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How would the Lakers compare with Durant in this hypothetical situation?

1 title.

Kobe's playmaking would be greatly missed 0-1 titles.

Lose in 2008. They win in 2009. 2010 is a tossup

Lakers lose in 08. I think KD's passing weaknesses are exposed worst than Kobe's were in the 08 matchup (I think he is a less talented passer).

Lakers win in 09.

2010 is close and idk.

I don't see them winning in 2008. I think Durant, even pre-injury, was just as vulnerable to the sort of defense that Kobe faced that year and folds the same (as you'd expect from almost anyone, really). 08 Celtics were titans.

I think they still handle the Magic in 09 and I think they squeak out the 2010 title as well.

2009 for sure. 2010 really depends.

JordansBulls wrote:2009 for sure. 2010 really depends.

Kobe didn't exactly stun versus Boston in 2010, as was his custom come the Finals. He wasn't amazing vs the Thunder either. Played well vs the Jazz and Suns. Obviously, he had moments/stretches and what have you in the Finals as well and was boot-strapping their offense with volume, so scoring efficiency is only so relevant a marker. Even MJ had some tired series against the Jazz in the late 90s, or the Knicks/Pistons prior. He definitely had learned some things after the 08 matchup, but the defense was keyed in on him. Rebounded really well. I think Durant would have done at least as well, though. By 2016 and later, his passing game was reasonably similar, particularly if it was placed in context of the triangle offense and Pau Gasol/Lamar Odom plus shooters. And of course Durant's shooting ability matters a lot.

Tough, though. Kobe was really, really good. There was an argument in this stretch, more so in 08 than after, that he might have been the best player in the league. And if he wasn't, he was certainly right up there, so you'd have to pick someone pretty remarkable to replace him effectively.

Key series for Durant to overcome:
08: Spurs, Celtics
09: Nuggets, Magic
10: Thunder, Celtics and maybe Suns

1 Title.

2010. W/ KD, Lakers cruise comfortably. Don't think the Finals is as much of a struggle with him.

Lakers likely don't make out of the West in 2009. KD as a lead playmaker against the 4th Ranked Defense, 8th Ranked Defense, 1st Ranked Defense is an unrealistic tall task for Durant given his relatively poor ball handling skills and poor ball security, and limited court vision.

Lakers would lose faster in the 2008 Finals.

1 Title.

2010. W/ KD, Lakers cruise comfortably. Don't think the Finals is as much of a struggle with him.

Lakers likely don't make out of the West in 2009. KD as a lead playmaker against the 4th Ranked Defense, 8th Ranked Defense, 1st Ranked Defense is an unrealistic tall task for Durant given his relatively poor ball handling skills and poor ball security, and limited court vision.

Lakers would lose faster in the 2008 Finals.