“He was my favorite in the Olympics. I was like a magnet anytime I got a chance to be around Kobe because I was just soaking it up, and he’s one of my favorite players.” On his podcast, last year, Dwyane Wade described being around the Lakers legend during the Redeem Team period as one of his best. It was from that time when both started forming a strong bond, which exists even today. After sharing countless experiences with Kobe Bryant, the Heat legend this time drops a three-word response.

“Miss you 24!” The Marquette alum added to his story along with a post honoring the 5x NBA Champion. The post he shared was from Wade Legacy’s Instagram page, where the top moments between the two were added. In the last post, the Lakers legend spoke to media once about his bond with Dwyane Wade. “We have been close friends for a long time. Myself, Melo and him, we have been really close. Well, he is a nicer guy than I am, to be honest with you. Since 07, the Olympic team we became close train together…”

The post from Wade Legacy had the caption, “Celebrating a friendship that transcended the game. Five years gone, but the love and memories never fade. 💜💛 #MambaMentality.” It was not the first time D-Wade used the video to honor one of his favorite players. Back in March last year, the Heat legend added a post with the same video.

““All that matters is what our relationship is like” After breaking Kobe nose in the AllStar game this was his response. I LOVE IT!! Miss you my brother 🐍 No one like you 🫡.” During the 2012 All-Star game, Dwyane Wade’s action led to Kobe Bryant with a broken nose. However, the Lakers legend had no issue with it, since he already there was no malicious intent behind it. But he kept the receipts.

In the next game when the two greats locked horns, Kobe would drop 33 points, leading the Lakers to a 93-83 victory over the Miami Heat. However, there was another instance of the 5x NBA champion reigning supreme over The Flash.

Dwyane Wade’s locker room antics had to stop due to Kobe Bryant’s presence

As stated before, the comradery between the two strengthened after The Redeem Team’s journey together. Kobe after the 2008 NBA finals loss was ready to be a team player to change his image. Meanwhile, D-Wade’s spot was under scrutiny because of his injury concerns and was a last-minute addition.

Both lived that journey, won the gold medal, and were on different teams once again to face off in the NBA. In 2009, it was Dwyane Wade guarding Kobe Bryant with just 3.2 seconds left; the Lakers trailing by two. Despite not getting an inch, the latter found space and shot off one foot for an improbable 108-107 win, through the buzzer-beater. Naturally, the Heat legend was upset.

“Kobe was waiting on me. That’s the only time Kobe ever waited on me after the game… And I was like, ‘Only you! You’re the only person I can’t get that mad about!’ I can’t tear up that locker room. Because I was like, ‘It’s Kobe!’” So, The Flash was seething in anger, but after their meeting, it all came down.

This moment perfectly describes the respect they have for each other. Their Olympic experience and training together were just the beginning of the bond between the two. And just like fans all around the world, Dwyane Wade also shared cherished memories of Kobe Bryant.