LeBron James calls Kevin Durant's injury a big blow for NBA

LeBron James said Kevin Durant's season-ending surgery is a blow to the NBA. 
LeBron James calls Kevin Durant's injury a big blow for NBA
LeBron James calls Kevin Durant's injury a big blow for NBA /

BROOKLYN—LeBron James and Kevin Durant, two names that go hand in hand, sit alone atop an elevated perch as the NBA's best.

So, it was fitting that James, who has become a spokesman of sorts for the NBA, was asked about Durant's latest setback after the Cavaliers' 106-98 loss to the Nets on Friday.

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[daily_cut.NBA]The Thunder are expected to be without Durant for 4-6 months after he undergoes season-ending surgery to repair a fracture in his right foot, the third such procedure he has endured since originally suffering a Jones fracture in October

"It's a blow for him and for our league," James said. "We're a brotherhood and you never want anyone to go down, especially [someone] of that stature. He means a lot to our games and, obviously, he means a lot to the OKC family. You wish him well and hope for a speedy recovery."

Durant has produced at his usual rate when available. He averaged 25.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 27 games and led the Thunder to an 18-9 record. 

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DeAntae Prince
DEANTAE PRINCE

DeAntae Prince is an NBA producer for SI.com whose interest is piqued by the process through which basketball players develop and improve over the course of their careers. He previously spent four years with Sporting News, where he held a number of positions, including NBA editor and Senior Digital Editor. A Chicago loyalist and Indiana University graduate, he currently lives in Brooklyn.