LeBron James has established a successful NBA career by performing some of the most incredible feats a basketball player can. After James’ performances on the court, sometimes teammates, rivals, and spectators can only shake their heads.
Dwyane Wade, who spent four seasons playing with “King James” in Miami, has a fascinating tale to share about his close friend. Wade told a story this time that wasn’t related to basketball.
The Miami Heat great is shown here speaking with Rachel Nichols in an interview:
“When Bron James and Savannah arrived, my wife was outside on the balcony. We are relaxing outside while watching the pool. No lie. … LeBron entered and said, “What’s up?” There was a pool there if you looked down. “How deep do you think that is?” he said. “8-9 feet.” Let me look, he said.
“Took his things off and dove from the balcony into the pool. I swear to you. This guy is insane.
Wait, LeBron did WHAT?!?
(via @shobasketball, https://t.co/hRoBKugiHb) pic.twitter.com/zBTIn2FDIr
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) April 28, 2023
After the Heat’s demoralising loss to the Dallas Mavericks in the 2011 NBA final, Dwyane Wade’s narrative took place. In the championship game, LeBron James perhaps played the worst series of his entire 20-year career.
In 2011, James faced enormous pressure to perform. Wade and Shaquille O’Neal had already won a championship in 2006, but “LBJ” hadn’t.
Also departing Cleveland in the summer of 2010, the Akron, Ohio native joined “D-Wade” and Chris Bosh. James’ shirts were torched, as Cavaliers supporters condemned him for leaving.
When Nichols questioned Dwyane about whether LeBron James had considered the consequences of what he had done, Wade replied:
“He didn’t consider that. He simply dove into the ocean. I mean it. jumped off the balcony into the pool. That demonstrates how insane both the time and his state of mind were.
In the championship game, Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks faced off against the Miami Heat. In June 2011, Miami was the overwhelming favourite to win the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Instead, Nowitzki led the Mavericks to what is arguably the biggest upset in NBA Finals history while playing the series of his life.
Another chance for LeBron James Dwyane Wade to capture the fifth title will come.
Last year, the LA Lakers embarrassingly failed to make the playoffs. Through the play-in tournament, they secured a spot in the postseason this year. They faced the second-seeded Memphis Grizzlies in the opening round of the playoffs.
The Lakers lead the Grizzlies 3-2 behind Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, and D’Angelo Russell. On Friday night, Game 6 will be played at Crypto.com Arena, where James and company may win the series.
James’ career is coming to an end, and his chance to win a title is dwindling. When he sustained a right foot injury against the Dallas Mavericks, his season was almost over.
LeBron is aware that there are several routes to the NBA Finals. The LA Lakers have a comparable probability to any other club of winning the championship.
The Lakers’ victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday will bring “King James” one step closer to winning his fifth championship.