One of the most common ways NBA players describe the league is that it's a “brotherhood”. On the court, the players are hell-bent on destroying each other and being the champion. Off the court, though, these players are close to each other. Many of them consider each other friends, and have a ton of respect for each other. That's exactly the case with Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant.

However, there are some fans that either doubt their friendship or doubt the authenticity of their friendship. To them, it doesn't feel like these stars can't be friends with each other. After LeBron showed his respect for Durant after their latest tilt, the same old comments popped up. Because of that, the Lakers star posted this image on X while replying to Durant, seemingly as a response to those comments.

This, of course, is referencing the friendship between Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley during their time playing against each other. During the peaks of their careers, Barkley and Jordan would have multiple encounters with each other, similar to LeBron and Durant. Over time, though, the two's respect for each other turned into a friendship. It's easy to see the same thing happen to the Lakers star and the Suns star.

The Lakers got the best of the Suns in their latest matchup. LeBron and KD turned in some of their best work, with both players posting 30-point performances. They'll have more games against each other on their schedule. Can KD get his revenge in the regular season… or in the playoffs?