“If Jeezy’s paying LeBron, I’m paying Dwyane Wade” – those lyrics from Jay-Z’s Empire State of Mind?have made it to the Insta Story of an NBA player. That an NBA player made a reference to a Jay-Z song doesn’t surprise NBA fans. What could spark a conversation is the Insta story itself.

The NBA player reminiscing on the lyrics from the 2003 song has once again proven a point. And while proving a point, possibly waded into a whole new controversy.

Dwyane Wade throws shade at LeBron

LeBron James is all set to return to the basketball court, and there are various aspects around his return that the NBA fans are talking about. Along the way, Dwyane Wade, the former NBA player who has seen LeBron James play up close and personal, shared an Instagram story that had none other than Jay-Z singing about the two.

Dwyane Wade has had a stellar career in the NBA. He played with Miami Heat from 2003 to 2o16. He also played with the Cleveland Cavaliers for one season. Dwyane made such an impact on the game that the Heat retired his jersey in 2022.

This is not the first time that LeBron James has been part of a beef in his NBA tenure. NBA fans still discuss whether LeBron James or Michael Jordan is the greatest NBA player of all time. With LeBron coming back, there’s more discussion about whether James will be open to playing with the newer players.

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Jay-Z is also a singer-performer who has a special place in the NBA.

Jay Z and the NBA go back a long way

The song lyrics hit the world in 2003. In 2004, it was announced that Jay Z owned part of the Brooklyn Nets. He finally sold his stake in 2013. But Jay Z is very much around when he can be. He makes it a point to attend a Los Angeles Lakers‘ game whenever he can.

And not just that, his reference to NBA players in his songs is more proof that Jay-Z loves hoops himself. Very few music lyrics have their meaning revealed, with the creators leaving that to the ones who listen.

Some music and NBA fans also talk about the possibility of Jeezy owning an NBA team, which Jay-Z did back in those days. However, there’s been no proof of Jeezy owning any NBA team as yet. Given Jay-Z’s connection with the NBA, it’s no surprise that Dwyane used his lyrics in an Instagram story.

So, there are several theories about what the lyrics really mean. But one popular train of thought among NBA players is that Jay Z made his decision long ago, as to who he’d roster if given an option between LeBron and Dwyane Wade.

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What do you think? Did Dwyane Wade really want to start a controversy? Tell us in the comments below!