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08:08 AM ET 07.30 | One might not think it too difficult to talk the NBA's reigning, three-time scoring champ in to shooting the ball. But you would be wrong, although the U.S. men's basketball team tried to fix that in a blowout 98-71 win over France Sunday in its Olympic opener. Kevin Durant, the scoring champ in question, has not played in an Olympics before. Like any newcomer, he wants to be liked. So time and again during the U.S. team's brief time together this year, Durant has passed up the sort of open shots that he drills with the Oklahoma City Thunder. "I told KD (Durant) to just be himself," LeBron James said Sunday. ... "[He's] a three-time scoring champ. So we don't want the KD that defers. We want the KD that he is in Oklahoma City."

Kevin Durant, Icon Sports

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July 30, 2012 08:40 AM ET

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Waiting to hear how Durrant will never be a champion until he gets that "killer instinct", whilst rolling mine eyes.

Crooked Stiches

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July 30, 2012 08:41 AM ET

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QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 08:40 AM ET 07.30 by jgb

Be careful what you wish for LBJ.....A confident more into the game kd isn't what you want to see in next years finals

Didn't have to wait too long ;)

Crooked Stiches

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July 30, 2012 08:42 AM ET

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i dont believe anyone is giving their 100% effort on the USA team, and they dont need to. No one wants to get injured

JIGSAW

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July 30, 2012 09:30 AM ET

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Good morning everyone. I hope your Monday is a great one.

SoonerThunder

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July 30, 2012 10:15 AM ET

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Let The Game Come To You, Bro.

I Love LA

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July 30, 2012 11:41 AM ET

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QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 08:40 AM ET 07.30 by jgb

Be careful what you wish for LBJ.....A confident more into the game kd isn't what you want to see in next years finals

KD HOPES he can get there next year...once LAL gets Dwight then its over for OKC's run

DR_Universal

Charlotte , NC

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July 30, 2012 02:17 PM ET

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QUOTE(#11):

Originally posted 12:16 PM ET 07.30 by jgb

what'd you buy yourself a seat on the laker bus also?:)

LMAO!! No sir...still a charter member of the NYK express! BUT...I will have to admit to being a bit curious to see if this will work for LAL. (secretly hoping it DOESNT)

DR_Universal

Charlotte , NC

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July 30, 2012 04:15 PM ET

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**** LeBron

DaCoach619

San Diego, CA

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July 30, 2012 05:03 PM ET

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QUOTE(#13):

Originally posted 04:15 PM ET 07.30 by DaCoach619

**** LeBron

Champ Lebron!

CREEPY FACE !!

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July 30, 2012 05:40 PM ET

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QUOTE(#14):

Originally posted 05:03 PM ET 07.30 by CREEPY FACE !!

Champ Lebron!

Bottom Line ;-) !

Retired Army in San…

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July 30, 2012 10:04 PM ET

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QUOTE(#15):

Originally posted 05:19 PM ET 07.30 by HeaTfan Champion

It must kill KD to have the guy that owned him in the finals, have to advise him on Team USA.

Durant didnt guard LeBron...Lebron ended up guarding Durant! Durant is a forward Lebron is the SG!

CREEPY FACE !!

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July 31, 2012 12:59 AM ET

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QUOTE(#16):

Originally posted 10:04 PM ET 07.30 by CREEPY FACE !!

Durant didnt guard LeBron...Lebron ended up guarding Durant! Durant is a forward Lebron is the SG!

They both play SF smart one.