Back in 2008, when Kevin Durant and LeBron James first shared a basketball court, the NBA looked quite different. The storied rivalry between the Lakers and Celtics was reignited, showcasing a “Big Three” lineup facing off against Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol.
That year, James emerged as the league’s top scorer, while Durant, then a rookie, made his mark with the now-defunct Seattle SuperSonics. It was an unforgettable moment for both players, setting the stage for a rivalry that would evolve over the next two decades.
By the time they squared off, James was a burgeoning superstar, already a force in the league. He had made one appearance in the NBA Finals and was on the cusp of an impressive streak. Their initial encounter really laid the groundwork for a competitive relationship between two future legends.
This rivalry? Yeah, it’s still ongoing.
2012 NBA Finals
In those early years, it felt more like a warning sign than a true rivalry. Durant, alongside Russell Westbrook and James Harden, was transforming the Oklahoma City Thunder into a team to reckon with. Meanwhile, James made headlines for his decision to leave Cleveland to join Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami.
The real conflict manifested during the 2012 NBA Finals when the Thunder faced the Heat. Durant was phenomenal, averaging over 30 points, but James, eager for his first NBA championship, was in peak form. Miami clinched the series in five games, with James earning the Finals MVP award, despite Durant’s standout performance.
That series highlighted a crucial aspect: while Durant could shine individually, he needed a bit more support to outplay LeBron.
A Game-Changing Decision
After James’ notable move from Cleveland to Miami (he would, of course, return years later), the NBA saw yet another significant shift. On July 4, 2016, following the Warriors’ historic 73-win season where they fell to LeBron’s Cavs, Durant announced he would sign with Golden State in a decision that shook the league.
In a magazine piece — titled “My Next Chapter” — he faced criticism for his choice to join forces with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. This superteam quickly became dominant, easily defeating LeBron and Cleveland in the following two Finals, with Durant earning Finals MVP both times.
After those setbacks against Durant, James sought new opportunities, heading west to the Lakers, while Durant continued to make Finals appearances, although he faced an Achilles injury that changed everything.
The rivalry hit a pause as Durant moved to Brooklyn, and they didn’t meet up on the court during that time.
Fast forward to 2023, and things are different. Both players now find themselves in the same conference for the first time in their careers. Following a title win in the 2020 bubble, James had a new partner in Anthony Davis, while Durant was traded to the Suns. Their encounters became more common, and in 2023, they clashed several times, including during the NBA Cup.
A New Chapter Begins—Perhaps the Last
Now, the rivalry is set to evolve once more. Durant, playing his first season with the Houston Rockets, will face LeBron’s Lakers in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs. This isn’t the Finals, and it feels a bit different than what we’re used to seeing.
The Rockets, with a healthy and energetic squad, have the upper hand, especially with the Lakers missing Luka Doncic and Austin Reeves. Meanwhile, James, now at 41, is aiming to lift the Lakers one more time for a significant playoff achievement.
As they take the court in Game 1, this will be their 46th meeting. Currently, James leads with 26 wins to Durant’s 20, but in the postseason, Durant holds a 9-5 edge, largely due to his Finals victories with the Warriors.
If Durant and the Rockets win this series, he could further widen that lead, maybe marking a close to their playoff rivalry. But, what if LeBron manages to pull off a win?
This could stand out as one of the most remarkable accomplishments of his long career.
Game 1 is set to air on ABC at 5:30 PM PT.
