Dwyane Wade, LeBron James square off in final matchup in Los Angeles
Dwyane Wade and LeBron James had faced off 30 times in the NBA as opponents throughout their 16 seasons in the league, and had compiled a 15-15 record against each other.
Monday night will break that tie — and should settle the battle for good.
Wade — who is set to retire after the season — and the Miami Heat took on James and the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday at the Staples Center, marking his final matchup against his former teammate.
Wade’s warm welcome in Los Angeles
The duo — who both entered the league in 2003 and have become close, especially from their time together from 2010-14 when they were both members of the Heat — embraced briefly on the court just before tip off to a loud applause from fans at the Staples Center with a tribute video to the NBA great playing on the video board.
Very cool moment at Staples as @DwyaneWade enters the game 👏👏👏
(via @MiamiHEAT) pic.twitter.com/xnzitmzdvT
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) December 11, 2018
👑2⃣3⃣ ✖️ 3⃣⚡️
"Like Peanut Butter and Jelly"#OneLastDance #ThisIsWhyWePlay pic.twitter.com/GRpEE0YcZm
— NBA (@NBA) December 11, 2018
He and James got their day started with one final pre-game workout together, too, and seemed to have plenty of fun doing it.
One last workout before one last dance. 💪 (via @MiamiHEAT) #PlayersOnly pic.twitter.com/MqoPAYD0x8
— NBA TV (@NBATV) December 11, 2018
Wade also received plenty of love from fans at the Staples Center when he finally checked into the game midway through the first quarter.
The Staples Center crowd shows love to Dwyane Wade as he enters the action! #OneLastDance #ThisIsWhyWePlay pic.twitter.com/8ZltToWQlU
— NBA (@NBA) December 11, 2018
Naturally, the last game between the two stars went right down to the wire. With 10 seconds left and down by three, Wade had the ball at the top of the key and was, naturally, guarded by James.
While he attempted to get a clean look at a 3-point bucket, James didn’t give it to him, forcing an off-balance shot. Justise Winslow was fed the ball after a Heat rebound for one last chance, but James rebounded that miss, too, giving the Lakers the 108-105 win.
Instantly as the horn sounded, Wade grabbed LeBron for a hug, and the two started laughing through the embrace on the floor.
Bron and Wade embrace after the game. 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/39V4pFPss5
— Yahoo Sports NBA (@YahooSportsNBA) December 11, 2018
Farewell to these two on the court together pic.twitter.com/4jA3k2BO2s
— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) December 11, 2018
Kyle Kuzma led the Lakers with 33 points, shooting 14-of-22 from the field. James finished with a near triple-double with 28 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds.
Justise Winslow led the Heat with 28 points, shooting 11-of-19 from the field. Wade added 15 points and 10 assists.
While he didn’t get the win, it’s safe to say Wade had a memorable last game against James in Los Angeles on Monday night.
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