In the summer of 2010, LeBron James stunned the basketball world with “The Decision,” a live ESPN special announcing his trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Miami Heat. Teaming up with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, James formed the iconic “Big Three,” a superteam that redefined the NBA’s power dynamics. In their four seasons together, the Heat dominated, winning two NBA titles (2012, 2013) and reaching the Finals all four years, compiling a 224-88 regular season record (.718 winning percentage). They also went on an amazing 27-game winning streak in 2013, the second longest in NBA history. James, Bosh, and Wade – the 1st, 4th, and 5th picks in the 2003 NBA Draft – combined for staggering stats: James averaged 26.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 7.2 assists; Wade averaged 22.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.1 assists; and Bosh added 18.4 points and 8.1 rebounds. That era cemented Miami as a dynasty, but the seeds of that partnership were planted in a moment few knew about-until now.
Wade’s Revelation: Kobe’s Role in Miami’s Rise
A recent clip from “The Underground Lounge” podcast, featuring Wade as a guest, offers a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes machinations of LeBron’s move. In it, Dwyane Wade recounts a pivotal phone call from James in 2009, right after Kobe Bryant won his fifth NBA title – a back-to-back championship with the Lakers that defeated Wade and LeBron’s nemesis, the Boston Celtics, in the Finals. Wade reveals that LeBron, inspired by Kobe’s dominance, called him up and suggested forming the Big Three with Chris Bosh. “Kobe’s 5th ring pushed LeBron to make that call,” Wade says, crediting Bryant for sparking a seismic shift in the league.
The rest, as they say, is history: James won two of his four rings in Miami, earning Finals MVP honors both times, and nabbed back-to-back regular-season MVPs (2012, 2013). Wade’s story shines a light on Kobe’s unsung influence – few knew his 2009 triumph lit the fuse for Miami’s dynasty. It’s a testament to Bryant’s legacy, one that continues to ripple through the NBA long after his passing. Even if they had not gotten together and history had been different, Kobe would not have won another title because his roster did not give him enough to compete with Dirk and the Mavs in 2010 and with the then-strong San Antonio Spurs in the following years.
Lakers’ Title Dreams with LeBron and Doncic
Fast forward to 2025 and LeBron James, now 40, is still a powerhouse for the Lakers (39-21), chasing another ring alongside Luka Doncic. The Purple and Gold sit in second place in the West, just three-and-a-half games ahead from the fifth place in a tight race that will keep fans on the edge of their seats until the season ends on April 13.
James, who since being 40 is averaging 26.1 points, 8.2 rebounds and 8.1 assists – numbers that reflect his prime in Miami – recently became the first player to reach 50,000 career points (regular season and playoffs combined), a milestone so staggering it feels untouchable for anyone else…except maybe Doncic, if the 26-year-old Slovenian stays healthy and records as many seasons as James. Doncic’s 33.9 points, 8.6 rebounds and 9.8 assists per game make him the perfect partner for LeBron’s veteran savvy. With just a few games separating the top seeds in the West, the Lakers’ title aspirations hinge on this dynamic duo-and James’ ageless magic could rewrite history once again
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