When Dwyane Wade Claimed That Kobe Bryant Was the Greatest Over LeBron James

The 2000s era of the NBA had its fair share of star power. Be it forwards like Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett or guards like Steve Nash, the league was filled with talent. But arguably the two players who define the 2000s were LeBron James and Kobe Bryant.

Bryant who had won a three peat to his name during the initial part of the decade, was one of the most influential shooting guards of the era. Be it incredible leadership or his impeccable skills as a scorer, Mamba was a force to be reckoned with.

Lakers’ Kobe Bryant, right, and Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James have their game face on as they guard each other in the fourth quarter at the Staples Center in Los Angeles Sunday, Jan. 27, 2008. Lakers lost 98–95. LeBron James scored 14 of his 41 points in the fourth quarter. Kobe Bryant finished with 33 points. (Photo by Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) | Courtesy: Getty Images

LeBron on the other hand was a two-way beast on his own right. Be it his explosive athleticism or the skills he showcased around the basket, Bron rightly showed why he was known as the heir to the throne.

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When Dwyane Wade claimed that Kobe Bryant was the greatest of his era

Given how talented Bron and Kobe were, the debate about who the better player was became a constant. Not only fans but also fellow players would chip in on this debate. One of the unique takes though was from Dwyane Wade.

Wade who played with the Miami Heat big three was a pretty close to former teammate LeBron James. But despite their off the court relationship and them being ex-teammates, Wade ranked Kobe Bryant as the greatest player of his era.

Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade, left, and Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant greet each other prior to an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 30, 2016, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) ORG XMIT: LAS114

In an interview back in 2015, D-Wade explained, “I do feel — and I’ve said this before the last couple of years with LeBron [James], when he became the best player in our game — that Kobe Bryant is the greatest player of our era. The Kobe Bryants aren’t around no more. There are good young players, but there will never be another Kobe.”

Wade added, “You hear about the guy being down, struggling with his shot and going through all of those other things. But what I’ll always see is the guy who has dominated this game at his position for a long time.”

Bryant certainly had one of the biggest impacts on the game in his era. While many players might view Michael Jordan as the GOAT, Kobe certainly makes a case of being right up there. With an immaculate trophy cabinet along with his incredible play, Kobe became the idol to many younger players in the league.

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