\u201cThat\u2019s going to be a juggernaut\u2026 it\u2019s going to be nights you going to be the man. It\u2019s going to be nights where you got to be the second guy, but it\u2019s going to be moving parts throughout the whole season. Everybody\u2019s role is going to change. And I think LeBron understands that.\u201d<\/p>\n
James has won an NBA championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers. With the 76ers being his fourth playing destination, there are high expectations for the four-time MVP to raise a banner for the city.<\/p>\n
![\"Kevin](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/01m131tasn0c1mgqytjt.jpg\" "\\"Kevin")
<\/p>\n
Nov 26, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) talks to Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the third quarter at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n
Durant vs. James<\/p>\n
Throughout the 2010s, Durant and James met numerous times in the NBA Finals. James\u2019 Heat dominated a young Oklahoma City Thunder core in 2012, and Durant\u2019s Warriors frustrated the underdog Cavaliers in 2017 and 2018.<\/p>\n
Jumping to 2026, both superstars are still considered top talents in the league<\/a>. Last season, James averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists over 60 games, while Durant averaged 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists over 78 games.<\/p>\n The Rockets and 76ers will face each other on November 28 and December 23, which will add another chapter to the storied Durant versus James rivalry. With both franchises looking to maximize their championship windows, there\u2019s a chance that another meeting could take place in the NBA Finals.<\/p>\n From the Rockets\u2019 perspective, the team is coming off its second consecutive 50-plus-win regular season. Although injuries led to a first-round elimination to the Lakers, Houston will be entering October with a clean slate. Considering the continued development of Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson<\/a>, as well as the return of Fred VanVleet, expectations will be high heading into 2027.<\/p>\n As seen with Durant\u2019s stint with the Brooklyn Nets, it is not always the case that a team that reads well on paper will have strong chemistry on the court. The 76ers\u2019 scheduled matchups with the Rockets will serve as a solid litmus test.<\/p>\n
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