The 2023-2024 NBA playoffs have been a disappointing one for three of the league’s biggest stars: LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant. Despite their impressive individual performances, none of them were able to lead their teams to success.
LeBron James, now 39 years old, suffered a first-round exit with the Los Angeles Lakers, losing to the Denver Nuggets. While he still managed to average an impressive 27.5 points for the series, the supporting cast outside of Anthony Davis offered little.
Stephen Curry, 36, had an even more disappointing season, failing to lead the Golden State Warriors past the play-in tournament and into the playoffs. Despite his remarkable shooting ability and scoring average of 26.4 points per game, the Warriors’ lack of depth and injuries hindered their chances.
Kevin Durant, 35, suffered a humiliating sweep at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA playoffs first round. Despite averaging 27 points against Minnesota, his team’s inability to match the Timberwolves’ intensity and defense led to their swift elimination.
While age is certainly a factor, it’s not the only reason for their struggles. Injuries, team dynamics, and the ever-increasing competitiveness of the NBA all play a role. LeBron, Curry, and Durant are still incredibly talented players, but their supporting casts and team situations have limited their success.
Looking ahead, it’s uncertain what the future holds for these three legends. Will they continue to chase rings with their current teams or explore new opportunities? At almost 40, LeBron certainly has a year or two, at best, of ring-chasing before calling it a day. Curry and Durant need to think carefully about their next moves as the clock ticks.
They should all retire