to rise in conversations once thought to belong solely to LeBron James.
The GOAT conversation is far from over. But for now, in the eyes of NBA general managers, Kevin Durant might just hold the edge.
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