Kevin Durant is trying to block out all of the noise. Whether he's able to do this or not, he's keeping to the story that he's not bothered by it.

Before Team USA's second exhibition game Sunday night at the Staples Center in Los Angeles against China, Durant and new Warriors teammate Draymond Green were booed.

Durant was asked how he felt about being jeered afterwards by ESPN's Ramona Shelburne:

“I did? Huh,” Durant said of being booed. “I didn't hear it.”

Playing in L.A., it could have simply been the hometown fans of either the Clippers or Lakers booing Warriors players. Or, it could have been general NBA fans voicing their displeasure over Durant's decision, as well as Green's recent antics.

It's pretty clear that the Warriors are no longer going to be as lovable as they've been the past few years, and the same goes for Durant. Durant will be more of a villain than ever before, and it will be interesting to see how he deals with that.

Article Continues Below
More Warriors News
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) passes the ball between Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9) and forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the third quarter at the Chase Center.
NBA rumors: Warriors a ‘team to monitor’ for Giannis’ Bucks teammateMalik Brown ·
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) dribbles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth quarter during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Chase Center.
Draymond Green claims ‘rich kid’ problem in hoopsZachary Draves ·
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) looks to pass the ball as Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) plays defense in the first half during game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.
Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga’s lab work caught on video ahead of free agencyJackson Stone ·
Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) looks on during the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers in game two of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center with Draymond Green and Thunder's Chet Holmgren in the background
Warriors’ Draymond Green drops Alex Caruso over Chet Holmgren NBA Finals takeJosue Pavon ·
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr talks to guard Brandin Podziemski (2) during the second half.
Warriors’ Brandin Podziemski hilariously shoots down Steve Kerr comparisonsJosh Davis ·
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts during the second half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
How Don Nelson will ‘protest’ Luka Doncic trade at award ceremonyMalik Brown ·

When LeBron James left the Cavs back in 2010, he tried to embrace the villain role with the Miami Heat. LeBron later admitted that the decision to do that backfired. He lost himself, he started having less fun, and it may have contributed to his rough 2011 NBA Finals.

Durant may look back on LeBron's handling of the villain role for advice. It might make him deflect the title and not embrace it. That would seem to clash with Durant's personality, too.

A big reason why Durant said he was going to Golden State was for basketball reasons. That sounds like someone who is looking forward to having fun playing alongside players like Green, Steph Curry, and Klay Thompson. He doesn't want to be a villain.

One things is for sure, in Team USA's next exhibition game, which will be played in Oakland tomorrow night vs. China, Durant will definitely not be booed.

[button width=”full” button size=”bigger” color=”custom” align=”center” textcolor=”#ffffff” texthcolor=”#ffffff” bgcolor=”#8b0000″ link=”https://clutchpoints.com/durant-lakers-couple-years-away-want/”]NEXT: Durant: Lakers are a couple years away from where I want to be[/button]