By Fitzgerald Cecilio

Miami Heat superstar Dwyane Wade discussed his life and sacrifices as a father and a basketball superstar during his interview with Time Magazine managing editor Rick Stengel.

The interview came following the release of Wade's book entitled A Father First: How My Life Became Bigger Than Basketball.

During the conversation, Wade tackled his brutal custody battle for his two son, Zaire and Zion, after the failure of his previous marriage.

The All-Star shooting guard said his experience as a child without a father to lean on motivated him to pursue for the custody of his children. Finally, Wade won the custody battle in March 2011.

"I went through a very ugly divorce, then I went through a very drawn out, ugly custody case," Wade said Friday. "For me, it's about doing what I've always wanted to do-be a father. Whether because my father wasn't in my life at certain times or because he was, I knew it was important to be a father since I was young."

Meanwhile, Wade also talked about winning his second NBA title in his career and how they get it done in only the second year playing along with fellow superstar Chris Bosh and LeBron James.

Despite his superstar status and his status as a go-to-guy in the past, Wade said he needed to step back for James to lead them to the championship.

"I'm man enough to understand you are the best player in the world," Wade told LeBron. "I'm not far behind you. You're at the point of your career where you're very very good and we need you to assert yourself."

Asked if James is at par with Michael Jordan, Wade simply said a big 'No.'

"Lebron James has a long way to go to reach Michael Jordan, and he knows that more than anybody," Wade said. "Michael will be the greatest player I'll see in my lifetime, but No. 6 isn't bad at all."

 

Dwyane Wade Opens Up About Family and Basketball