On Monday night, two of the NBA’s best rivalries will come to an end as Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade faces off with Laker’s Lebron James for the final meeting before Wade retires next summer.
Both players spoke about their rivalry, speaking kindly of each other. Wade called Lebron one of his best friends while the latter described Monday’s meet up as bitter and sweet.
“Out of all the players in the league besides (Udonis Haslem), Bron is one of my closest friends,” – Wade told the Miami Herald. “It definitely will mean a little bit more, and just everything in our careers. The paths that we both went down as competitors versus each other and as teammates, we’ll always be linked together forever.”
James made a reflection of his rivalry with Wade starting 15 years ago.
“It’s bitter, and it’s sweet. It’s sweet and sour,” – he said. “The sweet part about it is I’ve always loved being on the same floor with my brother. We struck up a relationship together at the combine in 2003, and it started from there. And the sour part about it is that this is our last time sharing the same court.”
Over the past 15 years, Lebron and Wade have squared off in some great games. In December 2005, James scored 41 points while Wade 33 in a game the Cavaliers beat the Heat 115-107. The duel met again in March 2006, with Wade winning this time. They have also played together, winning two NBA championships in that period.
