LeBron James vs. Dwyane Wade: The Final Showdown

On Monday, Lakers forward LeBron James and Heat guard Dwyane Wade play each other for the last time. James got the upper hand as the Lakers beat the Heat 108-105. The Lakers finished 2-0 in their regular season series against the Heat.

LeBron James and Dwyane Wade have an extensive history. They’re good friends and were in the same draft class in 2003. Their draft class also featured Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh. James and Wade played against each other for years until they became teammates in 2010.

In the 2010 offseason, James joined Wade in Miami. Chris Bosh, their draft classmate also signed to Miami Heat. The three players came together to form what became known as a “Big Three” and won two championships during their stint in Miami. The trio came to an end when James returned to Cleveland in 2014.

Now, their careers are heading in different directions. James won another championship in 2016, leading the Cavs to their first championship in the team’s history. Wade joined the Chicago Bulls in 2016. Last season, Wade joined LeBron in Cleveland but the Cavs traded Wade at the trade deadline back to the Heat. He also announced this is his last season.

However, James joined the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason. He joined young players like Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma. James turns 34 later this month, but still manages to play at a high level. Unlike Wade, James  has a few years left.

His draftmates such as Wade or Anthony are towards the end of their careers, which is partially due to James being drafted out of high school. The difference between James and his draftmates’ careers are why the Lakers and Heat game was significant.

James finished this game with 28 points, 12 assists and 9 rebounds. Wade finished with 15 points, 10 assists and 5 rebounds. The two friends even guarded each other at the end of the game. Wade attempted a shot near the end of the game and he almost tied the game, but missed the shot. James stayed on him the entire time.

When asked about their match-up, Wade said, ”This was the last time I was going to be able to guard him, so I waited to the end,” said Wade, ”He knows my moves just like I know his moves. I just wanted to enjoy the competition for the last time.”

Wade had a remarkable career and it was great to see the two friends for the last time. Although Wade will retire before James, both are future Hall-of-Famers. Overall, Wade’s career is one for the ages.

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