-LeBron early exit at first round
-Steph got injured at 2nd round
-Russ lost in game 7
-Kawhi and Harden early exit
-KD missed the playoffs
-CP3 turning 40
-AD & Klay banished to Dallas
-Dame achilles
-Kyrie ACL
-PG is podcasting
The ERA we grew up watching is coming to an END💔🫡⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
End of an Era: NBA Legends Face Harsh Reality as the League Transforms
May 20, 2025 | By Staff Writer
The 2025 NBA Playoffs have delivered incredible performances, shocking upsets, and the rise of a new generation of stars. But while the future of the league shines bright, this postseason has also marked something far more sobering—the unmistakable decline of a legendary era. One by one, the icons who defined the 2010s and early 2020s are fading from contention, injured, aging out, or stepping into new roles.
From LeBron James’ early playoff exit to Kyrie Irving’s devastating injury, and from Kevin Durant’s absence to Chris Paul turning 40, the 2025 postseason has underscored what many fans have long feared: the era we grew up watching is coming to an end.
LeBron James: The King’s Final Chapters?
At 40 years old, LeBron James led the Los Angeles Lakers to the postseason for what may be one of his final runs. Despite still playing at an elite level and averaging 23.5 points, 8.1 assists, and 6.9 rebounds this season, the Lakers fell in the first round to the Memphis Grizzlies in a tough five-game series.
It marked only the second time in LeBron’s career that he exited in the first round of the playoffs—and the first time since his rookie season that he failed to make a major postseason impact. While James has not officially announced retirement, he has repeatedly acknowledged that his career is winding down, especially as his son, Bronny James, prepares for the NBA Draft.
“I’ve given everything to this game,” James said after the loss. “And while I’m not done yet, I know I’m closer to the end than the beginning.”
Stephen Curry: Injury Halts Another Title Push
Golden State’s dynasty, anchored by Stephen Curry, took another hit this year. After a thrilling first-round win, Curry suffered a significant ankle injury during Game 2 of the second-round matchup against Oklahoma City, sidelining him for the remainder of the series. Without him, the Warriors were eliminated in six games.
Curry, now 37, was still among the league leaders in scoring during the regular season, showcasing his ageless shooting and leadership. But repeated injuries have limited his playoff availability in recent years, casting doubt on how many more runs the Warriors’ core has left.
Russell Westbrook: The Last Stand in Game 7
Once known as the most explosive guard in basketball, Russell Westbrook turned back the clock in spurts this postseason for the Los Angeles Clippers. But despite a valiant Game 7 effort, the Clippers fell short in the second round against the Pelicans.
Westbrook, who embraced a bench role this season and showed flashes of his vintage athleticism, left everything on the floor in Game 7, notching a 21-point, 9-rebound, 7-assist performance. Still, it wasn’t enough, and the loss left the 35-year-old pondering his future.
“Every time you put on that jersey, you fight,” Westbrook said. “But time catches up with us all.”
Kawhi Leonard and James Harden: Another Early Exit for the Clippers
The Clippers’ star duo of Kawhi Leonard and James Harden were expected to deliver a championship when they teamed up in 2023. But after multiple injury-plagued seasons and postseason flameouts, their window seems firmly closed.
Leonard missed three of the final four games in the playoffs with a lingering knee injury, and Harden—now 35—struggled with efficiency and was a defensive liability against younger, faster backcourts. The early exit against New Orleans not only eliminated the Clippers but cast serious doubt on whether this experiment can, or should, continue.
Kevin Durant: Absent from the Dance
Perhaps the most telling sign of a changing NBA was Kevin Durant’s absence from the 2025 playoffs. The Phoenix Suns, derailed by injuries and chemistry issues throughout the season, failed to secure even a play-in spot. Durant played only 44 games this season due to a recurring hamstring injury and did not suit up after mid-March.
At 36, Durant remains one of the most skilled scorers the game has ever seen, but questions about his durability and leadership have intensified. With no playoff appearance in 2025, it’s the first time Durant has missed the postseason entirely since 2010 (excluding injury in 2020).
Chris Paul Turns 40: The End of a Historic Career
Chris Paul turned 40 earlier this month, becoming one of the very few point guards in NBA history to play into their fourth decade. Now in a supporting role off the bench for the Warriors, CP3 saw limited minutes in the playoffs and acknowledged post-series that he’s considering retirement.
“I’ve been blessed to play this long,” Paul said. “I love the game, but I have to listen to my body.”
With over 20,000 career points and 11,000 assists, Paul will undoubtedly be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. But his chase for a championship, the one missing piece from his résumé, seems all but over.
Anthony Davis and Klay Thompson: The Dallas Rebuild
In one of the more unexpected twists of the 2024 offseason, Anthony Davis and Klay Thompson were traded to the Dallas Mavericks to pair with Luka Dončić. The idea was to build a veteran powerhouse, but it failed to materialize.
Davis missed significant time due to back issues, and Thompson’s shooting declined as age and injuries caught up. Dallas failed to make it out of the play-in tournament, and now face a difficult offseason with limited cap flexibility and aging stars.
Damian Lillard and Kyrie Irving: Devastating Injuries
Two of the most electrifying guards of their generation suffered devastating injuries that could permanently alter their careers.
Milwaukee’s Damian Lillard tore his Achilles tendon in March and missed the playoffs entirely. The injury casts a shadow over his ability to return to elite form. Now 34, Lillard may never fully regain his signature burst and deep range.
Kyrie Irving, who helped lead the Mavericks to the Western Conference Finals last season, tore his ACL during a late-season game in April. The injury is expected to sideline him well into the 2025–26 season, if not longer. At 33, Irving’s future as a full-time starter is uncertain.
Paul George: From Superstar to Podcaster
Paul George, affectionately known as “PG-13,” has had a quieter transition away from stardom. While still an effective scorer in stretches, George has increasingly leaned into his off-court role as the host of Podcast P, one of the most popular player-run shows in sports media.
After averaging a modest 16.2 points this season and dealing with chronic knee issues, George has embraced his media voice and hinted at future ambitions beyond basketball.
“I still love to hoop,” George said recently, “but I’m thinking about what comes next—and media is definitely part of that.”
The Curtain Falls
The names on this list—LeBron, Steph, KD, CP3, Harden, Kawhi, Russ, Kyrie, PG13—defined an entire generation of NBA basketball. They gave us unforgettable Finals, jaw-dropping highlights, Olympic gold medals, and countless rivalries. But the 2025 postseason has made one truth painfully clear: their time is passing.
It’s now the league of Jayson Tatum, Anthony Edwards, Luka Dončić, Victor Wembanyama, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Tyrese Haliburton. A new wave is crashing in, ready to define the next chapter.
The players we grew up watching are not just growing older—they’re being replaced. And while their legacies remain secure, their time at the top is ending.
It’s the end of an era.
And for fans who grew up idolizing these players, it hurts. But it’s also a reminder: greatness never disappears. It just passes the torch.
