LeBron on friendship with Wade: ‘It’s going to last forever’

MANILA, Philippines – NBA superstars LeBron James and Dwyane Wade “put to bed” questions about their friendship that emerged following James’ decision over the past offseason to leave the Miami Heat and return home to play for the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

During a media interview session with NBA TV for the 2015 NBA All-Star Weekend in New York, James said about his friendship with his teammate from 2010-2014: “This, right here, this is bigger than basketball, man.”

James also added: “This is bigger than basketball and it’s going to last forever.”

James and Wade, both All-Stars this year, were part of the celebrated 2003 NBA Draft class that also saw the selections of Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh. The two formed a friendship right away and that played a huge role into James’ choosing to join the Heat when he was a free agent in 2010. 

While together in Miami, the pair made the NBA Finals four straight times from 2011-2014 and won NBA titles in 2012 and 2013, helping create a dynasty that will be remembered for many years to come. 

“Whoever don’t like it, turn the other way,” James said about those who criticize his friendship with Wade – some even went as far to claim that the Heat shooting guard didn’t invite his former teammate to his wedding with Gabrielle Union a few months back, which was eventually proven false.

“And whoever likes it, join the train, cause we going to keep going for sure,” James said, to which Wade quickly added: “This is my brother for life.”

During the interview, the two also talked about James playing in the All-Star game in New York City. Wade bowed out from the match due to his hamstring injury.

The duo also discussed why James has yet to participate in the NBA Slam Dunk contest, comparing their Big 3 in Miami with Chris Bosh to James’ current Big 3 in Cleveland along with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love, and how their children have changed their lives as they mature into their 30s.

In a separate clip, Wade also interviewed Los Angeles Clippers All-Star Chris Paul. The two talked about not being voted as starters for the All-Star game for the first time in years and their private group chat with James and Anthony.

– Rappler.com