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Golden State Warriors: 3 reasons Kevin Durant won’t join the Lakers in 2019

By Nathan Beighle

OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 03: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with Kevin Durant #35 against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first quarter in Game 2 of the 2018 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 3, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 03: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with Kevin Durant #35 against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first quarter in Game 2 of the 2018 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 3, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – JUNE 08: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors raises the Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP trophy after winning the 2018 NBA Finals 108-85 against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Four at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – JUNE 08: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors raises the Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP trophy after winning the 2018 NBA Finals 108-85 against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Four at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

He’d be in James’ shadow

Kevin Durant could potentially remain in LeBron James‘ shadow so long he never is able to truly lead the Los Angeles Lakers deep into the postseason. LeBron James, at the end of his contract, will be 37.

When Michael Jordan returned to the league at 38, he averaged 22.9 points per game. James, who is a much more durable player than Jordan, could easily be a productive part of the Lakers till his four-year contract is up. We’ve thought for years James might start to regress, but it won’t be happening any time soon.

That said, if James at 36 is still the leader of the Lakers and passes the torch as he enters his last season, Durant will be 33-years-old. Are we going to pretend like a 33-year-old Durant will be able to still compete at the highest level without the help of other superstar talents?

Unless significant talent is added to the team, when Durant takes over, they won’t excel. Even with Durant and James together, it’s not guaranteed that they’d be the league’s best team with Golden State retaining much of their core that led them at a historical 73-win season.

Durant would remain in James’ shadow until it’s too late. In Golden State, he’s creating his own path. While Stephen Curry is clearly an established superstar, Durant is the team’s best player, and he’s not far off from being the league’s best.

He’s not in Steph’s shadow. He’s the No. 1 scorer. He put up the most shots. Durant has taken the team and captured the hearts of fans in the Bay. Why give that up to play second fiddle?

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