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Los Angeles Lakers: Evidence that stars do want to play with LeBron James

By Jacob Wolkenfeld

CHARLOTTE, NC - FEBRUARY 17: LeBron James #23 and Dwyane Wade #3 of Team LeBron react to a play during the game against Team Giannis during the 2019 NBA All-Star Game on February 17, 2019 at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - FEBRUARY 17: LeBron James #23 and Dwyane Wade #3 of Team LeBron react to a play during the game against Team Giannis during the 2019 NBA All-Star Game on February 17, 2019 at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James Los Angeles Lakers(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh:

After years of scrutiny for his lack of playoff success, LeBron James left the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat in 2010. Dwyane Wade had played his entire career with Miami and many speculated he’d leave the team for greater pastures, after a disappointing season due to a lack of help on the Miami Heat roster. That all changed, however, when LeBron got Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade on board to form the first so-called “Superteam” in South Beach.

Both Wade and Bosh were in the prime of their careers at the time. Wade was coming off a season where he averaged just under 27 points per game. Chris Bosh had just had the best season of his NBA career, averaging 24 points and 11 rebounds per game.

Although Kawhi Leonard and Paul George didn’t, Wade and Bosh wanted to play alongside LeBron James. This is significant because it’s proven to be a rarity for stars to want to team-up with other Stars, especially ones that are bigger. Kobe Bryant never attracted NBA superstars to join him. In fact, he deterred Shaquille O’Neal and Dwight Howard away. Bryant was an incredible talent, but no true superstar wanted to play in his shadow.

Furthermore, It was such an attractive option for Wade and Bosh to team-up with James, that sacrificing the spotlight was worth it for them. James, Wade, and Bosh went on to have incredible success playing alongside one another, winning two out of the next four NBA Titles.

Takeaway: Not one, but two superstars wanted to team-up with LeBron James. Bosh and Wade insisted on joining forces with James and enjoyed every second of it.

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