The Enduring Rivalry: LeBron James and Kevin Durant
In 2007, when “Crank That (Soulja Boy)” was dominating the charts and the first generation of iPhones made its debut, two young basketball prospects, LeBron James and Kevin Durant, faced each other for the first time in a preseason game. A match that, although discreet at the time, would mark the beginning of a rivalry that would define an era in the NBA. In that preseason game, James scored 14 points, while Durant, newly arrived in the league, added 15 points off the bench. Despite the lack of importance of the match, this was the first chapter of a story that would span almost two decades. Today, both players are legends, veterans who have been part of the NBA for three different decades, forging a path marked by achievements and memorable matchups. Over the years, James and Durant have shared moments on and off the court. From joint training sessions in Akron, Ohio, to American football games during the 2011 lockout. In addition, both were captains in the 2022 All-Star game, and have been pillars of Team USA, winning an Olympic gold medal together in Paris. Their rivalry has reached its peak in the NBA Finals, with three epic matchups. James triumphed with the Miami Heat over Durant’s Oklahoma City Thunder in 2012, while Durant took the victory with the Golden State Warriors against James’ Cleveland Cavaliers in 2017 and 2018.After 18 seasons and 43 games in their history, the rivalry between James and Durant continues to generate excitement. This season, it is expected to be one of the central themes of the league, with Durant wearing his sixth different jersey, this time with the Houston Rockets, and James facing Durant with a new star teammate. The expectation is high, and both players promise to offer a top-level spectacle, as they will face each other on Christmas Day for the fifth time in a regular season game. Currently, both James and Durant face uncertainties about their futures after the 2025-26 season. The change in team construction has forced their teams to adapt. The Lakers, led by James, have begun to structure their future around Luka Doncic, while the Rockets are building a young team with Durant as a key piece. Durant, like James, might have to accept a smaller contract if he wants to stay in Houston. Both players, despite their age, are still central figures in the league. Before the hindsight analyses begin, it’s important to remember that James was selected for the All-NBA second team last season and Durant averaged 26.6 points, maintaining a shooting percentage of 50% or higher for the thirteenth consecutive season. James and Durant, if they manage to stay healthy, will continue to influence the development of the season. Their passion for the game and their desire to compete remain intact. Time will tell what the future holds for these two basketball giants, but one thing is for sure: every matchup between LeBron James and Kevin Durant is an event that no basketball fan should miss.“We both think we should have more rings, but it’s not like that because of the other,” James commented during the Summer Olympics last year.
LeBron James
