Dwyane Wade, a three-time NBA champion and former teammate of LeBron James, recently shared his thoughts on James’ longevity and how it compares to Michael Jordan’s late-career run with the Washington Wizards. Wade, who played alongside James during their championship years in Miami, emphasized the unprecedented nature of LeBron’s sustained excellence.
Speaking with NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, Wade dismissed the idea that Jordan’s Wizards tenure was on the same level as LeBron’s current stretch with the Lakers.
“No. I mean, MJ averaged 20 when he came back, and he was STILL very good, but LeBron has stayed at a level that we haven’t seen,” Wade said. “The conversations of greatness—he makes it hard. All the older guys before were like, ‘It’s about Wilt, it’s about Kareem, it’s about these guys,’ but because of his consistency… I mean, he’s averaging 30 points per game in his 20th year in the league!”
LeBron, now 40 years old, is still producing at an elite level, averaging 24.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game in his 22nd season. Wade believes this level of sustained dominance separates James from other all-time greats, even Jordan.
During Jordan’s two seasons with the Wizards from 2001 to 2003, he averaged 21.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. While still productive at age 38-40, his performance did not match the impact LeBron continues to have. Wade noted that James remains a centerpiece of a championship-aspiring Lakers team, whereas Jordan’s Wizards struggled to reach the postseason.
“I’m just happy that I get the opportunity to be part of his greatness in any way I can, but we’re all witnesses, right? So we’re going to see where he ends up!” Wade added.
Beyond LeBron, Wade also expressed excitement about the league’s rising stars. He highlighted Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown from the Celtics, Anthony Edwards of the Timberwolves, and his former mentee Donovan Mitchell as players he enjoys watching.
“First of all, I’m a fan, you know what I mean? I jump out of my seat when people go up and they dunk it and do all these things. I’m a fan of so many players,” Wade said.
For Wade, watching the next generation develop brings a unique perspective. He understands the challenges young stars face as they carve their own paths.
“I know what it’s like. I know what the journey is like. And so, I’m just a fan. Like Ja Morant. It’s the level and when you look at it and say, ‘Where is our game going?’”
Wade believes the future of the NBA is in great hands, with young stars establishing their own legacies while current superstars like LeBron, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant continue to dominate.
“We have the greatest players; we have LeBron and we have Steph and we have KD and all these greats, but we have these young guys that are coming and they’re creating their own path. So it’s good to see, man.”
