While the competitive nature of the NBA often produces historic rivalries, it also showcases some of the most iconic friendships. Dwyane Wade and LeBron James fall into the latter category. When they get on the court, it’s a clash of the Titans – “The Flash” vs “The King”. But the moment the final buzzer sounds, they go back to being LeBron and Dwyane – the bros.

And on the occasion of Wade’s 42nd birthday, James took to Instagram to share a heartfelt wish with two back-to-back pics.

LeBron James showers love on “brother” Wade

The first one shows both of them sharing a moment on-court in casual clothes with the caption, “Today you’re celebrated my brother!! HBD @Dwyane Wade.” In the second image, Bron wrote, “When yall talking about how much [wine] yall about to indulge in and can’t nobody stop it.” 

Many looked at their bromance with barely disguised contempt. It was still an era of competition, and that was all there was to it. The next generation of players was changing the entire atmosphere of the league. And we all know LeBron is the man to bring about changes (remember his dramatic exit from the Cavs and the domino effect it had on players forcing trades?).

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But if there is one thing James has learned, it is to turn a deaf ear to outside noise. And it has worked well for him and his relationships. D-Wade and LeBron remain to this day, the best of pals and each other’s closest confidants. Their families have also benefitted from their friendship.

Right now, it’s hard for us to think of the NBA friendships without Bron and Dwyane in the picture. And to think it started in the waiting line for the 2003 Combine.

Cut from the same cloth – LeBron James and Dwyane Wade

One was a scrawny kid from Akron, and the other was a Chicago native. The ‘kid from Akron’ was already a phenom – featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated, with a national following and dubbed the ‘Chosen One’. Wade managed to capture the attention after a fiery performance in the NCAA tournament weeks earlier. But he still had a long way to go.

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But it was a break during the Combine that brought the two future legends together. There wasn’t much interaction, but they clicked. Instantly. “Some things you can’t explain. Sometimes it’s just chemistry,” the ‘Akron Hammer’ had said.

“You find guys you have something in common with, then you continue to link and that’s what we did,” the 3x champion said, calling their friendship “organic”. He couldn’t have said it better. Both of them were brought up by single mothers. They had to go through traumatic periods in their lives, often leading to being separated from their mothers for a long time.

In the case of Wade, he had a lot more on his plate. His mother was a drug addict and a young Dwyane had to constantly fight the temptation to go down the same rabbit hole. This was a major reason he turned to basketball; to make better use of time. We all know what happened after he stepped foot on the court.

The painful past and similar conditions these “brothers” went through have given us one of the most beautiful friendships in the league. Here’s to hoping they continue like this forever!

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