One of the defining rivalries of the 2010s came between Kevin Durant and LeBron James, as the combatants met in the NBA Finals three times over the decade, with KD holding a 2-1 record over James.
James saw the greatness in KD at an early age, talking about him in 2013, a year after their NBA Finals matchup, and saying KD is ‘next in line’ for NBA greatness. James also said KD inspired and motivated him, placing a ceiling higher than just being ‘one of the greatest scorers of all time’ on the star.
“Kevin Durant. I feel like he’s next in line. I love the way he plays the game. I’m talking about his play, the way he plays the game every single night is very inspiring. It’s motivating. This is a guy who goes out every single night and gives it his all. He’s going to be one of the greatest scorers to play this game, but the way he plays, just so joyous and happy, he’s like a kid back in Maryland.”
Lebron on young KD:
"I feel like he's next in line" pic.twitter.com/DqnZdCqTrM
— . (@Kd7_Szn) July 14, 2023
Durant lived up to the hype LeBron gave him, though the then-Heat star would regret it later. KD finally became an NBA champion at the expense of LeBron after he joined the 73-9 Golden State Warriors. Durant beat LeBron in 2017 and 2018 in the Finals and could meet up with him in the West playoffs next season.
Kevin Durant Delivered Instantly
Durant was a six-year veteran and had led the league in scoring when James made those comments. Ascending into an MVP-level player is much harder and he did it at the end of that season. KD was awarded the league MVP at the end of the 2013-14 season for his incredible averages of 32.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 5.5 assists on 50.3% shooting that season. He led the Thunder to a 59-23 record.
A decade later, Durant gets ready to lead the Phoenix Suns into the NBA Finals for the franchise’s first taste of NBA glory in history. They’ve invested heavily in building a contending roster around KD, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Deandre Ayton.
LeBron will stand in KD’s way as a foe once again and fans will be salivating for them to battle in the playoffs this season. After getting a taste of LBJ vs. Stephen Curry in the West playoffs, it seems it’s only natural for ‘Bron to get his revenge matchup with Durant and the Suns as well.
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