People expect NBA players to be tough before even entering the league. Given the intense physicality in the NBA, injuries always lurk around the corner for the stars. While players often lose out on promising careers due to injury, some stand the test of time to emerge as greats of the game. LeBron James is one such athlete that defied all odds to dominate the league for more than 20 years. However, not all players are as lucky as The Chosen One.

In an offseason duel with The King, LeBron James, a 21-year-old basketball sensation suffered a major injury. This ended the rising NBA star’s season before it even began. However, almost a year after this incident, the young star was seen putting in the work with The Phoenix Suns forward, Kevin Durant.

Offseason duel with LeBron James led to major injury for 21-year-old

LeBron James participated in the Crawsover Pro-AM Jam League last year, before entering his 20th season in the NBA. This decision of the 4-time MVP had fans awestruck. Thousands of fans lined up and camped out overnight, outside the arena to witness The Akron Hammer in action.

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However, another NBA star also made headlines as he was set to take on the Los Angeles Lakers forward from his opponent team.

21-year-old Chet Holmgren joined LeBron James in action from his opponent team. The two engaged in an intense battle in the game, much to the fans’ amazement. During a play in the game, James tried to beat Holmgren to finish at the rim on a transition play. In an attempt to contest James’ shot, Holmgren elevated along with him. However, the landing did not go as planned for the former No.2 draft pick.

Although Holmgren successfully contested the shot, he landed awkwardly on his right foot, leading to a Lisfranc injury. This resulted in Holmgren sitting out his entire rookie season as the Oklahoma City Thunder shut him down immediately. However, the 7’1 star is all set to make his debut this year, also working out with the Slim Reaper, Kevin Durant, to get himself prepared for his first healthy NBA season.

Holmgren puts in the work with Kevin Durant

Chet Holmgren’s injury put him in major trouble last season. Coming into the league as a highly touted prospect, Holmgren could not even play a single game in his rookie year due to his injury trouble. However, after multiple surgeries and an entire season of rest, the former No.2 Draft pick is ready to make a noise in the 2023-24 NBA season.

Interestingly, he chose a highly reputed NBA star as a mentor.

Holmgren joined the former MVP, Kevin Durant in an intense workout recently. The two towering figures played scrimmage, making some tough shots over each other. While the Slim Reaper made his scoring look automatic as always, Holmgren displayed his incredible shot-making skills. Holmgren also got to his spots brilliantly against the tenacious defense of the 2-time champion.

Chet Holmgren may have missed an entire season due to injury but the former No.2 pick has not lost a step. The 21-year-old looks sharper than ever as he enters his first-ever healthy NBA season. With his franchise looking to get back into playoff contention, his services to their roster help them a great deal. His workouts with the 4-time scoring title winner too, may serve as an incredible stepping stone for him.

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