Los Angeles Lakers superstar small forward LeBron James' best friend, Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade, isn't worried about The King.

James is missing the playoffs this season for the first time since his second year in the NBA during his first stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers. LeBron, who won two titles with Wade on the Heat, suffered a serious groin injury on Christmas against the Golden State Warriors and missed 17 consecutive games.

The Lakers were in the fourth spot in the Western Conference standings after they beat the Warriors on Christmas. However, the team went just 6-11 without James and fell out of the playoff picture.

Wade says the Western Conference is no joke and that the Lakers' injuries played a big part in LeBron missing the postseason this year.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Heat’s Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler (Butler in casual clothes) smiling, with Celtics’ Jayson Tatum looking serious; caption below: BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR”

Jedd Pagaduan Β·

Miami Heat stars Bam Adebayo and Jaime Jaquez Jr. looking at Boston Celtics stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown in front of the Kaseya Center.

Zachary Weinberger Β·

cG9zdDoyODA3MjY2-thumbnail

Scotty White Β·

Wade and the Heat are in a playoff battle in the East. James, meanwhile, has already been shut down for the season.

The playoffs are going to be odd this year without James in it. Hopefully, the Heat can make it so fans can watch Wade play in the postseason one final time before he retires.

LeBron still put up monster numbers this season. Expect the four-time MVP to come back rejuvenated next season after having a full summer off for the first time since his second year in the NBA.