Yes, Team USA indeed won the Showcase matchup against Canada, but it wasn’t without its pain points. The most prominent was no doubt Joel Embiid fouling out after just 12 minutes of game time. There were also a few hiccups that many immediately attributed to a lack of chemistry between teammates. Of course, Anthony Edwards’ “I’m still the No. 1 option,” comments only served to further fan those flames. However, it seems like LeBron James and Kevin Durant are ready to dispel such notions.

Team USA vs Australia ended well for the former, but once again, it wasn’t an easy run. But amidst the challenging skirmish, fans witnessed a heartfelt camaraderie between two of the greatest veterans of the NBA. When the group came together for a team huddle, LeBron decided it would be a good idea to ask KD to drain a shot. Not wasting a moment, the 16-year vet quickly turned around and got one up.

Taking to Instagram, James shared the moment originally shared by SportsCenter, with the caption, “Gotta get up one for sure @easymoneysniper! Ayyeeeee 🤣🙆‍♂️” Durant, for his part, replied to the 4x champion’s story with one of his own. “I got u 6..” Clearly, anybody reading this will have a hard time believing that this is the team that lacks chemistry. Here’s the video that both LeBron and KD shared.

As 12,217 fans gathered at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, Team USA managed to get one over the Aussies 98-92. It was a too-close-for-comfort call. Team Australia won the exhibition matches against the U.S. in both 2019 and 2021 and found that the same weakness they found then was still there. Attacking the middle, they scored an incredible 68 points in the paint alone!

“We gave up a ton of points at the basket back cuts, offensive boards, and so the game shifted and it’s a good lesson for us. Better to learn that lesson now than later. And this will be a good tape for us to watch,” Steve Kerr said, opting to go the positive route. As for the chemistry and friendship between two of the greatest vets in the NBA, well, it has often been debated.

LeBron James and Kevin Durant’s friendship has often been called into question

Although KD and James have never played on the same team in the NBA, they have faced off against each other plenty. The pair have also come together for All-Star Games or, like the above, Team USA matchups. The two 30+ greats still playing at an elite level in their own way have a clear idea of what it takes to maintain the elite performances they are known for. And as such, have the greatest respect for each other. Over time, that grew into something of a friendship.

Before the start of the game in the 2010 All-Star game, they engaged in greetings and exchanged best wishes. And during Team USA training sessions, they have shared a few memorable moments and a few laughs as well. But perhaps the most memorable instance would be when Bron came to the defense of the 2x champion. After an IST game between the Lakers and Suns in early November, Phoenix’s official account posted a picture of the two sharing a friendly conversation with the caption, Respect. 

Of course, one of the fans who does not believe in friendships off the court had some harsh words about that. We are not unaware of Durant‘s history when it comes to engaging with hecklers, be it online or offline. And this comment was one such scenario. “At some point, yall non athletes gon realize that friends compete harder against one another,” he wrote.

And this time, he had help from a surprising source. LeBron James posted just one image in support of Durant’s response.

While the older generation of basketball players wasn’t known for the kind of friendships this generation is known for, it didn’t mean they lacked any. Michael Jordan particularly gained a reputation for his hostile personality towards teammates and fellow players. So, yeah, pretty sure the fan understood the point the ‘Akron Hammer’ was trying to make.

Well, what do you think? Are these friendships between players overrated? Or are they necessary for overall team health? And more importantly, does Team USA have any chemistry issues? Tell us more in the comments below.