Kevin Durant Reacts to Not Facing LeBron James Since 2018

This Los Angeles Lakers vs. Brooklyn Nets game will likely not feature LeBron James

Joey Linn | Nov 13, 2022

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Two of the most dominant stars in basketball, LeBron James and Kevin Durant have not faced off since 2018. Having battled in the NBA Finals in both 2017 and 2018, James and Durant have somehow not crossed paths since Christmas of 2018. Both having dealt with injuries over the last few seasons, their teams have faced off several times, but either one or both of Durant and James were sidelined for each of those matchups.

Having suffered a groin injury in a recent game vs. the LA Clippers, LeBron is doubtful to play on Sunday night vs. the Brooklyn Nets. When asked about this, Durant said he would love to play against LeBron again, although his absence makes life easier for the Nets.

"LeBron is tough to deal with on the floor," Durant said. "We need wins. I want him to play for sure, but when he's not out there, the game is definitely easier for us. I wish we could get back to it."

KD on not playing LeBron the past few years pic.twitter.com/n6aCqpyfw5
— ²³ (@SpeakContext) November 11, 2022

Durant said hopefully this latest groin injury for James does not sideline him for too long, and the two players can face off when the Lakers head to Brooklyn later this year. Durant added that it is always a fun and unique matchup when he and James face off, specifically because they are often the best offensive and defensive players on their respective teams, especially at their size.

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Published Nov 13, 2022

JOEY LINN

Title: Credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation Email: joeylinn32@sbcglobal.net Education: Communication Studies degree from Biola University Location: Los Angeles, California Expertise: NBA analysis, insight, and reporting Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined Sports Illustrated's FanNation to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Receiving a media credential during the 2021-22 season, Joey has experience interviewing NBA players, and developing exclusive stories from these interviews. Having appeared on several different NBA podcasts over the last four seasons, Joey is now hosting his own podcast for The Sporting Tribune. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams during his time in school. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts, combined with his excellence in the classroom, earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Now graduated, Joey is covering the NBA full-time across multiple platforms. Credentialed by the Clippers, Joey covers the team daily with articles, podcasts, and video breakdowns on YouTube. With four years of sports media experience, Joey provides expert insight and analysis for NBA fans across the league.

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