Two key members of the 2008 Redeem Team, Dwyane Wade and Kobe Bryant battled against against each other on numerous occasions. Both held each other in high regard and were highly competitive. So, when the 3x NBA champion accidentally broke Bryant’s nose, it became a key moment in the guards’ historic rivalry. Rather than being angry or upset by the injury, Bryant was thrilled to have his competitive fire fueled up. He had a great response when a journalist asked him about it.

Almost 12 years after the incident, the Miami Heat legend once again recalls the exceptional sportsmanship Bryant showed during that moment and why he is remembered as one of the greats of the basketball world. Dwyane Wade shared an old video of Kobe’s response to the incident on his Instagram. In the clip, Bryant can be seen explaining his relationship with Wade and his other Team USA teammates.

“We’ve been close friends for a long time. Myself, Melo and him (Wade). We’ve been really close.” Following that, he answered the journalist’s question and said, “All that matters is what our relationship is like, whether we communicate. It’s all good.”

Dwyane Wade captioned the post, “’All that matters is what our relationship is like’ After breaking Kobe nose in the All-Star game, this was his [Bryant’s] response. “I love it!” Miss you my brother. No one like you.” One can hardly argue with Wade’s caption as no other player would have taken a nose injury the way the Black Mamba did. 

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Kobe Bryant was happy to get his nose broken

The Los Angeles Lakers legend almost had the same competitiveness as Michael Jordan. The only difference was both were unique in their own way. However, the Lakers legend’s dedication to win was on another level. He couldn’t care any less about his surroundings when it comes to winning. During an interview with Kevin Garnett, D-Wade revealed how he was surprised to hear Kobe’s response when he called to apologize for the incident.

It was an unintended accident and Wade felt bad about it however, the situation was different on the other side. “So after the All-Star break, we got the Lakers about three games after the break…I call him, not maliciously. I didn’t maliciously do it. I called him and said ‘Yo Kob” and he was like ‘Bro, I love it.” 

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That was certainly not the answer Dwyane Wade expected. But he knew what was coming for him. He added, “He’s (Kobe) like ‘I love it. I’ll see you in a couple days.’ And I’m like ‘Oh snap.’ And he gave it to me, too, boy.”

Although Kobe Bryant didn’t take it the wrong way, he ensured to pay back during their next game by scoring 33 points, leading the Lakers to a 93-83 victory over the Miami Heat. Did you know about this? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

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