LeBron vs. D Wade: A History in Moments
With Dwyane Wade announcing his last season this summer via a video entitled “One Last Dance” and playing his final game against the Lakers and his good friend LeBron James on Monday it got me thinking.
These two guys who came in the league together and grew as men together are obviously going to remembered as all time greats and two of the best to ever play the game.
They have given us some of the most iconic and memorable moments in NBA history. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and look at a few of the moments that have defined the careers of Flash and King James.
- 2003 Summer League
LeBron James was a household name by the summer of 2003. He was larger than life as a high schooler and that culminated in him being picked #1 overall in the NBA draft. Dwyane Wade had just burst onto the scene in basketball circles after leading the Marquette Golden Eagles on an improbable run to the NCAA Final Four. Unbeknownst to the world just yet, this game would put people on notice about Wade and it set the precedent for his rookie season and his career.
2. Early Battles
Wade and LeBron used to absolutely go at it. Tit for Tat. Back and forth. You get a highlight, I get a highlight. For a few years there were legitimate arguments that could be had over who was the more dominant force. Here are highlights from April 1, 2006, the year Wade won his first NBA championship. No jokes here. Wade was the real deal.
Wade: 44 pts 9 ast 8 reb 2 stl 1 blk
James: 47 pts 9 ast 12 reb 2 stl 0 blk
3. “Welcome to your Kodak moment, Anderson Varejao”
Who could forget this wicked flush by Dwyane Wade?! Wade use to snatch bodies on the regular and this was arguably the best of his career. On one end you have LeBron who gets met at the rim by Jermaine O’neal, then Wade goes right back down the floor and shows him how its done. Good times! Classic.
4. LeBron joins Wade in Miami
Lebron, Wade, and Chris Bosh shook up the NBA universe when they joined forces in the summer of 2010. Never before had we seen three players of that caliber, at that stage in their careers, come together in that manner. It was some rock star sh*t and led to one of the most lavish press conferences probably ever.
5. Party on South Beach
Wade and James put on an absolute show during their time together in Miami. Here are some of their best highlights as teammates.
*Disclaimer: there is a random highlight in here (#6) from their brief time as teammates on the Cleveland Cavaliers but hey it is what it is
6. The no look alley-oop
If there was one image that you could say captured the essence of LeBron’s time with Wade in Miami, this would be it. Bron, the high flying athletic phenom and Wade the superstar co-pilot. Shout out to the photographer for this amazing grab.
7. Banana Boat Crew
They also gave us this gem which broke the internet…
8. Wade blocks Bron…TWICE!!
After a year with the Chicago Bulls and a brief stint with the Cavaliers, Dwyane Wade returned to Miami at the trade deadline in 2018. Ever the competitor, Wade blocked James’ shot twice in their first matchup following his Cleveland departure. He also took a playful jab at LeBron telling him to get that outta here! Just the epitome of two friends going at each other, having fun doing what they love to do.
9. One Last Dance
On Monday December 10, 2018 Dwyane Wade and LeBron James took the court to face each other for the final time (unless the Heat and Lakers both make the finals). It marked the end of an era. But just like old times, it was an event to behold and the fans came out in droves to witness this unforgettable moment in history.
10. Jersey Swap
The jersey swap has been Wade’s thing this year as he takes his season long retirement tour. When Kobe retired his thing was shoes. In every city he was giving players pairs of his sneakers, signed with personal messages. It was dope to see and Wade’s version is equally as dope. These are undoubtedly two jerseys that will be hanging in the rafters for all of eternity.
Written by Jerrell Walker
Follow on IG: _keepitrell
