The Village, Okla. ? Like fellow NBA superstar LeBron James the night before, Kevin Durant sat in front of dozens of kids on Friday as he talked about the future of his basketball career.

The key difference: Everyone in attendance knew where Durant will be playing the next few years — the same franchise with which he started his pro career. That theme of loyalty — of the Thunder to Durant, of Durant to the franchise and the city that’s embraced him — dominated the discussion.

“To be here for five more years is a great feeling. Words can’t explain how excited I am,” Durant said. He stayed away from any promises, but was certain “our best years are ahead of us.”

Durant began professing his love for Oklahoma City not long after the Thunder franchise moved here from Seattle two years ago.

Durant and the Thunder reached a deal on a contract extension quickly. Team representatives, including general manager Sam Presti, showed up at Durant’s house at 11:01 p.m. on June 30, the earliest possible time allowed under league rules. Durant said he felt humbled by that action and wanted to reciprocate that loyalty to the team.