In August 2023, Dwyane Wade topped a spectacular NBA career with a well-deserved enshrinement in the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame. It was not only the people who were with him at the ceremony, but also the ones absent that caught attention. Most notably, it was LeBron James who was conspicuous by his absence. Stephen A. Smith has a bone to pick with him for that.

Most NBA fans understand that the James family was going through a difficult time a few days before the Hall of Fame ceremony. Bronny James’ health crisis would be a significant reason to skip the event. However, the ESPN veteran believes James should’ve tried harder for Wade.

Stephen A. Smith unloads on the LeBron James-Dwyane Wade dynamic

LeBron James and Dwyane Wade became NBA champions together after the former’s arrival in Miami Heat. Their friendship has always been remarkable. But in 2023, fans were dejected they didn’t get to see James at Dwyane Wade’s HoF induction.

The reason was explainable. LeBron’s eldest son, Bronny James, had suffered a cardiac arrest during a USC workout. He’s on the mend but it’s a sensitive time for the family.

On his ESPN show, Stephen A. Smith added a verbal disclaimer that he’s speaking with utmost sensitivity. Claiming that Wade absolutely deserves the honor, Smith stated, “Do you understand as a basketball world that a legitimate argument could be made that LeBron James may never have been a champion had it not been for Dwyane Wade.”

He made a similar argument on his eponymous podcast before and is now doubling down on it on ESPN. He acknowledged that James has the “greatness” and “talent.” However, he had a slump which Wade helped him come out of.

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James and the Cleveland Cavaliers had suffered the worst loss in franchise history when they parted ways. ‘The King’ was not in the best mental space signing with the Miami Heat. At that time, Dwyane Wade helped him get into championship-winning headspace.

Dwyane Wade is content with being Robin to James

Even though his friend skipped the ceremony, there are no hard feelings between them. Wade would reflect on his journey leading up to the Hall of Fame and he’s made a special mention of LeBron James. He was content being the Robin to LeBron’s Batman. “I did it all and so I’m proud of that.”

Underscoring that very partnership, Smith said, “Dwyane Wade sat by LeBron James’ side for practically every single interview.” He further added, “Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat organization essentially coddled him. They gave LeBron the blueprint not just collectively not just culturally but individually to know how to win.”

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He’d echo something similar to what Wade also said, “Dwyane Wade although smaller and certainly inferior as a talent to LeBron James was the big brother.”

James’ personal reasons are definitely valid, and he put his family first. But do you agree with Smith that Wade made James a champion?