Kevin Durant Claims LeBron James ‘Paved The Way’ For Him Joining Warriors

Last summer, everyone was on the edge of their seats in the NBA with superstar Kevin Durant hitting NBA free agency for the first time in his career and every team in the league going after him.

Of course, only a handful of teams had a legitimate shot to sign Durant with the Boston Celtics, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Golden State Warriors as the favorites. Although Durant flirted with signing with Boston and Golden State, most thought he’d simply stay in Oklahoma City.

Ultimately, Durant rocked the NBA to its core on July 4 announcing he was joining the Warriors creating one of the most talented and star-studded teams in league history. The one-time NBA MVP would join three other All-Stars in Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Stephen Curry striking fear into teams around the league that a new dynasty was born with unlimited potential.

Apparently, with the Warriors currently holding a commanding 2-0 lead on LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals, Durant admitted that LeBron’s actions led to him signing with Golden State, via Howard Beck of Bleacher Report:

Though Durant says he did not consider James’ precedent, he readily admits, “He paved the way.”

LeBron, who is no stranger to super teams himself, returned to the Cavaliers a few years ago after reaching the NBA Finals in four consecutive years with the Miami Heat. James played alongside two other prominent stars in Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh while also eventually attracting another star in Ray Allen.

After losing to the San Antonio Spurs in 2014, LeBron decided to move on once again and headed back to Cleveland. Conveniently enough, Cleveland had a budding star in Kyrie Irving and was able to land the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft which they flipped for former NBA MVP candidate Kevin Love. Another super team was born in the Eastern Conference which continued to pave the way for other stars to join forces as Durant suggests.

Unfortunately for LeBron, his time may have passed regarding his window for another title after beating the Warriors last year. Cleveland is outmatched against Durant’s Warriors and may have to get used to the harsh truth that Golden State will be dominating the league for a long time coming.