The Los Angeles Lakers won the 2020 NBA title, led by LeBron James, who won the Finals MVP. Since the Warriors were ridden with injuries, the Lakers rose as the new Western Conference champions and went on to beat the Heat in the Finals.

But the next season will be tougher. We will have many injured stars return to action. Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and John Wall are some of them. Durant’s return is going to be one of the most awaited, especially since he is coming back from a potentially career-ending injury.

With KD’s return, the Brooklyn Nets will again be challenging for the title. NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith said that they will “coast to the Finals if KD is KD. You can book it.” But he acknowledges it won’t be easy after that stage. He said that there is a certain LeBron James who will be waiting for him, possibly in a Finals matchup.

Smith said, “He’s not on the clock because he was injured and now he’s coming back. He’s on the clock because of who the champion is now. That dude is somebody you have quietly declared you are better than (KD). So that dude (LeBron) is going to be waiting. Even in his 18th season. KD, what are you gonna do?”

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Will Kevin Durant and LeBron James meet in the Finals?

The last time the Lakers faced the Nets in the Finals was back in 2002. The Lakers were coming off back-to-back title wins and were on their way to an emphatic three-peat. On the other hand, the Nets made the Finals for the first time in franchise history.

Jason Kidd and Kenyon Martin did their best for the Nets, but they were outclassed by Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal. It ended up in a 4-0 sweep as the Nets never stood a chance.

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While the road to the Finals will be tougher with the Warriors healthy again, LeBron and Anthony Davis will be much stronger on the court now. They will still be expected to reach the Finals, at least. As for the Nets, they will be relying on Durant to be at his best and take them back to the Finals.

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