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Lakers Nation > Blog > Lakers News > Lakers News: Kevin Durant Praises LeBron James For Breaking Barriers For NBA Superstars
Lakers News

Lakers News: Kevin Durant Praises LeBron James For Breaking Barriers For NBA Superstars

Corey Hansford
Published: 08/19/2018
3 Min Read
Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Warriors, Lakers, Cavaliers
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
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Over the last few years, it has become clear that the battle for best player in the NBA is between LeBron James and Kevin Durant. Coincidentally, both have made waves throughout their careers by changing teams.

In 2010 James famously left the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat. He then returned to Cleveland in 2014, and has now joined the Los Angeles Lakers. Durant spent his first nine years with the Oklahoma City Thunder before signing the Golden State Warriors in 2016.

In a recent ESPN interview, Durant lauded James for breaking down the barriers of what an NBA superstar is supposed to be:

“He’s kind of breaking down the barriers of what an NBA superstar is supposed to be. You feel like you’re supposed to just play it out in one spot. I think he did a good job of giving you different chapters, and it’s going to make his book even more interesting when he’s done.”

For the majority of NBA history, teams have been in control of where players played. Free agency was not a reality for a long time and even when it began, big stars rarely walked away from teams as loyalty was a big thing.

James was one of the first to not only buck that trend, but truly understand his worth and leverage it. Upon returning Cleveland, his refusal to sign long-term contracts forced the team into win-now mode as he was always capable of leaving after the next season.

Of course, it’s somewhat twofold as James did deliver a championship to Cleveland by upsetting the Warriors in historic fashion. That may have played a role in their signing Durant, who nonetheless has kept his own options open.

Both James and Durant were criticized for their initial moves. However, recent examples of teams dealing away beloved, loyal stars such as the Boston Celtics with Isaiah Thomas and, most recently, the Toronto Raptors trading DeMar DeRozan, has begun changing perceptions.

James’ impact on the NBA goes well beyond the court and Durant obviously understands and appreciates that. It’s unlikely he’s the only superstar that does.

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TAGGED:Golden State WarriorsKevin DurantLeBron JamesLos Angeles Lakers
ByCorey Hansford
Corey Hansford is the Senior Editor for Lakers Nation, as well as a contributor for Dodger Blue, Rams News Wire, and Raiders News Wire. He is a passionate follower of the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chelsea FC, and the UFC. He can usually be seen arguing the merits of Kobe Bryant or cursing the decisions of Jerry Jones. He is also a former producer and associate producer for Sirius XM Sports Radio on both the Fantasy Sports Channel and College Sports Nation. Proud graduate of Long Beach Poly High School and The Real HU, Howard University, with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. Follow him on all social media outlets at @TheeCoreyH.
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