Lakers news: LeBron James’ ‘perfect’ move praised by Warriors rival Kevin Durant

The Golden State Warriors forward has gone head-to-head with James in both of the last two NBA Finals, getting the better of the former Cleveland Cavaliers forward for a second successive year in June.

James opted out of the final year of his Cavs contract to enter free agency, signing a four-year $154million (£116m) to move to southern California and play in the Western Conference for the first time in his career.

That means James and Durant will go head-to-head four times in the regular season, although the Lakers are not seen as a serious threat to the Warriors’ dynasty.

That’s because the Lakers were not able to bring in Kawhi Leonard, who instead of getting his desired LA move was sent to the Toronto Raptors by the San Antonio Spurs.

But Warriors star Durant – who enjoyed a night out with James recently amid rumours the he wants to entice the reigning Finals MVP to the Lakers next summer – is all for James’ move.

“I loved it. I absolutely loved it,” Durant told ESPN. “Perfect decision, perfect move. He did everything he was supposed to do in Cleveland. 

“I think this is a perfect next step for him. He’s kind of breaking down the barriers of what an NBA superstar is supposed to be. 

“It feels like you’re supposed to play it out at just one spot but he’s done a good job of giving you different chapters and it’ll make his book even more interesting when it’s done.”

On what he discussed with James on their night out in town last week, Durant added: “Just life. 

“[I’m] Excited about what lies ahead for him and us as men, more so than basketball players. [We were] Just breaking bread and showing love.”

Durant recently signed a two-year extension worth the Warriors which allows him to become a free agent in 2019 – making a possible team-up with James in LA a possibility given that the Lakers have the available cap space.

That would, however, be as an alternative to Leonard rather than as well as unless they were willing to part with a handful of young assets.