Kevin Durant’s Take on Reaching 40,000 Points Alongside LeBron James

Kevin Durant has already cemented his legacy as one of the greatest scorers in NBA history, recently surpassing the 30,000 career points milestone. As discussions intensify about whether he can reach the legendary 40,000-point mark, Durant remains unsure about the possibility, acknowledging the physical and mental challenges that come with such an achievement. 

Durant Acknowledges LeBron’s Longevity and Greatness

In an interview with Forbes Sports, Durant praised LeBron James for his ability to sustain excellence throughout his career. James, who recently became the first player in NBA history to surpass 41,000 career points, continues to defy expectations with his durability, consistency, and elite-level play.

“I don’t know if I can get there, man. That’s what makes LeBron’s rise to the top pretty special. He stayed healthy and stayed consistent. So I’m trying to stay consistent and see what happens,” Durant admitted. James has maintained his dominance since entering the league in 2003, proving that longevity and high-level play can go hand in hand. His ability to avoid serious injuries while playing at an elite level has allowed him to reach historic milestones.

James has maintained his dominance since entering the league in 2003, proving that longevity and high-level performance go hand in hand. His ability to avoid serious injuries while playing at an elite level has enabled him to reach historic milestones that were once thought to be unattainable.

Durant’s Career and Scoring Legacy

While Durant acknowledges the difficulty of hitting 40,000 points, his scoring resume remains one of the most impressive in NBA history. He currently ranks eighth on the all-time scoring list with 30,008 points and is on track to pass Wilt Chamberlain (31,419 points) in the near future.

Throughout his career, Durant has established himself as one of the most efficient and versatile scorers in the game. His list of achievements includes:

• Two NBA championships with the Golden State Warriors

• Four Olympic gold medals with Team USA

• NBA Rookie of the Year in the 2007-08 season

• 13-time NBA All-Star selection

• Four-time NBA scoring champion

• Two-time NBA Finals MVP

At 36 years old, Durant continues to be the offensive leader for the Phoenix Suns, averaging 27 points per game this season. Despite his individual success, the team holds a 26-27 record and is battling for a spot in the Western Conference playoffs.

Can Kevin Durant Realistically Reach 40,000 Points?

While Durant remains one of the NBA’s most dominant scorers, reaching 40,000 career points is a challenge that very few players can realistically achieve. To accomplish this milestone, he would need to score approximately 2,000 points per season for the next five years, bringing him to age 41.

To reach the 40,000-point club, Durant would need to:

• Play at least five more full seasons

• Average 25+ points per game consistently

• Avoid significant injuries and maintain peak performance

• Adapt his game to remain effective as he ages

Considering the wear and tear of an NBA career, the challenge of reaching this mark is immense. However, Durant’s game is built around skill rather than athleticism, which could allow him to remain highly productive as he gets older. Players like Dirk Nowitzki and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar extended their careers by relying on fundamentals and shooting ability, something Durant excels at.

Comparing Durant’s Path to LeBron’s Milestone

LeBron James’ ability to reach 40,000 points has been a testament to unmatched longevity, durability, and elite performance over two decades. His unique combination of size, strength, and skill has allowed him to remain dominant well into his late 30s.

Unlike LeBron, Durant has faced multiple significant injuries, including:

• A ruptured Achilles tendon in 2019

• Various knee and ankle injuries in recent seasons

• Foot fractures early in his career

These injuries have cost him valuable playing time, making his road to 40,000 points even tougher. While Durant’s shooting ability gives him a strong advantage in aging gracefully, his health remains the biggest factor in determining whether he can join LeBron in NBA history.

What’s Next for Durant?

As the Phoenix Suns continue their season, Durant will look to climb even higher on the all-time scoring list. His next major milestone will be surpassing Wilt Chamberlain, a feat that could happen within the next season.

The Suns will return to action on Wednesday night against the Houston Rockets, as they continue their push toward the NBA playoffs. With Durant leading the way, the team hopes to turn their season around and compete for a championship.

Despite the challenges ahead, Durant remains focused on his legacy and continuing to score at an elite level. Whether or not he reaches 40,000 points, he has already solidified himself as one of the greatest scorers of all time.

Final Thoughts: Will Durant Join the 40,000-Point Club?

While reaching 40,000 points remains an extremely difficult challenge, Durant’s place among the NBA’s all-time greats is already secure. His scoring ability, efficiency, and versatility have made him one of the most feared offensive players in league history.

The question remains—can Kevin Durant maintain his elite play long enough to reach 40,000 points? Only time will tell, but if anyone has the talent and determination to achieve this milestone, Durant is certainly one of the few players capable of making history. 

As the Phoenix Suns continue their season, Durant will look to climb even higher on the all-time scoring list. His next target is Wilt Chamberlain, and with his current scoring average, he could pass him by next season.

The Suns will return to action on Wednesday night against the Houston Rockets, as they continue their push toward the NBA playoffs. With Durant leading the way, the team hopes to turn their season around and compete for a championship.

While reaching 40,000 points remains an extremely difficult challenge, Durant’s place among the greatest scorers of all time is already secure. Whether or not he reaches that milestone, his legacy in NBA history is undeniable.

The question remains—can Kevin Durant play long enough and score at a high enough level to join LeBron James in the 40,000-point club? Only time will tell, but if anyone has the talent and drive to do it, Durant is certainly one of them.