LeBron, Durant, Curry. There’s little doubt that these names are heavy in this generation.

The last decade’s most powerful trio. They won 10 championships, six Kia MVPs, and seven Finals MVPs from 2010-22. Big winners.

That was then. In the Western Conference, their teams are on the brink. The Warriors, Lakers, and Suns have mixed vital signs. As the season nears midway, one, two, or all three might miss the playoffs.

So, these legends are at a junction. Despite Curry, Durant, and LeBron being 35 and 39, they’re still tops. They will attend the All-Star Game next month.

How did they fall so far behind in the West? Like, all three? Phoenix is eighth, L.A. ninth, and Golden State 12th outside the Play-In Tournament.

Durant and the Suns meet LeBron and the Lakers Thursday (10 ET, TNT). Here’s a look at each player’s status, how they got here, and where they might go this season:

Lakers and LeBron James

LeBron so far: Overall, he’s strong and amazing in Season 21. LeBron defies logic by leading the league in points and assists with his excellent all-around play and body.

Last month, the Lakers earned their inaugural In-Season Tournament championship, a contrast to their season. Two games in Las Vegas made the Lakers seem like June contenders. Before and since? Meek.

It’s amazing how a team with a healthy LeBron and Anthony Davis (who has been great at both ends) can’t get going. Those franchise players’ availability was the biggest question mark entering the season.

The supporting cast, excluding Austin Reaves, isn’t performing well. Strange, since those players helped the Lakers reach the conference finals last spring. However, bad defense and shooting are dooming L.A.

The answer: Normally, L.A. wouldn’t be worried, but this is different. With LeBron, the Lakers are championship-bound. They cannot presume he will return next season or at this level.

So they must win-now and buy at the trade deadline. Considering renting Pascal Siakam for a few months may be worth giving up future assets and young pieces.

“Everyone is cracking up about Vegas and keeps bringing it up. Two games. We took care of that. We played and won the In-Season Tournament. It was only two games.” LeBron James

Durant and Suns

Durant thus far: Sometimes Durant is the best player on the field, regardless of who he’s with. Durant, the scoring monster, averages just under 30 points and 47.4% from deep.

He has nearly six assists, over his career average, and his elbow pull-up jumper and layups are devastating. One of the hardest players to check in the game.

Suns thus far: Phoenix was built to be feared, but nobody on the other bench shakes their sneakers. One reason is evident. Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, and Durant missed 40 games. They had barely 88 minutes together this season before the week.

So start with injuries. The Suns are so nucleus-heavy that missing those three games can hurt. Talent difference between core and rest of team is large.

Issues: The Suns are discovering themselves despite terrible health. Not bad or great at anything. Due of injuries, its personality is twisted.

Is a true point guard needed? There is no such species on the roster that can play significant minutes.

A seven-game road trip starting this month might turn the Suns around or worsen their situation. If they’re a contender, the Suns will pass that test and keep going.

Phoenix is confusing now. Star power and presuming superior health give this team a high ceiling. They have the edge over the Lakers and Warriors.

However, like other clubs, they cannot afford a long misstep given their position. Or else.

According to the saying, viewers just care about results, not background. Whatever it is, we know how to construct a successful team, so outside expectations shouldn’t worry us. We know people expect a lot from us with our talent.” Kevin Durant

Stephen Curry, Warriors

Curry thus far: Another solid effort from Curry, consistent and efficient. Curry averages 27 points and shoots under 40% from deep. The West-leading Wolves, a better defensive squad, were defeated by his eight 3s and 38 points.

Also, he’s had some head-scratchers. Curry went 2-for-14 against Toronto on Sunday and 3-for-15 against Miami last month. In past years, clunkers were rare for him.

Warriors so far: Despite no major injuries, it’s the worst Curry Era season. Conflicted core. Draymond Green returns after a 12-game indefinite suspension, and Klay Thompson is inconsistent.

Thus, the Warriors are trailing younger, hungrier West clubs like OKC, the Wolves, and even the Kings, whom they defeated in the playoffs last spring. Besides Denver.

Problems: The Warriors are having trouble using Jonathan Kuminga and other newcomers, none of whom are All-Stars. The hand surgery will keep Chris Paul out for at least three weeks. Since locking down Jayson Tatum in the 2022 championship series, Andrew Wiggins has changed.

Since defense and size are the Warriors’ weaknesses, Green must reduce his destructive energy and boost performance. Maybe they can deal Wiggins at the deadline. Consider trading Thompson if there are no plans to extend him next summer.

“When you lose, you search for why. Everyone can mention something they can do better to win. There will be nitpicking to find a solution till we win. Stephen Curry