An Unforgettable First Date: The Time Kevin Durant Reportedly Brought a “Backup” on a Date with Lana Rhoades
In the high-profile world of NBA superstars, tales of unusual dating escapades are not uncommon. However, a story recounted by former adult film actress and model Lana Rhoades stands out for its sheer, cringe inducing awkwardness.
During a June 2021 appearance on the “3 Girls, 1 Kitchen” podcast, Rhoades recalled a painfully memorable first date with an unnamed professional athlete who was quickly identified by fans as then Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant.
The Date That Defied Convention
Rhoades explained that she had agreed to the date with an open mind, intrigued by the man’s intelligence and success despite him not being her typical type. “I was willing to give this guy a shot,” she said. Her expectations for a standard, one-on-one dinner were swiftly dashed.
“And then he springs on me — ‘my f— buddy for the past year is coming with us,'” Rhoades recalled.
This unexpected third wheel transformed the evening from a potential romantic connection into a surreal and uncomfortable experience. While Rhoades never directly named Durant, she provided a key identifying detail: the man was a Libra.
A Window Into Durant’s Dating Philosophy
While Durant has never publicly confirmed or denied Rhoades’s specific story, his past comments on relationships and dating offer some context for such unconventional behavior.
“I don’t want a girlfriend, just that simply put,” Durant stated in one interview. He has also admitted that early in his career, he didn’t “always know how to love properly,” suggesting a learning curve in his personal life.
A Mismatch From the Start
The presence of the extra guest was just the beginning of the date’s troubles. Rhoades described the overall interaction as dull and lacking chemistry. When she attempted to engage Durant in conversation by asking about his favorite things or opinions.
“He just wasn’t spicy enough for me,” she concluded, indicating that beyond the bizarre setup, there was simply no romantic or intellectual spark.
Rhoades added that this was not the first time she had experienced such a situation, though it was certainly one of the most memorable. Her telling of the story was less outraged and more matter-of-fact, tinged with a sense of disappointed bemusement.
The Blurred Lines of Celebrity Dating
The anecdote also touches on the complex dynamics of dating within the celebrity sphere. Rhoades speculated that Durant may have assumed that given her background in adult entertainment, she would be more open to non-traditional or polyamorous arrangements.
The story resurfaced in 2026 as part of Durant’s ongoing narrative off the court, which often intersects with pop culture and hip-hop. It was referenced again when rapper NBA YoungBoy released a diss track with lyrics alleging, “My b—-h f—ked Kevin Durant,” dragging the basketball star into a very public feud.