After a knee injury took him out for the first game of the Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers first round series, Kevin Durant made a quick recovery and return just in time for Game 2 of the series.
A historic occassion, it marked the first time in eight years that he would stand across from LeBron James in a playoff setting. An instant classic between two first-ballot Hall of Famers followed, leaving stars from the NFL in awe.
LeBron James and Kevin Durant Put On a Show
A back-and-forth encounter throughout the game saw both Durant and James put on a show for their respective teams. In the end, though, it was the four-time MVP who prevailed, guiding his team to a 101-94 win.
It gave the Lakers a massive 2-0 advantage, while the Rockets now have a massive deficit to overcome. Individually, though, there was little separating the two. The two-time NBA Champion put up a highly efficient 23 points.
Going 7 of 12 from the field, he added six rebounds, four assists, and a steal and a block apiece to guide Houston. James, on the other hand, after taking control of the joystick with his two main ballhandlers out, had a more all-around impact on the night.
Finishing with 28 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, he controlled virtually every aspect of the game, including a thunderous dunk in the final minute that effectively sealed it for Los Angeles.
However, the flowers for these two superstars of the sport began well before the final whistle. A strong finish to the first quarter that translated early into the second quarter as well, included a 15-0 stretch for the Lakers led by James.
After hitting back-to-back 3-pointers to open the period, Dallas Cowboys legend Dez Bryant could only give him his due. “He is who he say he is! We are all a #witness.” He wasn’t the only one, though, who was left stunned by the product on display.
On the other end of the spectrum, it was a former Cowboys star, Micah Parsons, who gave the other all-time great his props. “Kevin Durant really goated man!” But another personality who was following the game extremely closely was Robert Griffin III.
One of the most active social media personalities in the sports world, the former dual-threat quarterback had some hefty praise for James. First, it was in association with his son, Bronny James, who is also a member of the Lakers roster.
Listing down their accomplishments, he wrote, “Lebron James and Bronny James should be CELEBRATED more for the history they are making together, not ridiculed.” It wasn’t the only big celebration he believed was coming towards them.
Lebron James and Bronny in NBA History:
-1st Father-Son to Play Together
-1st Father-Son Assist
-Most Points by a Father-Son Duo
-1st Father-Son Duo in PlayoffsLebron James and Bronny James should be CELEBRATED more for the history they are making together, not ridiculed. pic.twitter.com/S0YL2Sc6KQ
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) April 22, 2026
“I’m a Michael Jordan guy, but if LeBron James wins the NBA Finals this year at 41 YEARS OLD with THIS LAKERS TEAM,” he added. “The GOAT conversation would be over.”
I’m a Michael Jordan guy, but if LeBron James wins the NBA Finals this year at 41 YEARS OLD with THIS LAKERS TEAM after having to potentially go through:
-SGA’s Thunder
-Wemby’s Spurs
-Jokic’s Nuggets
-Ant’s T-Wolves
-Durant’s RocketsThe GOAT conversation would be over. pic.twitter.com/EkCl4NGGAF
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) April 22, 2026
It remains to be seen if the Lakers can continue this level of play moving forward. Even with a 2-0 lead over the Rockets, the series is far from over, especially as the two teams head back to Houston.
Add in an extremely difficult road that is going to include some combination of the San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets, and the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the odds are definitely stacked against them. But, to RG3’s credit, if they can pull it off, then it would certainly be an impressive notch in James’ legendary career.
