The matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns on Friday night could have seen arguably the two greatest players of this generation finally facing off, but it wasn’t to be.
The Suns opted to rest their stars including Kevin Durant, which meant we have to wait even longer to see him take on LeBron James. The two did meet on the court prior to the game and shared an embrace.
LeBron and Durant say hello: pic.twitter.com/cE6XlaBdCS
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) April 8, 2023
Durant and LeBron have always been quite respectful toward each other and it has been great to see their relationship grow over the years. KD would have loved to play against his great rival here, but having played almost 41 minutes the night before against the Denver Nuggets, it made no sense for the Suns to play him in this one.
Fans were disappointed that they wouldn’t get a Durant-LeBron matchup but it was to be expected after the events on Thursday night. The Suns are locked into the fourth seed and it made no sense for them to risk the health of their stars by making them play back-to-back.
LeBron James And Kevin Durant Last Played Against Each Other In 2018
The long wait continues then to see LeBron and KD play against each other. Their last meeting came on Christmas in 2018 when LeBron and the Lakers beat Durant and the Golden State Warriors 127-101. LeBron had 17 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists, and a steal in that game while Durant had 21 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, and a steal.
The only way these two can play against each other this season would be if these teams meet in the playoffs. As things stand, the only way they meet would be if they both reach the Western Conference Finals. If that does happen, we’d surely be treated to a series for the ages, but it is a long shot as of now. For starters, the Lakers need to make the playoffs and a win here would mean they’d still be in with a shot at securing a spot in the top six in the West.
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