LeBron James paid AMAZING tribute to new Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki
Dirk Nowitzki gets inducted into the Hall of Fame alongside Dwyane Wade, Pau Gasol, and Tony Parker.
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Dirk Nowitzki and LeBron James (Image via USA TODAY SPORTS)
Getting inducted into the Hall of Fame is something every NBA player dreams of. But the dream gets fulfilled only for some. This year too, as the newer additions to the hall of fame were announced, players were elated to see their idols and ex-teammates shine on the big stage. It was announced recently that Dwyane Wade and Dirk Nowitzki will be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
While the Basketball world is in awe of the sheer beauty of this year’s HOF, there is one player in particular who once termed Nowitzki a legend – LeBron James. Although they have had a history of bad blood between them, James, while being present at the unveiling of the Nowitzki statue last year, had said, “Dirk is a legend. He’s an icon. That boy was cold.”
Although they were rivals in their NBA years, the duo (Nowitzki and Wade) has quashed their beef after 12 whole years of cut-to-cut rivalry. Other players getting inducted into the 2023 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame alongside Nowitzki and Wade are Pau Gasol and Tony Parker.
Also Read: Dwyane Wade FIRES shots at Paul Pierce, claims he’s living ‘rent free’ in Celtics legend’s head
What happened to the beef between LeBron James and Dirk Nowitzki?
Arguably one of the most iconic NBA finals series of modern NBA history was the 2011 one, which was filled with controversies, cold jibes, and unbelievable plays. It was also when the rivalry between LeBron and Nowitzki started and when Wade and Nowitzki used to mock each other. Although the heats were favorites in the series, the Nowitzki-led Dallas Mavericks came triumphant.
The rivalry started when during the 2011 Finals itself, James and his partner in crime Wade, were caught on camera doing something which could be borderline insensitive. They were fake-coughing. It was supposed to be a jibe at Nowitzki who was ill during Game 4 of the series. It was later found out that Nowitzki indeed had a 102 fever.
Ever since then, they both have come a long way as James has reacted positively to each of Nowitzki’s post NBA achievements – whether it be the statue, or the jersey retirement or now his induction into the Hall of Fame. Some rivalries are meant to be ended on a wholesome note and this is one such example of the same.
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Chinmay Mehta
(83 Articles Published)