“They Were Gambling”: Dwyane Wade’s Reaction to LeBron & Steph’s Latest Challenge Brings Little Known NBA Details to Light

San Francisco is about to have one of its busiest—and most profitable—weekends this February. Picture this: over 100,000 people flooding the streets on February 15th for the Lunar New Year parade. And just when you think the energy might dip, boom—the NBA All-Star Game hits Chase Center on the 16th. But it’s not like the old times when it used to the East vs the West, LeBron James vs Stephen Curry. Sadly that’s not the case anymore. 

This year, the NBA All-Star Game is shaking things up with a brand-new format. Instead of the usual setup, they’re rolling out a mini-tournament with four teams battling it out across three games. Here’s how it works: two teams will go head-to-head in the first semifinal (let’s call it Game 1), while the other two face off in the second semifinal (Game 2). The winners of these matchups will then clash in the championship game (Game 3). Oh, and here’s the kicker—each game ends as soon as a team hits or goes past 40 points. It’s a new challenge for LeBron and Steph.

And not everyone is a fan. Dwyane Wade recently opened up about the NBA All-Star Game’s new format, and his reaction was a mix of nostalgia and honesty. Reflecting on his early All-Star experiences, Wade shared on his YouTube channel, “They were gambling in the locker room… big money on the table, and I ain’t got no bread.” This paints a vivid picture of the laid-back, player-driven vibe of the past, where legends like Allen Iverson and Vince Carter set the tone.

Feb 14, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Western Conference guard Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors (30) dunks as Eastern Conference forward LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers (23) looks on in the second half during the NBA All Star Game at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

However, the new changes, like the mini-tournament and 40-point target, don’t entirely win over Wade. “I wouldn’t have been a fan only because I’m an old head and I’m stuck in my ways,” he admitted. He believes the game has lost its focus, overshadowed by endless appearances, brand deals, and media obligations. “By the time you get to that game, you’re so tired… it’s too much going on,” he explained, highlighting how the modern All-Star Weekend prioritizes everything but the game itself.

But Wade’s former Miami Heat teammate Bron isn’t backing down from challenges as he demonstrated on Thursday.

LeBron James doesn’t need rest even at 40

Let’s be real—playing your third game in four nights, traveling cross-country, and facing the NBA’s worst team? That’s a recipe for a letdown. But LeBron James wasn’t having it. With Anthony Davis back in LA treating a strained abdominal muscle, LeBron took charge, dropping 24 points and 11 assists in just 27 minutes. The result? A 134-96 blowout against the Wizards, who are now riding a brutal 16-game losing streak. Ouch.

The Lakers exploded for a season-high 78 points in the first half, with seven players scoring in double figures. Rui Hachimura led the charge with 22 points, while Shake Milton had his best game as a Laker, adding 21. By the fourth quarter, the bench took over, and Bronny James even got the crowd hyped with his second bucket of the season. Hachimura celebrated by playfully putting LeBron in a headlock—yeah, it was that kind of night.

Jan 29, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) attempts to dunk an alley cop pass from Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) as Washington Wizards forward Kyshawn George (18) defends in the second quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

The best news? Davis’ injury isn’t serious, and he’s expected back soon. Oh, and he just earned his 10th All-Star nod. Jaxson Hayes, filling in for Davis, posted a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. As for Dorian Finney-Smith, he’s hoping to return Saturday against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. So, while the game was a snooze, the Lakers showed they can still dominate even when they’re not at full strength. Not bad for a Thursday night, huh?

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