Lakers’ Lebron James Reveals For The First Time The Moments He Faced Wanda Durant.
LeBron James and Kevin Durant delivered an unforgettable performance for fans at the Crypto.com Arena on Thursday night. While the Los Angeles Lakers ultimately clinched the victory, the true highlight came after the game, when LeBron James demonstrated that the event was about more than just basketball.
Following the Lakers’ 100-95 triumph over the Phoenix Suns, James shared a touching moment with Wanda Durant, showcasing the camaraderie and respect that transcends the game.
This marked the second such moment for James early in the NBA season, reflecting his appreciation for the bonds formed within the league, even at 38 years old.
Both James and Durant shone on Thursday night, but it was LeBron who dominated the fourth quarter. Scoring 10 of his 21 points in the final period, James played the entire fourth quarter, including making a crucial tiebreaking layup with 1:11 remaining. The Lakers overcame a 12-point deficit at the start of the fourth to secure their first win of the season.
“Someone you just compare yourself to,” Durant said about James after the game. “If you could accomplish and achieve some of the stuff that he’s done, you’re doing pretty solid for yourself. It’s just a baseline for yourself as a player to see how great you can be.”
Durant also had an outstanding performance, finishing with 39 points and 11 rebounds, carrying a Suns team that was missing key players Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.
Thursday’s game marked the first time James and Durant faced each other on the NBA court since Christmas 2018, due to injuries, load management, and health protocols. Their matchup was a treat for basketball fans who have missed seeing these two stars compete head-to-head.
While the Lakers emerged victorious, the real winner was the entire NBA community, witnessing two long-time friends and rivals continue to excel two decades into their careers.