LeBron James and Kevin Durant probably have the most intense rivalry of two players in the modern era. While both players have nothing but respect for each other, they have tangled on the biggest stage consistently throughout the 2010s. LeBron won a championship at KD’s expense in 2012 while KD picked up 2 against LeBron in 2017 and 2018.
We should have appreciated those battles then, as the pair just haven’t faced off much since. Their last battle came on Christmas Day in 2018 when LeBron got hurt and ruined the Lakers’ playoff hopes for the season. KD tore his Achilles in the 2019 Finals and since then, both players have missed games against each other.
With KD’s latest MCL injury taking him out for at least a month, the pair will most likely not face off this season, as the next Lakers vs. Nets matchup is on January 30th.
LeBron James and KD, along with Stephen Curry are the pillars of the last generation of NBA players. All 3 players are in their 30s now with question marks over how long they will play. Hopefully, we get to see LeBron and KD face off next season, instead of constantly waiting for their next matchup.
Kevin Durant’s Upcoming Absence
The Brooklyn Nets will be fretting about their team with KD gone, but it is good that the team went on an 18-2 run in their last 20 games. they have some cushion to absorb some losses. Kyrie Irving will be looking to step up and be the bonafide leader of the Nets in KD’s absence.
Jacque Vaughn will have to find a way to highlight the other forwards on the team to make up for KD’s absence. This will put pressure on the likes of TJ Warren to contribute more. If it all works out, the Nets may hold onto the 2nd seed in the East until Durant’s expected return, sometime in February.
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