Kevin Durant opens up on his iconic rivalry with LeBron James: "It's cool that we're still relevant at an older age"
Kevin Durant reflected on his rivalry with LeBron James following the Brooklyn Nets' loss against the LA Lakers on Sunday. Durant and James haven't shared the floor for almost four years, with their last meeting dating back to December 25, 2018.
James didn't play Sunday's game as he dealt with a groin injury. Last season, Durant was on the sidelines due to various ailments, while LBJ played both games between the Nets and the Lakers.
When asked for his thoughts on not getting to face LeBron for so many years, Durant said (via Brooklyn Nets' YouTube):
"He's obviously top two, top three to ever play the game. There's always going to be excitement when he steps on the floor and we've been around for so long.
"So many battles between us two at the highest stage that people look forward to. It's cool that we're still relevant at an older age and people want to come watch us play."
Kevin Durant and LeBron James are two of the most high-profile players in today's game. The future Hall of Famers have met in three finals series and battled in 35 regular-season games.
Both players have played for 15 or more years at this point. But they have continued to be among the top players in the league, vying for championships almost every year.
James could be nearing the end of his illustrious career, so fans will be hoping the two can share the floor frequently over the next few seasons.
Their next opportunity to go up against each other will be on January 30, when the Lakers travel to Brooklyn for the reverse fixture.
Also read: Top 5 duels between LeBron James and Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant and Brooklyn Nets fall against LeBron James-less LA Lakers
Kevin Durant paid tribute to LeBron James, saying it was supposed to be an easier game with the latter not in action for the Lakers.
However, LA managed to pull through on the back of a dominating 37-point, 18-rebound performance from Anthony Davis, who received excellent support from the rest of the team. Lonnie Walker IV bagged 25 points on 9 of 15 shooting, while Russell Westbrook produced 14 points and 12 assists off the bench.
Durant waged a lone battle for the Brooklyn Nets and finished with a team-high 31 points, shooting 50% from the field. He also had nine rebounds, seven assists and two blocks. The Nets stormed back into the game late in the third quarter courtesy of Durant, who scored 13 points during that stretch to cut the Lakers' 16-point lead to three.
However, the LA Lakers kept their cool down the stretch and sealed a 116-103 win to break a five-game skid even as LeBron James watched from the sidelines.
Also read: Kevin Durant asserts matching up against LeBron James is unique and challenging job to perform: “LeBron is tough to deal with on the floor”