“What I liked the most was the hug that LeBron James gave Kevin Durant”: When Argentina Legend Diego Maradona was Awestruck by the NBA Finals

Diego Maradona, may he rest in peace, was perhaps among the most well-recognized figures of the 20th century. The Argentine was a legend in the sport. Sadly, he passed away 2 years ago and couldn’t see his beloved country lift the FIFA world cup for the third time. What many don’t know is that he was a huge NBA fan. And particular, he was in awe of LeBron James and Kevin Durant.

Maradona, yes the Argentine soccer superstar watched the NBA. And like any of us who watch the sport, he too had a favorite moment. But instead of a moment involving Michael Jordan, his was focused on LeBron. Shocking.

So, when and why? Well, let’s go back to the 2017 NBA Finals.

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Diego Maradona recalls an epic hug between LeBron James and Kevin Durant

The clash between the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2017 NBA Finals was epic. The series might have gone to GSW in a rather lukewarm 4-1 win. However, stats do not tell the tale.

It was a battle between Kevin Durant and LeBron James. And at the end of it, it was epitomized by a moment that Diego Maradona thought of as the greatest moment in NBA history.

He said, “What I liked the most was the hug that LeBron James gave Kevin Durant, which everyone missed, but I didn’t,”

He added. “The guy [LeBron] lost the ring, the rival was coming out (a) champion, and as a gentleman he went and hugged Durant like he was a brother, that stuck in my head,”.

This is a story detailed by The Sporting News and we must say it is one we wholeheartedly loved. But there is more to this story than meets the eye.

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Diego, a fierce competitor himself noticed King James’ agony

What we didn’t see was the anguish and agony that James had in his eyes and still toughened up and congratulate his rival and even hug him. It is the sort of mettle and poise that only champions possess. Maradona noticed that right away.

And Diego himself was at the losing end of a World Cup final in 1990. He knows that the toughest winners lose multiple times before they succeed.

LeBron James has since then won another title, with the Lakers, making him one of the fewest players to win an NBA title with three different teams.

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