NBA Debate: Is Dwyane Wade Better Than LeBron James?

Dwyane Wade and LeBron James of the Miami Heat are two of the most talented players in the NBA.

Everyone already knows that.

But being a physical juggernaut doesn't make you the best player in the NBA. People notice the leadership qualities and loyalty in players.

On many levels, Wade could be ahead of LeBron James by the end of their careers.  

Dwyane Wade Knows When and How To Be a Serious Player

The way LeBron James plays is fun. It's crowd-pleasing and lighthearted. He started it with team skits in Cleveland and carried over his antics to Miami.

When Erik Spoelstra talked to his team about getting more serious earlier this season, LeBron was open about the way he plays. He likes to have fun.

Having fun is important in the NBA. Some players take the game too seriously, but the best players can turn on a switch to get serious and finish a season strongly.

Dwyane Wade is a good example of this. 

Wade finishes seasons strongly and has had success in the postseason, unlike LeBron James.

Dwyane Wade Stuck With His City

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MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 31: Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat drives the lane during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at American Airlines Arena on January 31, 2011 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloa

LeBron's decision last summer may have ultimately tainted his career as a whole.

The greatest players in the NBA have all stuck with their teams and cities through the thick and thin. A few players like Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan have openly said they would not have left Cleveland.

Dwyane Wade had plenty of chances to leave his franchise. A franchise that frankly did not surround him with the talent he deserves until this season. 

Wade stuck with his city, and as a result, he will most likely get a few more rings out of the team he has now. LeBron had to leave for his rings.

Not as heroic.

King James Will Never Be

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INDIANAPOLIS - FEBRUARY 15: LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat reacts to a game officals call that went against his team during the NBA game against the Indiana Pacers at Conseco Fieldhouse on February 15, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Heat won 110

The most popular man in Cleveland was LeBron James as soon as he joined the Cavaliers. 

He was king of the city and was loved unconditionally by the entire community. The problem with him changing teams is Miami already had a king.

No player in NBA history ever became great alone. Michael Jordan had a fantastic team around him. Kobe Bryant has always had a great team. There's nothing wrong with the three amigos in Miami now, but LeBron will never be the head of the three.

Players like Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Kobe and Michael were always the head of their talented teams. LeBron lost that chance by moving to another king's court.

Dwyane Wade will always be the king of that team, and that makes him the better player.