LeBron James and Dwayne Wade joined the rest of the NBA world with an outpouring of grief on Thursday as it learned TNT sideline reporter Craig Sager died after a two-year battle with cancer.
Being one of the best NBA players on the planet means you’re gonna talk to Craig Sager on the sideline, and James had some heartfelt words about Sager’s passing in a caption of a screencap from the NBA Finals of Sager and James smiling on the court.
RIP friend!!! Great to have work with you, known you and watch you for all these years. My blessing to your family and many prayers sent to the heavens above! #SagerStrong?
James joins a long list of NBA players that have mourned losing one of basketball’s most colorful characters. Wade, meanwhile, added a very touching Instagram video tribute of his own not long after:
“In our sport people always throw around the word ‘legend’ or ‘legacy.’ To me having a legacy is what Craig Sager has,” Wade began. “He was someone that we always wanted to be around. He was someone that, when the game was over, we couldn’t want to get to the interview.
“Leaving a legacy is leaving a story to tell,” Wade continued. “Craig has left us so many stories to tell. So many memories. So many moments.”
Sager’s colleges have also expressed their grief, including a touching tribute from Rachel Nichols live on ESPN 2. Sager’s death leaves a large hole in the NBA community. Everyone—from LeBron to Greg Popovich and millions of fans at home—loved him.
