Tuesday 11 December 2018 11:13, UK
Best friends LeBron James and Dwyane Wade spoke of their mutual respect after facing off for the last time as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Miami Heat.
James and Wade were selected in the same Draft and later teamed up to win two championships with the Miami Heat.
After signing a new deal with the Heat last season, Wade subsequently announced this campaign would be his last and he faced off against James for the final time on Monday night.
There was to be no farewell victory for the Heat franchise star, who led Miami to their first NBA title in 2006, as James scored 28 points and handed out 12 assists to help the Lakers to a narrow 108-105 win.
Wade, who scored 15 points and provided 10 assists in 32 minutes off the bench, had several opportunities to tie the game in the final minute but his three-pointers failed to drop.
Speaking after the game, an emotional Wade said: "This is what you play for - playing against one of the greatest players ever. Whether we were team-mates or opponents, we brought the best out of each other. I'm thankful I was drafted at the same time as this guy. The friendship we have is beyond basketball. But I'm going to miss nights like this."
James reflected: "It's bittersweet. There are a lot of emotions going on now for me. I'm losing a brother in this game that I've had so many wars with together and separately [against each other]. There's no better way to end it than at Staples Center."
Gesturing towards Wade, James added: "This is my guy. He's one of the greatest players to play this game. As privileged as he feels to have come into the league with me, it's beyond mutual. We're going to miss 'Flash' in this league, that's for sure."
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