CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 04: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets dribbles against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at United Center on January 04, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Why did Kevin Durant not play for the Brooklyn Nets against the Los Angeles Lakers?
Kevin Durant is widely regarded as one of the best players of his generation. The Brooklyn Nets superstar has enjoyed a career that has seen him win two NBA Championships as well as be a former Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the league – besides racking up 20,000 points to be amongst the top 20 players to have scored the most amount of points in the history of the NBA.
Such a reputation makes Durant a key player for his franchise, and the Brooklyn Nets do depend on their superstar to provide them with the cutting edge in any contest. Naturally, upon his absence from action over the past few games – a question has been asked about his availability, and why the former MVP missed the key game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday.
As it turns out, Kevin Durant is currently recovering from a knee injury that he suffered during the Nets’ game against the Miami Heat in early January. Since then, Durant has not featured in the last nine games for the Nets – but is currently on schedule to make his recovery in due time.
Positives have been shared about the Nets superstar’s return to action.
According to NBA Insider Shams Charania of the Athletic, Durant has been rehabilitating his sprained MCL. According to Charania, Durant underwent a re-evaluation of his MCL last week by Dr Riley Williams III at the Hospital for Special Surgery. Durant pleased the doctors with his recovery and has been recovering well according to the set schedule.
Upon asked if he wants to return before the All-Star game, Durant said: ““That would be a nice target point for me I guess, is the few games before the (All-Star game) to get my legs back under me. That’s in an ideal situation, then slide into the All-Star break back healthy, back on the floor.”
Despite Durant’s absence, the Nets came out on top in a 121-104 win at the Barclays Center.
More News:
• Kevin Durant Injury Update: Brooklyn Nets star reveals perfect date of returning back on court
• “What am I?” – Kevin Durant hits out at fan claiming Shaq is a “f***in’ GOAT”