Joe Johnson gives Kevin Durant as an example as to why LeBron James accepts his new role: "You see how hard KD gotta work?"

Every time Kevin Durant and LeBron James share the court, it still feels like a must-watch event, as two former MVP's and future first-ballot Hall of Famers going head-to-head never gets old.

However, as great as both of them are, lately, LBJ seems to have the smoother, more controlled outings. And that's exactly what led Joe Johnson to make an interesting observation.

Advertisement

According to him, watching Durant carry such a heavy load night after night has likely reinforced why LeBron is perfectly fine taking a step back with the Los Angeles Lakers this season.

Johnson knows KD is struggling

Despite all the outside noise since the beginning of the campaign, LeBron hasn't forced himself into the Lakers' offense. Instead, the 41-year-old forward has embraced a more balanced role, letting the younger backcourt duo of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves lead the scoring charge. While some would downplay LBJ putting up 21.4 points per game, those numbers do not tell the full story.

Advertisement

Not only is King James focusing more on being efficient and taking over when the team lacks inspiration, but his focus has been more on making plays and bringing different plates into the ball game. Put simply, whether it's pushing the transition, creating ope n looks, or scoring quick buckets in the opening quarter, he's playing the role of a connector.

On the flip side, KD's role with the Rockets is completely different. Despite a total of six different players averaging points in double figures, the two-time Finals MVP is burdened with scoring game-high points if the team is to stand any chance of winning. Though Durant is averaging 25.7 points per game, whenever he switches off, it seems as if the Rockets' offense has lost its rhythm.

While at this point in their careers, both James and Durant shouldn't be compelled to carry such a heavy burden; rather, they should be used as X-factors. Johnson feels LeBron would be content in his role after witnessing the pressure a 37-year-old KD is still put in, even in his year 18 in the NBA.

Advertisement

"You see how hard Kevin Durant gotta work? And they wearing him down," Johnson said. "Bron don't wanna be like that, bro. Be the Swiss-Army Knife - 'Imma come out, give y ou 20-30 points a night. He's gonna be hard to stop.'"

Related: "I've never seen a team in my life that would be better" - Rich Paul passionately disagrees that the Lakers are better without LeBron James

Is Durant being hard done by?

Right now, the Rockets' offense feels too reliant on KD. Without a true playmaker to consistently organize the offense, younger players often depend on him to generate momentum before they can find their own rhyt hm.

Advertisement

Perhaps that lack of cohesion puts even more pressure on Durant to deliver every night, which isn't sustainable over a long playoff run. Somebody from his younger teammates like Alperen Sengun or Amen Thompson, really needs to step up; otherwise, the Rockets might be done very early in the 2026 Playoffs.

And while Joe's admission may be bold, it does highlight how these legends need to be used properly if their effectiveness is to be utilized. Yes, LeBron might be 41, so someone would say it's more expected of him to take a step back, but 37 is no spring chicken.

KD needs some breathing room as well and he's not getting it at the moment.

Advertisement

Related: "This is the best version of their defense" - Kevin Durant discusses a potential playoff showdown vs. Lakers

This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Mar 19, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.