LeBron James faced an unexpected challenge during the preseason game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns. As he attempted a post-up move, Jordan Goodwin’s intense defense resulted in an inadvertent double poke to both of LeBron’s eyes. This unusual incident added a unique moment to the preseason matchup.
While the game itself didn’t have significant implications, it was highly anticipated by fans because it marked the first time LeBron James and Kevin Durant faced each other on the court in almost five years, with the Suns emerging victorious in a 123-100 win. Their last shared appearance was in 2018, making this matchup a long-awaited moment for basketball enthusiasts.
The game showcased the continued rivalry between two of the NBA’s iconic figures. However, Durant and James didn’t log extensive minutes during this preseason contest, their presence on the court excited fans and reminded everyone of their significant influence on the game.
The preseason game served as a teaser for the regular-season matchup between the Lakers and the Suns. With both teams playing at full strength and the regular season underway, the upcoming game at Cyrpto.com Arena in Los Angeles promises to be a more meaningful showdown between LeBron James and Kevin Durant, providing fans with an exciting preview of what’s to come in the NBA season.
Why Durant And LeBron Have Not Faced Each Other In 5 Years?
Fans of the NBA have eagerly awaited a matchup between two iconic figures in the game, LeBron James and Kevin Durant. The last time these two superstars shared the court was on Christmas Day in 2018 when LeBron, then with the Los Angeles Lakers, faced Durant and the Golden State Warriors. Since then, multiple factors have kept them apart.
The first hurdle preventing this showdown was Kevin Durant’s Achilles tendon injury during the 2019 NBA Finals. This devastating injury forced Durant to miss the entire 2019-2020 season. In the 2020-2021 season, Durant joined the Brooklyn Nets, but their encounters continued to be elusive due to injuries. One of them was sidelined in each of their games.
The 2021-2022 season saw a repeat of the same issue, with both players missing one game each due to injuries. Even after Durant’s move to the Phoenix Suns in 2023, fans had to wait another season for the long-anticipated showdown. In the 2023-24 preseason, fans finally got a glimpse of what they’d been missing when James and Durant faced each other in a preseason game. This highly anticipated matchup ended with the Suns winning against the Lakers. However, it was just a teaser.
The real deal is set to happen in the upcoming regular-season game. With full rosters available and the regular season underway, the game will be much more meaningful. Fans can’t wait to see James and Durant compete on the court once again, rekindling the epic rivalry that has enthralled basketball enthusiasts for years.
The Suns And Lakers Look To Dethrone The Nuggets
The Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Lakers are on a mission to dethrone the Denver Nuggets, who bested them in last year’s title run. The Suns faced a disappointing exit in the Western Conference Semifinals, losing to the Nuggets in six games. Meanwhile, the Lakers’ journey was cut short in the Western Conference Finals, where they were swept by the Nuggets.
To achieve their goal, the Suns have undergone a significant retooling. They orchestrated a blockbuster trade to acquire Bradley Beal, forming one of the league’s most lethal Big 3 combinations with Beal, Kevin Durant, and Devin Booker. They bolstered their roster with sharpshooters and well-rounded players, creating a formidable squad.
The Lakers, too, had a stellar offseason. They managed to re-sign key players, including Austin Reaves, DeAngelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, and Jared Vanderbilt. Adding to their strength, they brought in Gabe Vincent, Christian Wood, Jaxon Hayes, and Taurean Prince. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis, they boast arguably the best duo in the league, supported by a deep and floor-stretching squad.
Both teams are determined to claim the throne and redeem themselves from last year’s disappointments. A showdown with the Denver Nuggets or even each other in the quest for supremacy looms on the horizon.
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