Miami Heat’s LeBron James motivated by Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant

Miami Heat forward LeBron James has taken notice of what Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant is doing this season.

Durant is in the midst of the best season of his career. He’s averaging 31.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 51.2% from the field, 41.9% from beyond the arc and 87.8% from the free throw line.

“The way he plays the game every single night is very inspiring, and it’s motivating,” James’ told long time Heat beat writer Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. “Obviously, we know he’s going to be one of the greatest scorers to ever play this game, but the way he plays, just so joyous and happy, and it’s like he’s a kid back in Maryland. And I feel like when I’m on the floor, I’m a kid back in Akron.”

Not to be outdone, James is averaging 26.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 1.4 steals per game. He’s shooting 57.3% from the field, 35.8% from three and 75.3%.

James’ Heat have won the last two NBA Finals and defeated Durant’s Thunder in the 2012 Finals to earn the first of those two titles.

The two look like they could on a collision course to meet in the finals for the second time in three years.