Kevin Durant Sounds Off On LeBron James’ 76ers Critics: ‘Going To Be A Great Team’

Kevin Durant has backed LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers to emerge as serious title threats following their blockbuster offseason moves. The Rockets star also questioned why Philadelphia’s collection of elite scorers is being judged differently from the star-studded Warriors team he once played for.

Unsurprisingly, Durant’s perspective comes from personal experience, after joining Stephen Curry and other superstars on the 73-win Warriors in 2016.

LeBron James’ decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers has already triggered debate about whether the franchise has assembled too much star power. On his part, though, Kevin Durant believes the criticism exposes a glaring double standard.

Speaking Saturday, the Houston Rockets star had no doubts about Philadelphia’s championship credentials after the team added LeBron in free agency and acquired Jaylen Brown. When asked if the 76ers were legitimate contenders, Durant responded, “For sure! I mean, you don’t think so?”

Durant then pointed to his own experience with the Golden State Warriors, arguing that the reaction to Philadelphia’s roster construction differs sharply from how his former team was viewed.

“The last time they put three 20-point scorers on a team, they said it was unfair, which was the [Warriors] team I was on,” Durant said. “They’ve got four 25-point scorers on this team. So, hell yeah, I think they’re going to be a contender. They’re going to be a great team to watch.”

Kevin Durant Knows Superteams Better Than Most

Durant certainly knows what it’s like to join an already star-studded team, having lived through a remarkably similar situation himself.

In July 2016, the talented sharpshooter stunned the basketball world by leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder to sign with the Golden State Warriors, a franchise that had just won an NBA-record 73 regular-season games. The move teamed him up with an eye-catching line-up of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green.

At the time, Durant explained that his decision was driven by more than chasing championships. In a letter published on The Players’ Tribune, he said he wanted an opportunity that would fuel both his growth as a player and his evolution as a person by stepping outside his comfort zone.

LeBron James Had Plenty Of Options After Leaving The Lakers

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Prior to his arrival in Philadelphia, LeBron’s free agency was one of the most closely watched in recent NBA history. While several contenders pursued the four-time champion, the 41-year-old ultimately decided the 76ers offered the best opportunity for one final title run.

His choice reportedly came after considering several high-profile destinations, including a move to the Golden State Warriors, and other contenders such as the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves. His deal with the 76ers became official on July 27, with the team confirming LeBron would wear his familiar No. 23 jersey.

He signed a two-year contract with a player option and now has the chance to make history by becoming the first player to win NBA championships with four different franchises after previous title runs with the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Lakers.

LeBron Said The Move Was Never About Money

LeBron announced on July 24 that he would join Philadelphia, ending weeks of speculation over what he called the “last decision” of his career.

As The Blast reported, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer said the move wasn’t motivated by money or family. Instead, he explained that he was still in love with the game and believed he had “more to give,” saying he still wanted to “sacrifice,” “work,” “grind,” and “compete” for another title.

“I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time,” LeBron wrote on X while confirming his decision.

The move brought his eight-year stint with the Los Angeles Lakers to a close after helping the franchise become the 2020 NBA champions.

Kevin Durant Isn’t Thinking About Retirement

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Durant may not be short of opinions when it comes to other players and their professional moves, but he isn’t ready to walk away from his own career just yet. In fact, the Rockets star has set his sights on another shot at Olympic glory.

Speaking at a USA Basketball Foundation charity event in Southern California, Durant said he hopes to represent Team USA at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics if he earns another call-up. He stressed the decision ultimately rests with USA Basketball but said his focus is on continuing to perform at the highest level.

“If selected, I’d love to be there,” Durant said, adding that he plans to keep his game sharp and acknowledging there are plenty of players deserving of a roster spot.