The NBA world was rocked when LeBron James left the Miami Heat for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the summer of 2014.
After winning two championships with that team, James was headed back home and some people were excited while others were shocked and hurt.
Dwyane Wade, James’ teammate and close friend, was definitely caught off guard and a bit upset.
Speaking on “Club Shay Shay,” Wade opened up about how the experience of losing James affected him.
“Was it a part of me that was a little pissed? Yeah, I’m human, right? I don’t want to lose the best player in the game,” Wade said.
He then added that the departure of James was a moment for him to rethink his future and figure out his own plans without his world-class teammate.
. @DwyaneWade Was Pissed When @KingJames Left the @MiamiHeat
“Was it a part of me that was a little pissed? Yeah, I'm human, right? I don't want to lose the best player in the game. What do we do, why do we lose him? Right. And also to now I got to figure out my future.” pic.twitter.com/6U9nAiSGPI
— Club Shay Shay (@ClubShayShay) September 21, 2023
It’s understandable that Wade was hurt when James decided to head back to Cleveland.
The two had built a strong friendship and working relationship during their four years together in Miami.
Without James, Wade would become the sole leader of the Heat and would have to rework a lot with his squad.
But he was supportive of James’ move to the Cavaliers because he wanted his friend to be happy.
He told James that no matter where he goes, his team is going to win.
Success was inevitable for James at that point in his career.
So Wade urged James to do what was right for himself and his family.
Even though he was disappointed and surprised, Wade ultimately gave James his blessing to move forward.
And move forward he did, earning the Cavaliers their first championship.
As for Wade, he still had many great years left in him after James left the Heat and the two remain close friends.
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