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Kevin Durant or Kawhi Leonard: Who would you rather (sign)?

By Martin Burnyeat

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - OCTOBER 28: Kevin Durant #35 of the Oklahoma City Thunder tries to block Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs during the third quarter of a NBA game at the Chesapeake Energy Center on October 28, 2015 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 J Pat Carter/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - OCTOBER 28: Kevin Durant #35 of the Oklahoma City Thunder tries to block Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs during the third quarter of a NBA game at the Chesapeake Energy Center on October 28, 2015 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 J Pat Carter/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – JUNE 08: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball against Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors in the second half during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals 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: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball against Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors in the second half during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals 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) /

Kevin Durant

We’ve already seen a glimpse of a LeBron and Durant pairing in the 2018 NBA All-Star Game, and it was intense. Such a rare spectacle to see both of them complement each other’s game on both sides of the floor, culminating in a terrifying double-team on Curry to seal the game.

For the Lakers, what makes Durant so appealing for them is of course his elite scoring ability. Throughout his 11-year career, he’s consistently proven his offensive prowess which has resulted in 2 Finals MVPs, 1 MVP, and multiple All-NBA Teams and scoring titles – a few made free throws last season and he would’ve made the 50-40-90 club for the second time in his career as well.

While Kawhi Leonard’s offensive skills have consistently improved year after year, Durant’s overall offensive talent at his length is once-in-a-generation, and will instantly make the Lakers championship favourites alongside LeBron.

Durant’s basketball talent is clear, however his mental fortitude when it comes to criticism has been questionable in recent past. The potential of Durant leaving Golden State to the Lakers will be an even greater test in his mental resilience, where even more attention and criticism from every corner of the world will be directed at him.

Understanding Durant’s motivations against such a bright spotlight in LA will be key for the Lakers. If they can maintain his focus on the court throughout the regular season as well as the playoffs, we may see an historic Laker team with the two best players in the NBA playing together.

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