LeBron James and Dwyane Wade trade jerseys after final game playing against each other.
On Monday, two basketball legends — and close friends — played each other for the last time.
The Los Angeles Lakers’LeBron Jamesand the Miami Heat’sDwyane Wadefaced off once more before the latter retires at the season’s conclusion, according toESPN. The Lakers won the game 108 to 105 in L.A.
James and Wade, who were both drafted in 2003, have been both teammates and opponents on the court over the course of their famed careers, according toCBS Sports. The game marked their 31st match-up on opposing teams,Sports Illustratedreported.
The athletes had nothing but praise for each other after the hard-fought game.
LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.Harry How/Getty
“It’s bittersweet, man,” James said in a joint interview on ESPN. “A lot of emotions going on right now for me just knowing I’m losing a brother in this game. … There’s no better way than to end in the Staples Center, man. This is my guy, man. This is my guy.”
“It’s tough,” Wade agreed. “This is what you play for, playing against one of the greatest players ever. Whether we was teammates, whether we was opponents, we brought the best out of each other. I’m just thankful that I had the opportunity to be able to be drafted at the same time as this guy. The friendship that we have, you guys know that’s beyond basketball.”
Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty
“Not only is he one of the greatest players, [he’s] one of the greatest people. What he’s done on and off the court, it’s just second to none,” Wade continued, nodding to James’philanthropy. “This guy can play for as long as he wants, and I’ll be here to see it.”
On Monday, James shared avideoof his and Wade’s heads superimposed on aBad Boys IIclip in which a character says, “We ride together. We die together. Bad boys for life.”
“Current mood,” James wrote alongside the footage. “Until the wheels fall [the] f— off @dwaynewade. Beyond death! P.S. @willsmith @martinlawrence appreciate letting us flex this clip!”
Dwyane Wade and LeBron James.Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty
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“My G!” Wade commented. “You already know….”
On Tuesday, Wade sharedpictures on Instagramof the two posing with the other’s jersey, competing against one another on the court and sharing a hug.
LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP
Dwyane Wade and LeBron James.Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP
Wade previously posted anInstagramto offer gratitude to James and Udonis Haslem. “Man how lucky am i!? These are my brothers!!!” he wrote.
“@ud40 and @kingjames thank you both for making me a better player, person, leader and man! I love you both like a fat kid loves cake! #onelastdance #brotherhood,” he continued.
The game had a star-studded audience, withJessica Alba,Future,Kevin Costner,Kate Beckinsale,Denzel WashingtonandWill Ferrellall attending, according toTMZ.
Wade’s wifeGabrielle Union, with whom hewelcomeddaughterKaavia Jamesin November, sat with Alba.
source: people.com
