The rivalry between LeBron James and Kevin Durant is arguably one of the biggest in the modern NBA. There was a time these two rivals faced off on the grandest stage. Competing for over a decade, their names and legacies are tied to one another. However, since 2018, the fans haven’t had the pleasure of watching the two all-time greats battle it out. Despite not meeting him on the floor, Durant had the highest praise for the King. However, according to James’ most popular critic, the Brooklyn Nets forward took a shot.

Sidelined with injury, the Durant-LeBron matchup once again fell apart. When asked about not battling his iconic rival since 2018, the Slim Reaper looked back at all the times. The 12-time All-Star stood proud as the two have remained relevant and on top of their game for such a long time. In addition, he gave LeBron James praise worthy of their rivalry. Kevin Durant said: “He’s obviously a top-2 player, top-3 player to ever play the game, so it’s always gonna be excitement whenever he steps on the floor.”

Most saw his statement as a testament to the rivalry they share. However, Skip Bayless felt there was some slight in Durant’s praise for his peer.

Did Kevin Durant take a shot at LeBron James?

Durant calling the King a top 3 player of all time seemed like an honest admission. But Skip Bayless read between the lines and speculated on the Nets forward’s apparent hidden agenda in his FS1 show Undisputed. Often putting the heat on James, the 70-year-old analyst brought up the GOAT debate. According to him, Durant is tired of the support his arch-rival gets from the media. Hence, his top 3 praise was actually a jab at the Akron Hammer being behind the likes of Michael Jordan and even more.

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Bayless said KD love-hates James, while decoding Durant’s message. He stated: “Kevin Durant hates the fact that the “media fanboys” idolize and overprotect LeBron James.”

In the modern era, LeBron James is widely accepted to be the best of the generation. However, as far as the Jordan era is concerned, James has been scrutinized since his entry in 2003. At just the age of 18, he was deemed to be the next Michael Jordan. This has further fueled the raging GOAT debate over the years.

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However, when it comes to Durant’s personal relationship with James, both have praised each other at every opportunity. As great rivals often do, the two all-time greats share a mutual sense of respect. Likewise, Kevin Durant’s recent praise for LeBron James is probably as it seems, a compliment to his greatest rival.