contrasting the legendary careers of LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant in the 2010s and 2020s with those of Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird in the 1980s and 1990s. It is evident that LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant have dominated their respective eras with unparalleled skill, accolades, and influence when compared to the careers of six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan, legendary point guard Magic Johnson, and three-time MVP Larry Bird. In the 2024 Olympics, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant added a significant accolade to their resumes. However, when you examine their accomplishments in greater detail—championships, MVPs, All-NBA and All-Defensive teams, win shares, and player efficiency—one question arises: which trio truly stands out from the rest? Medals from the Olympics Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and LeBron James: 8 Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan: Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and LeBron James have carried on the American basketball dominance tradition. LeBron showcased his versatility and leadership skills on the international stage by winning his first Olympic gold in 2008 and his second in 2012. Kevin Durant has won the most medals out of the three, winning three golds in 2012, 2016, and 2021. Each of the three stars won a medal in 2024, elevating their total in comparison to the competition. Curry’s contributions to USA Basketball in other tournaments add to his international resume despite the fact that he has yet to win an Olympic gold. They have won eight Olympic gold medals all together, highlighting their global impact and consistent excellence. Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan were all members of the illustrious Dream Team that won gold in Barcelona with ease in 1992. Jordan had won his first Olympic gold in 1984, and Bird and Jordan had already established themselves as leaders. They now hold a total of four Olympic gold medals. Despite his health issues, Magic was a big part of this success, but they can’t compare to the famous stars of the 2010s and 2020s. Advantage: Curry, James, and Durant The NBA Finals Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan: 14 Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and LeBron James: 10 Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird were a legendary trio who won 14 NBA championships together. Jordan won six of them, Magic won five, and Bird won three. With his unrivaled vision and passing, Magic’s Showtime Lakers dominated the 1980s, and Jordan’s two three-peats with the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s defined an era. The Boston Celtics’ three championships were anchored by Bird’s cerebral approach and clutch performances, making the rivalry between Bird and Magic one of the decade’s most significant stories. Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and LeBron James, on the other hand, have all won ten NBA championships, with Curry’s four rings leading the pack. LeBron’s three championships with three different teams—the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Lakers—solidified his status as one of the game’s all-time greats, while Curry’s shooting prowess helped revolutionize the game. The Warriors’ dynasty was bolstered by Durant’s two championships, which demonstrated his scoring prowess and versatility. Their influence on the modern game cannot be denied, even though their combined total is slightly lower. Jordan, Johnson, and Bird are in favor. MVP Awards at the End Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan: 11 Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James: 7 Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird have won an impressive 11 Finals MVP awards together. Jordan alone is responsible for six of these. His dominance on the biggest stage is demonstrated by the fact that he was named Finals MVP in each of his championship seasons. His versatility is highlighted by Magic’s three Finals MVP awards, the first of which came in his rookie year when he played center in Game 6 of the 1980 Finals. In the 1980s, Bird, who won two Finals MVPs, displayed his skillful shooting and leadership, particularly in his contests with the Lakers. Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and LeBron James have won seven Finals MVP awards each, with LeBron winning four of them. Legendary is his capacity to improve his game in the Finals, particularly during his victory with the Cavaliers in 2016. During his time with the Warriors, Durant won two MVP awards for his outstanding scoring and all-around performance. Curry, who had been criticized for not winning a Finals MVP, finally did so in 2022 by averaging 31.2 points per game, 6.0 rebounds per game, and 5.0 assists per game, establishing his legacy as one of the greats of all time. Although they are still behind the older trio in terms of totals, their collective performance under pressure is significant. Jordan, Johnson, and Bird are in favor. Award for MVP Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan: 11 Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James: 7 Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan all have an incredible 11 MVP awards between them. Jordan has five, Magic has three, and Bird also has three. Jordan’s consistent excellence and dominance during the regular season were reflected in his MVP awards, which spanned nearly a decade. With his passing and leadership, Magic’s MVPs highlighted his transformative impact on the game. A rare feat, Bird won MVP three times in a row from 1984 to 1986, highlighting his versatility and impact on the league at the time. Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and LeBron James have won seven MVP awards between them, with LeBron winning four of them. Especially during his time with the Miami Heat, when he was virtually unstoppable, he won MVP awards during his peak years. Curry’s two MVP awards, including the first-ever unanimous award in 2016, demonstrated the game-changing impact of his shooting ability. The only MVP award that Durant received in 2014 was evidence of his scoring prowess and versatility. Even though their total is lower than that of the older trio, their MVPs represent a time when the game changed a lot largely because of them. Jordan, Johnson, and Bird are in favor. Awards for Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan: Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and LeBron James: 0 Michael Jordan stands out as the only player from his team to win the Defensive Player of the Year award. He won it in 1988 with an average of 3.2 steals and 1.6 blocks per game. One of the most complete NBA players, Jordan’s DPOY award highlights his tenacity on both ends of the floor. Larry Bird and Magic Johnson were not known primarily for their defense, but they were both highly intelligent defenders who made significant contributions to their teams’ defensive plans. Magic frequently guarded multiple positions. Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and LeBron James, on the other hand, have not won the DPOY award. However, this does not diminish their defensive impact, especially in the case of LeBron James, who has been named to five All-Defensive First Teams and is known for his chase-down blocks and versatility. Additionally, Durant has developed into a formidable defender, particularly during his time with the Golden State Warriors, where his versatility and rim protection were essential. Even though Curry is not a candidate for DPOY, he has improved his defense over time and is now an important part of the Warriors’ system. Jordan’s singular overall brilliance in this category is made more apparent by the fact that none of them have a DPOY. Jordan, Johnson, and Bird are in favor. evaluating titles Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan: 10 Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James: 7 Michael Jordan is the greatest scorer of all time because of his unrivaled ten scoring titles that highlight his offensive prowess. The Chicago Bulls’ dynasty was built on his ability to dominate the offensive end year after year, especially in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In 1986-87, Jordan scored a career-high 37.1 points per game, and he scored at least 30 points in eight consecutive seasons. Although Magic Johnson and Larry Bird were elite scorers in their own right, they did not win any scoring titles because their strengths lay elsewhere, particularly in playmaking and overall team play. Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and LeBron James all have seven scoring titles between them. Durant has won four of these titles, which puts him third all-time behind Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan. Durant is one of the most deadly scorers in NBA history because of his size, skill, and ability to score from anywhere on the floor. His career high was 32.0 points per game in 2013–14. Due to his revolutionary three-point shooting, Curry has won two scoring titles—30.1 PPG in 2015-16 and 32.0 PPG in 2020-21—while LeBron has won one—30.0 PPG in 2007-08—demonstrating his versatility and ability to take over games when needed. Nonetheless, it is remarkable that Jordan won more scoring titles on his own than all of the greatest players of the 2010s and 2020s put together. Jordan, Johnson, and Bird are in favor. All-NBA Groups Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and LeBron James: 41 Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan: 31 Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and LeBron James have all been named to the All-NBA Team. LeBron has been selected to the team 41 times, which is the most in NBA history. These numbers reflect his remarkable consistency and longevity, as he has spent the majority of his career on the First Team. Additionally, Durant and Curry have been selected to multiple All-NBA Teams, with Curry receiving ten selections and Durant receiving 11. Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird earned a total of 31 All-NBA Team selections, with Jordan receiving 11 of those awards. Bird’s 10 First Team selections emphasize his consistency as a top league forward, while Magic’s 10 First Team selections highlight his dominance as a point guard in the 1980s. These picks demonstrate not only their superior performance but also their capacity to maintain league dominance throughout their careers. However, James, Curry, and Durant’s combined total is higher than that of the older trio, demonstrating their dominance in the modern NBA and their capacity to perform at the highest level year after year. LeBron’s 20 All-NBA Team appearances, on the other hand, make it abundantly clear that he is on a level with himself that no other player can match. Advantage: Curry, James, and Durant Appearances as All-Stars Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and LeBron James: 44 Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan: 38 Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and LeBron James, on the other hand, have all been to 43 All-Star games. LeBron has been to 20 of them, which is the most in NBA history. LeBron’s continued presence at the All-Star Game is evidence of his consistent performance and popularity among fans. Durant has made 14 appearances, demonstrating his scoring prowess as well as his fan and player popularity. Curry, who has made ten appearances, is a fan favorite because of his incredible shooting performances at these games. Their combined All-Star appearances demonstrate their dominance and lasting influence on the league, but once more, James’ total is simply staggering. Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan all made the All-Star team 36 times together. Jordan made 14 appearances as the group’s leader, each one a display of his unparalleled popularity and talent. One of Magic Johnson’s memorable 12 All-Star appearances was in 1992, when he was named MVP despite having retired the year before. The trio’s status as basketball icons has been solidified by Bird’s 12 appearances, which demonstrate his consistent excellence and popularity. However, they are unable to keep up with the current stars. Advantage: Curry, James, and Durant Teams with only defense Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan: 12 Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and LeBron James: six Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan earned a total of 12 All-Defensive Team selections, with Jordan earning nine First Team selections on his own. Jordan’s defensive tenacity was a big part of why the Chicago Bulls won six championships. Magic did not receive any All-Defensive honors because he concentrated primarily on offense. Even though Bird wasn’t as good on defense, he was a good team defender who got three All-Defensive Team selections. This shows how well-rounded this legendary trio is. Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and LeBron James, on the other hand, have all been named to the All-Defensive Team, with LeBron receiving all six of them. LeBron’s ability to defend multiple positions and significantly contribute to his team’s success has been a key part of his game. Even though he did not make the All-Defensive Team often, Durant has improved greatly as a defender, especially when he played for the Warriors, where his shot-blocking and defensive presence were crucial. Even though Curry is best known for his offense, he has improved defensively over time, but he hasn’t been named to the All-Defensive Team. Jordan, Johnson, and Bird are in favor. Total Shares Won Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and LeBron James: 569.1 Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan: 515.6 With a total win share of 569.1, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and LeBron James have a slight advantage. LeBron leads the list with a staggering 263.7 win shares, demonstrating his remarkable impact over his 20-year career. With 170.2, Durant follows, demonstrating his efficiency in scoring and overall contributions, particularly during his time with the Thunder and Warriors. Curry’s 135.2 win shares show how he led the Warriors dynasty and changed the game with his three-point shooting. Not only do their win shares exceed those of the older trio, but they also reflect their significant influence on the NBA today. Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan all had 515.6 win shares, with 214.0 of them coming from Jordan. Jordan’s tremendous impact, particularly during the Bulls’ championship runs, is reflected in win shares, which measure a player’s contributions to the success of their team. Bird’s 145.8 win shares highlight his overall brilliance and consistency in making the Celtics perennial contenders, while Magic’s 155.8 win shares highlight his leadership and ability to elevate the Lakers during the 1980s. Advantage: Curry, James, and Durant Rating of Player Efficiency (PER) Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James: 75.7 Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan: 75.5 LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant have a combined Player Efficiency Rating (PER) of 75.7, which is a measure of a player’s productivity per minute. LeBron leads the trio with a PER of 27.1. This metric demonstrates his capacity to excel in all aspects of the game, including scoring, playmaking, and defense. Curry’s PER of 23.6 reflects his offensive brilliance, particularly his shooting and playmaking, while Durant’s PER of 25.0 highlights his overall impact and scoring efficiency. In a time when efficiency has become increasingly valued, their combined PER is higher than that of the older trio. This is a reflection of advanced analytics that capture their overall contributions to the game. Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan all have a PER of 77.4. Jordan’s all-around dominance on the court is reflected in his PER of 27.9, which ranks among the highest in NBA history. Bird’s PER of 23.5 demonstrates his overall efficiency and capacity to contribute in multiple aspects of the game, while Magic’s PER of 24.1 highlights his unique ability to influence games as a playmaker. Advantage: Curry, James, and Durant Winner Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan versus Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and LeBron James won 6-5. By a narrow 6-5 margin, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird outperform LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant in this ultimate career comparison. The NBA championships, Finals MVP awards, MVP awards, Defensive Player of the Year awards, scoring titles, and All-Defensive Team selections are the six categories in which Jordan, Magic, and Bird have won. Their dominance in these awards, particularly Jordan’s unparalleled resume, demonstrates their status as some of the greatest players ever to play basketball. Their legacy as a trio that defined excellence in the NBA is established by their collective capacity to not only lead their teams to championships but also to excel individually in both offensive and defensive aspects of the game. However, in terms of Olympic gold medals, All-NBA selections, All-Star appearances, win shares, and player efficiency rating (PER), LeBron, Curry, and Durant lead the pack. LeBron’s remarkable longevity demonstrates his sustained greatness over a two-decade career and gives his trio a distinct advantage in these cumulative categories. Together with LeBron’s three, Durant’s four Olympic medals give him a significant advantage in international success. However, despite these impressive accomplishments, the trio of Jordan, Magic, and Bird still hold a slight advantage, with Jordan’s status as the greatest player in terms of accolades tipping the balance in their favor. The debate may continue, but the legends of the past have a slight advantage when it comes to pure accolades.
