The NBA is slowly entering a new era led by the younger generation of superstars and a different philosophy to team-building and roster construction. But in the meantime, veterans like Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant have remained firmly towards the top of the league’s rankings and extremely prevalent in the way the league is covered.
The two met on Christmas Day as the Lakers played the Rockets, in what was the highest-scoring matchup in NBA history between the league’s No. 1 all-time scorer and No. 8. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama, Jalen Brunson, Anthony Edwards and more shined on Christmas Day, but Durant, James and Stephen Curry remained an important part of one of the most important days of the NBA regular season.
It’s unclear how many more times Durant and LeBron will face off against one another. But the love and appreciation the two stars have for one another will never fade, and Durant spoke about that after Houston’s win over L.A.
“I feel like the standard that LeBron has set for greatness and being prepared and loving the game and enthusiasm for the game is something I’m trying to emulate as I get older. Just grateful for every matchup we have,” Durant said.
One thing that has defined the older generation of superstar in the NBA today — James, Durant, Curry, James Harden, Russell Westbrook and more — is the mutual respect they have been open about with regard to one another.
Previous generations had much more angst and vitriol towards one another, perhaps increasing the meaning of rivalries and specific matchups. But this generation has been extremely fun to watch as they dominate their sport while they show respect to one another as athletes and people.
NBA fans should, like Durant, cherish each moment they have to watch these older stars compete against one another, as it’s still possible that this season is the last time to do so.
Luka Doncic: Lakers need to make changes
Luka Doncic was honest in his assessment of the Lakers after their frustrating loss to the Rockets on Christmas as he admitted that things need to change.
“I don’t know what has to change, but, definitely something needs to change,” Luka said. “I think we’ve blown out the last two leads. [It] definitely looks terrible, but we have to figure out. We have to talk about it. Everybody has to talk about it. I know JJ [Redick] says it’s going to be uncomfortable, as it should be.”
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!