Kendrick Perkins Takes a Stand on Steph Curry vs. LeBron James, Danny Green Offers a Different Perspective

The debate over who has more left in the tank—LeBron James or Stephen Curry—has been reignited, thanks to ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins. The former NBA big man didn’t hesitate to share his opinion, sparking a lively discussion that even drew a counterpoint from veteran sharpshooter Danny Green.

With both Curry and James still performing at elite levels deep into their careers, the question of longevity and contribution to their teams has captivated fans and analysts alike. Perkins’s bold stance and Green’s rebuttal highlight how divisive this conversation remains.

Perkins: “Curry Has More Left to Give”

On a recent episode of ESPN’s First Take, Kendrick Perkins unequivocally stated that Stephen Curry, at age 36, has more to offer in the twilight of his career than LeBron James, who turned 39 in December. Perkins cited Curry’s playing style as a major factor, emphasizing that the sharpshooter’s skillset allows him to thrive without relying heavily on athleticism.

“Steph’s game is built for longevity,” Perkins argued. “He’s a shooter, and shooters age like fine wine. He doesn’t need to dominate with physicality or speed. As long as he can move off the ball and get his shots, he’s going to be effective.”

Perkins also pointed out that Curry’s leadership and impact on the Warriors remain pivotal, particularly as the team transitions into a new era with younger talent like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody.

“Curry’s presence alone makes the Warriors a contender,” Perkins added. “He’s still in his prime when it comes to shooting and decision-making.”

The LeBron Factor

While Perkins made a compelling case for Curry, he didn’t discount LeBron’s ability to contribute. However, he noted that LeBron’s style of play—centered on physical dominance and playmaking—could face greater challenges as age catches up with him.

“LeBron is a freak of nature, no doubt,” Perkins said. “But father time is undefeated. He’s already dealing with injuries more frequently, and the way he plays requires a lot of wear and tear on his body.”

Danny Green: “Don’t Bet Against LeBron”

Danny Green, a three-time NBA champion and former teammate of LeBron James, wasn’t buying Perkins’s argument. Green, who has also faced Curry multiple times in the postseason, offered a different perspective during an appearance on The Old Man & The Three podcast.

“LeBron is still LeBron,” Green said. “The man is almost 40 and putting up numbers that some 25-year-olds can’t match. He’s a machine, and his basketball IQ is off the charts. He knows how to adapt his game to stay effective.”

Green also highlighted LeBron’s versatility, which allows him to contribute in ways that go beyond scoring.

“LeBron can play point guard, he can play power forward, and he can still dominate a game without scoring 30 points,” Green explained. “That’s a rare skill set, and it’s what makes him so valuable even at this stage of his career.”

Comparing Their Careers

LeBron James and Stephen Curry have both revolutionized the game in their own ways. LeBron’s unmatched combination of size, speed, and skill has made him one of the most dominant players in NBA history. Meanwhile, Curry’s unparalleled shooting ability has fundamentally changed how basketball is played, with teams prioritizing three-point shooting like never before.

Statistically, both players continue to defy expectations. LeBron is averaging near triple-double numbers in his 21st season, while Curry remains one of the league’s top scorers and most efficient shooters.

Fans and Analysts Weigh In

The debate quickly spread across social media, with fans divided on the issue. Many sided with Perkins, emphasizing Curry’s shooting as a skill that ages gracefully.

“Steph doesn’t need to jump out of the gym to be effective,” one fan tweeted. “As long as he has his stroke, he’ll keep breaking records.”

Others echoed Danny Green’s sentiments, pointing to LeBron’s unparalleled longevity and adaptability.

“LeBron is a freak of nature,” another fan wrote. “He’s still carrying teams and playing at an MVP level. You can’t count him out.”

What’s Next for Curry and LeBron?

As the 2024 NBA season unfolds, both players are showing no signs of slowing down. LeBron continues to lead the Lakers with his playmaking and leadership, while Curry is lighting it up for the Warriors with his shooting and off-ball movement.

Their respective teams remain in contention, and both stars are proving that age is just a number when it comes to elite performance.

Conclusion

The debate over whether Stephen Curry or LeBron James has more left to give is far from settled. Kendrick Perkins believes Curry’s shooting and less physically demanding style give him an edge in longevity, while Danny Green argues that LeBron’s adaptability and unparalleled basketball IQ keep him in the conversation.

Ultimately, the answer may depend on how each player adapts to the inevitable challenges of aging. Regardless of who has more left in the tank, both Curry and LeBron continue to amaze fans and cement their legacies as two of the greatest players in NBA history.