How Hard Is It to Conquer the Entire League? Only 5 People Have Done It in the Last 20 Years, Durant Falls Short

How Hard Is It to Conquer the Entire League? Only 5 People Have Done It in the Last 20 Years, Durant Falls Short

In the NBA, a league filled with geniuses, winning a championship is already an impressive feat. However, to "conquer the entire league" requires a performance that's out of this world! This isn't just about technical skill; it also demands psychological resilience, leadership, and an unwavering will to never give up. To truly "conquer the entire league," one must not only silence opponents on the court but also earn the respect of all fans and media. In the past 20 years, only a few players have achieved this, surprisingly including Kevin Durant, such a strong player, who still falls short.

1. Shaquille O'Neal: Why do they say I'm invincible? Because I am "The Great Shark"!

Let's start with Shaquille O'Neal. Twenty years ago, that "shark" swept everything away. In the 1999-2000 season, O'Neal reached the pinnacle of his career, averaging nearly 30 points and 13 rebounds, ravaging the opponent's paint like it was his own swimming pool.

In the finals that year, the Lakers faced the Pacers, and O'Neal was like a bulldozer, averaging 38 points and 16.7 rebounds, with no one able to stop him. The Pacers' big men were crushed to the point of questioning their existence, as O'Neal used his dominance to lead the Lakers to the championship and took home the FMVP trophy. At that time, no one could match him, and you had to admit, "The Great Shark" truly conquered the entire league. Even teams started building stronger frontcourts to counter O'Neal, but to no avail; he was simply unstoppable.

1. Kobe Bryant: Do you play basketball based on shooting percentage? No, I rely on my heart!

Next up is another Lakers legend, Kobe Bryant. When did Kobe most conquer the entire league? It was definitely from 2008 to 2010, when he led the Lakers to consecutive championships, especially in the 2010 finals against the Celtics. In Game 7 of the finals, Kobe, with his relentless defense and a big heart, fought for 23 points and 15 rebounds, ultimately leading the Lakers to victory.

Kobe's appeal goes beyond his scoring ability; it lies in his killer instinct and indomitable spirit in crucial moments. During that period, everyone knew that if the game came down to the last few minutes, Kobe would step up, and he never disappointed. Although his shooting percentage sometimes lagged behind other stars, his mental fortitude and determination were unmatched. "Mamba Mentality" isn't just talk; it's the ultimate weapon to conquer the entire league.

1. LeBron James: From Dream Chaser to "The Chosen One"

Speaking of the most influential and dominant players in the last 20 years, LeBron James is undoubtedly on the list. And the moment he truly conquered the entire league was in 2016. That year, James led the Cavaliers back from a 1-3 deficit, winning three straight games to defeat the Warriors and secure Cleveland's first NBA championship.

In the final three games of that year's finals, James averaged nearly 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists, a true all-around warrior. He not only dominated on offense but also changed the course of the series with an incredible block—the "chase-down block." When he blocked Curry, everyone felt that James was truly "The Chosen One," having conquered the entire league.

1. Stephen Curry: Who says three-pointers aren't lethal?

Now let's look at another player who changed the game—Stephen Curry. If traditional players rule the game with dunks and brute force, Curry is the epitome of conquering the entire league with three-pointers.

In 2015 and 2016, Curry brought the charm of the three-pointer to its peak. Especially in 2015, when Curry led the Warriors to the championship, he was an incredible presence, rewriting the NBA's offensive approach and completely changing opponents' defensive strategies. With his precise long-range shooting and fluid ball-handling skills, Curry became every defender's nightmare.

His influence extends beyond his scoring method; it lies in how he fundamentally changed the pace of the game. Led by Curry, the Warriors changed people's perception of the three-pointer, even inspiring many young players to emulate his style. It can be said that Curry's dominance is not only evident on the court but also in the transformation of basketball culture.

1. Kawhi Leonard: He made all of Toronto scream

Finally, let's take a look at Kawhi Leonard in 2019. That year, he led the Raptors to their first championship in team history, a process that seemed tailor-made for his legendary script. In the 2019 playoffs, Leonard repeatedly delivered clutch shots and comebacks, most famously the buzzer-beater in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the 76ers.

In the finals, the Raptors faced the equally powerful Warriors. Despite the Warriors' injury troubles, Leonard's average of 28.5 points remained impeccable, and his calmness and efficiency were awe-inspiring. At this moment, the entire league felt Leonard's killer instinct. His performance plunged Toronto into a frenzy, and Leonard used this championship trophy to tell the world: I can not only conquer the East but the entire NBA!

Conclusion: How hard is it to conquer the entire league?

From "The Great Shark" O'Neal's violent domination to James' incredible chase-down block, to Curry's three-point revolution and Leonard's cool-headed killer, each has a different way, but all make opponents feel helpless. Conquering the entire league has never been easy. It requires not only technical mastery but also the ability to stand up in critical moments, with superior psychological resilience, an unstoppable determination, and the power to influence the entire game, becoming a truly awe-inspiring presence.