Austin Rivers Calls LeBron and Durant Unstoppable Scorers — But His Next Comparison Sent Fans Into a Frenzy!

When it comes to basketball greatness, the debate often circles around rings, MVPs, and legacies. But sometimes, it narrows down to the most fundamental part of the game: scoring the basketball. That’s exactly what former NBA guard Austin Rivers addressed in his latest podcast episode, stirring a conversation that fans, analysts, and even players themselves have been engaging in for years — is LeBron James truly a pure scorer, or does that crown belong to Kevin Durant?

The Scoring Resume of LeBron James – Numbers Don’t Lie

At age 40, LeBron James is still defying every law of sports longevity. Just last season with the Los Angeles Lakers, he averaged 24.4 points per game — which, shockingly, was only the second-lowest of his career. The only time he averaged less? His rookie season more than two decades ago. To put that in perspective, some All-Stars today would kill for that stat line in their prime, and yet for LeBron, it was seen as a “dip.”

LeBron is not just a scorer; he is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, having passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to take the throne. Across 21 seasons, he’s built a résumé that includes four MVP awards, four championships, and 21 All-Star appearances. But when the conversation shifts to “pure scorers”, his name doesn’t always sit comfortably at the top of the list. Why?

Because players like Kevin Durant have changed what “scoring artistry” looks like in the modern NBA.

Austin Rivers Speaks Out – A Player’s Perspective on the Debate

In the world of basketball debates, opinions from players often carry more weight than those of analysts or fans. And Rivers, who spent 11 seasons in the NBA, was brutally honest when comparing the two.

According to him, LeBron “doesn’t have half the offensive bag that Kevin Durant has.”

That statement hit a nerve with many fans — but it wasn’t meant as disrespect. Rivers clarified that LeBron has been so dominant at the things he does well, that he never needed the type of “flashy moves” Durant showcases. For LeBron, efficiency and physicality have always been his strongest weapons. For Durant, it’s elegance, finesse, and a nearly unstoppable jumper.

Kevin Durant – The Definition of a Scoring Machine

If LeBron is the iron man of longevity, then Kevin Durant is the poster child of scoring efficiency and style. Over 17 seasons, Durant has averaged 27.2 points per game. He has four scoring titles under his belt, and just like LeBron, he’s never averaged under 20 points per game in any season.

What makes Durant stand out? His scoring arsenal is unmatched. A 7-foot forward with the handle of a guard, Durant can pull up from three, hit midrange jumpers with ease, finish at the rim, and sink free throws at elite levels. He makes the hardest shots look effortless, and that’s why fans often describe his game as “beautiful.”

Rivers pointed out the contrast perfectly: Durant has the “sexy” offensive moves — step-backs, crossovers, fadeaways — while LeBron has relied heavily on brute strength, transition finishes, and downhill attacks to get buckets. Both are dominant, but in very different ways.

The Evolution of LeBron’s Scoring – From Power to Precision

One point Rivers made that deserves attention is LeBron’s improvement as a shooter. Early in his career, James was criticized for his inconsistent jumper and lack of a reliable three-point shot. Over time, he has worked tirelessly to sharpen that weakness, and now, entering his 40s, he’s arguably a better shooter than ever.

In fact, his longevity as a top-tier scorer comes not just from his athleticism but from his ability to adapt. He may not have Durant’s bag of tricks, but his blend of strength, IQ, and improved shooting has allowed him to stay relevant far longer than most superstars.

Why Fans Struggle to Call LeBron a “Pure Scorer”

Despite the numbers, there’s still hesitation among fans and analysts to call LeBron the best scorer ever. Why?

Because scoring, to many, isn’t just about numbers. It’s about aesthetics, style, and perception. Durant’s fadeaway three-pointer looks prettier. Kobe Bryant’s footwork looked more artistic. Michael Jordan’s midrange pull-up is immortalized in every highlight reel. LeBron’s bully-ball drives and transition dunks, while dominant, don’t always carry that same “pure scorer” aura.

It’s the same reason Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game sometimes feels like a trivia fact instead of a defining cultural moment. Dominance without elegance doesn’t always capture the imagination — even if it wins games.

The Legacy Question – Whose Scoring Will Be Remembered More?

LeBron James will always be remembered as the NBA’s all-time scoring leader — that title alone guarantees his place in history. But Kevin Durant may be remembered as the better scorer in terms of skill, versatility, and artistry.

Rivers’ comments essentially echo what many have debated for years: greatness can look different depending on how you define it. Is it the numbers? The dominance? Or the beauty of how those points are scored?

What’s Next for the Two Legends?

LeBron is heading into yet another season with the Lakers, now paired with Luka Doncic in what could be one of the most fascinating duos in recent NBA history. The King is still chasing his fifth championship, determined to prove that even at 40, he’s not done yet.

Durant, meanwhile, is beginning a new chapter with his fifth franchise, the Houston Rockets. At 37, he’s still hungry for more rings, hoping to add a third championship to his already glittering résumé.

Both players are nearing the twilight of their careers, but the scoring debate between them will live on long after they retire.

Austin Rivers’ Career – Why His Opinion Matters

For those unfamiliar, Rivers isn’t just another retired player giving hot takes. He spent 11 years in the NBA, suiting up for seven different franchises and going toe-to-toe with both LeBron and Durant multiple times. While he never shared the court as a teammate with either, he had a courtside seat to their dominance.

That perspective matters. Players who’ve had to guard Durant’s jumper or absorb a LeBron drive know the difference better than anyone watching from the stands or on TV.

The Viral Take – Why This Debate Still Captures Fans

The reason Rivers’ comments have gone viral isn’t just because of the names involved. It’s because LeBron vs. Durant is the kind of debate fans never tire of. It pits power against finesse, dominance against elegance, and longevity against artistry.

Every era has its debates — Jordan vs. Kobe, Kobe vs. LeBron — and now, as these two legends near the end of their careers, this conversation feels like one of the last great debates of the modern NBA.

Final Thoughts – Who Wins the Scoring Debate?

If you judge by numbers, the edge goes to LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time scoring leader. If you judge by skill and beauty, the crown belongs to Kevin Durant. Austin Rivers’ comments didn’t settle the debate, but they did what every good sports conversation should: spark passion, arguments, and curiosity.

And in the end, maybe that’s the real answer. Both players have redefined scoring in their own ways, and the game is richer because of it.