LeBron James, the superstar forward for the Los Angeles Lakers, was rumored to have contemplated retirement during the NBA offseason. However, he made the remarkable decision to return to the basketball court for his 21st season in the league, an achievement that commands considerable admiration.

Over the past few years, observers have marveled at James’s ability to maintain a high level of performance as he approaches 39 years old in December, well into the twilight of his NBA career. Despite nearing the age of 40, James has exhibited few signs of slowing down, surprising not only fans and coaches across the league but also his fellow players.

Having spent over two decades in the league, LeBron James has had a lasting impact on current players, including fellow superstar Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns. The two superstars faced off for the first time in years earlier in the week, and Durant shared his perspective on how James has influenced his career, as conveyed by the NBA’s Twitter account.

Durant offered an intriguing perspective, describing James as a “barometer” and a benchmark by which he measures his own abilities against one of the greatest players in the history of the game.

Evidently, Durant has been closely observing James’s incredible career and still regards him as an exemplar of the greatness that one can achieve in the league. Should these two superstars remain healthy throughout the season, there is a possibility of more exciting head-to-head matchups, a treat for all basketball enthusiasts.