The Lakers defeated the Pelicans 125-119 on Wednesday night in a tight game in which the home side eventually got their noses in front thanks to a superb James three-pointer from a tight angle with 30 seconds remaining.
But earlier in Florida, Heat fans were treated to a grandstand finish as their side picked up possession trailing by two points with 14 seconds remaining.
Wade brought the ball forward and eventually received it back from Dion Waiters, poising himself for a last-gasp three.
As Wade jumped to shoot, the ball was palmed back into his hands, leaving the 37-year-old off balance as he, effectively, pushed the ball towards the hoop.
All 10 players were rooted to the spot as they watched the ball bounce off the backboard and drop through the basket, sparking wild scenes at the American Airlines Arena.
James was asked after the Lakers’ win whether he had seen his friend’s shot, and whose was more impressive.
In reply, the four-time MVP said: “(Laughs) The degree of difficulty… mine was a little bit more difficult than his.
“His was weird! I don’t even know if that was even a shot. It was like he had… you know how you play like pop-a-shot?
“And he had to because I know he had no time. But, yeah, I think my shot was more difficult.”
Wade, who is retiring at the end of the season, was buoyant after the Heat’s shock win over the reigning champions and relived the moment after the match.
“The ball bobbled around and everything and the good Lord put it in for me,” he said.
“I’m a little overwhelmed right now, it’s been a while since a moment like that against a team like that.
“Before the game, when I was warming up, I was talking to my coaches and I told them I passed up some shots from three in the last game. I said if I pass up any today, fine me.
“So I wanted to make sure I was aggressive and I took the shots that were given to me and I did that.”