LeBron James, Kevin Durant Swap Praise After Long-Awaited Battle

Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant and Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James swapped compliments after the two battled each other for the first time in years.

PHOENIX -- For the first time in years, two of the game's greatest met each other on the court. 

It's been quite some time since Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James have crossed paths on the hardwood - almost five years to be exact. 

Their first battle back didn't disappoint in what was eventually a 100-95 Lakers win, led by a comeback in the fourth quarter. 

Durant - without the help of Bradley Beal or Devin Booker - dropped 39 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block in the loss. He was frequently double and even triple-teamed on the night. 

Though Anthony Davis paced Los Angeles in scoring, James established his dominance in vintage fashion with a performance that included 21 points, eight rebounds, nine assists, two steals and two blocks. 

Frank Vogel - current leader of the Suns but previously with the Lakers - has had the privilege of coaching both stars.

“There were a few moments where you just appreciate what the fans are watching,” said Vogel. 

“Two of the game’s greats just going head to head. Some collisions out there. The level of competition for Game 2 of the NBA season was super-high. Felt like a playoff game out there. A boxing match. A slugfest. ... To see those two guys out there fighting for it was pretty special.”

23 x 35

🫡 https://t.co/qd8AY1vT8Y pic.twitter.com/Giy9AElAqd

— NBA (@NBA) October 27, 2023

The Suns led by as much as 12 at one point, looking to run away with the lead after a third quarter explosion before going ice cold by starting 1-13 from the field in the fourth and allowing the Lakers to claw their way back. 

“It was tough,” Durant said following the game. “He was pretty much coaching the team on how to guard certain actions. That’s what he’s been doing his whole career. ... It’s always a battle playing against high-IQ players like that.”

James said he isn't taking any more time for granted when sharing the court with Durant. 

“We’ve had so many battles, (and) we don’t have many matchups left,” James said. “Not sure how many we have left, so you don’t ever want to take it for granted when you’re out there with such a great player, one of the best to ever play this game. It’s always a treat. It’s fun.”

Suns-Lakers will meet again in Phoenix on Friday, Nov. 10.