Last week, as Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade was officially inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame it was a poignant celebration of Wade’s illustrious career that spanned over 16 remarkable seasons.
However, there was one individual’s absence that caught the attention of everyone—Wade’s dear friend and former teammate, LeBron James.
While it raised eyebrows in the basketball world, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith unleashed his scorching take on LeBron James and his apparent absence at Wade’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
“To me, the last person that should have missed Dwyane Wade’s induction into the Hall of Fame is LeBron James,” said Smith on his podcast “The Stephen A. Smith Show.”
Here’s why. LeBron James, one can easily argue, wouldn’t even know what it’s like to be a champion if it wasn’t for Dwyane Wade. Somebody’s got to say it, so I’m gonna say it. We all know that LeBron James – I got him No. 2 all time. I understand it’s offensive to his camp, but they’ll get over it. – I’m of the mindset that LeBron James owes his championship pedigree to Dwyane Wade.
Stephen A. Smith also didn’t shy away from stating how LeBron James was a “choke job” before his championship breakthrough alongside Wade.
Ouch!
“It was Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James in Miami,” Smith said. “Go back to LeBron’s first year in Miami. I am not talking anything regarding his talent, because he was all-world. I am talking about his mindset. He looked scared – not saying he was scared, but he looked scared. “He averaged 17 points in the series versus Dallas, way below his average. He wasn’t himself, he was considered a choke job.”
Last month, LeBron James’ son, Bronny suffered a cardiac arrest. Following the incident, James sought medical attention in the hospital’s intensive care unit, where he underwent stabilization procedures. Fortunately, he was able to leave the hospital only a few days later.
Bringing up the health at James’ home, a fan on on Twitter, pointed out that prioritizing family over public events is a common and understandable choice for any individual.
