LeBron James
Template:Short description Template:Redirect Template:Good article Template:Pp-blp Template:Very long Template:Use American English Template:Use mdy dates Template:Infobox basketball biography LeBron Raymone James Sr. (Template:IPAc-en<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Template:Respelling; born December 30, 1984) is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Nicknamed "King James", he is the NBA's all-time leading scorer and has won four NBA championships from 10 NBA Finals appearances, having made eight consecutive appearances between 2011 and 2018.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=LeBron James Bio|url=https://www.nba.com/player/2544/lebron-james/bio%7Cwebsite=NBA.com%7Cdate=January 1, 2021|access-date=April 15, 2022|archive-date=April 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415214923/https://www.nba.com/player/2544/lebron-james/bio%7Curl-status=live }}</ref> He also won the inaugural NBA Cup in 2023 with the Lakers and has won three Olympic gold medals as a member of the U.S. national team. James is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In addition to ranking fourth in NBA career assists and sixth in NBA career steals, James holds several individual honors, including four NBA MVP awards, four Finals MVP awards, the Rookie of the Year award, three All-Star Game MVP awards, the inaugural NBA Cup MVP, and the Olympics MVP in the 2024 Summer Olympics. A record 21-time All-Star and 21-time All-NBA selection (including a record 13 First Team selections), he has also made six All-Defensive Teams. The oldest active player in the NBA, he holds the record for the most NBA seasons played with 23 as well as playing the most minutes in league history.
Born and raised in Akron, Ohio, James gained national attention at St. Vincent–St. Mary High School and was heavily touted as a future NBA superstar for his all-around scoring, passing, athleticism and playmaking abilities.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=Ohio High School Junior LeBron James Is So Good That He's Already Being Mentioned as the Heir to Air Jordan|url=https://vault.si.com/vault/2002/02/18/ahead-of-his-class-ohio-high-school-junior-lebron-james-is-so-good-that-hes-already-being-mentioned-as-the-heir-to-air-jordan%7Cnewspaper=Sports Illustrated Vault | Si.com|date=February 18, 2002|access-date=July 1, 2023|archive-date=July 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230702103936/https://vault.si.com/vault/2002/02/18/ahead-of-his-class-ohio-high-school-junior-lebron-james-is-so-good-that-hes-already-being-mentioned-as-the-heir-to-air-jordan%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> A prep-to-pro, James was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the first overall pick of the 2003 NBA draft. He won Rookie of the Year and quickly established himself as one of the league's premier players, leading Cleveland to its first NBA Finals appearance in 2007 and winning the scoring title in 2008. After winning back-to-back MVPs in 2009 and 2010, he left the Cavaliers and joined the Miami Heat as a free agent in 2010, a controversial move announced in the nationally televised special titled The Decision.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|first=Tom|last=Withers|title=AP Was There: LeBron James dumps Cleveland for Miami|url=https://apnews.com/article/miami-heat-cleveland-cavaliers-nba-entertainment-sports-c842cbbffbd42a55ed8374fd1e1b4a93%7Cwork=AP News|date=April 6, 2022|access-date=April 15, 2022|archive-date=April 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415214923/https://apnews.com/article/miami-heat-cleveland-cavaliers-nba-entertainment-sports-c842cbbffbd42a55ed8374fd1e1b4a93%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>
With the Heat, James won his first two NBA championships in 2012 and 2013, earning MVP and Finals MVP honors both years. After four seasons in Miami, he returned to Cleveland in 2014, leading the Cavaliers to their first-ever championship in 2016 by overcoming a 3–1 deficit against the Golden State Warriors and ending the Cleveland sports curse. He signed with the Lakers in 2018, winning another title in 2020 and becoming the first player to win Finals MVP with three different teams. In 2023, he surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA's all-time leading scorer, and in 2024, he and his son Bronny became the first father-son teammates in league history. In 2025, James was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a member of the 2008 U.S. Olympic team (also known as the "Redeem Team"). He and Chris Paul became the first NBA players inducted into the Hall of Fame while still active.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Off the court, James has earned further wealth and fame from numerous endorsement contracts. He is the first player in NBA history to accumulate $1 billion in earnings as an active player.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|first=Jasmyn|last=Wimbish|title=LeBron James becomes first player in NBA history to make $1 billion in earnings while still playing|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lebron-james-becomes-first-player-in-nba-history-to-make-1-billion-in-earnings-while-still-playing/%7Cwork=CBS Sports|date=July 22, 2021|access-date=July 24, 2021|archive-date=July 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725082200/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lebron-james-becomes-first-player-in-nba-history-to-make-1-billion-in-earnings-while-still-playing/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> James has been featured in books, documentaries (including winning three Sports Emmy Awards as an executive producer), and television commercials. He was among TimeTemplate:'s 100 most influential people in the world in 2005, 2013, 2017, and 2019 — the most selections for a professional athlete. James has won 20 ESPY Awards, hosted Saturday Night Live, and starred in the sports film Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021). He has been a part-owner of Liverpool F.C. since 2011 and leads the LeBron James Family Foundation, which has opened an elementary school, housing complex, retail plaza, and medical center in Akron.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref name = "LBJ MC">{{#invoke:cite|news|title=LeBron James foundation to open new medical center|url=https://fox8.com/news/lebron-james-foundation-to-open-new-medical-center/%7Cwork=Fox 8.com (WJW-TV)|date=June 7, 2022|access-date=June 7, 2022|archive-date=June 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220607132338/https://fox8.com/news/lebron-james-foundation-to-open-new-medical-center/%7Curl-status=live }}</ref>
Early life
LeBron Raymone James was born on December 30, 1984, in Akron, Ohio, to Gloria Marie James, who was only 16 at the time of his birth.<ref name="Jones2003">{{#invoke:cite|book|last=Jones|first=Ryan|title=King James: Believe the Hype|year=2003|publisher=St. Martin's Griffin|location=New York|isbn=978-0-312-34992-9|url=https://archive.org/details/kingjames00ryan}}</ref>Template:Rp His father, Anthony McClelland, has an extensive criminal record that included arson and theft and was not involved in his life.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Donegan|first=Lawrence|date=March 2, 2003|title=America's most wanted|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2003/mar/02/ussport%7Curl-status=live%7Carchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422224142/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2003/mar/02/ussport%7Carchive-date=April 22, 2021|access-date=May 29, 2021|newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|first=Tom|last=Friend|title=NEXT: LeBron James|date=December 10, 2002|work=ESPN The Magazine|url=https://www.espn.com/magazine/vol5no26next.html%7Caccess-date=March 16, 2023|archive-date=March 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331011146/https://www.espn.com/magazine/vol5no26next.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=LeBron James Fast Facts|work=CNN|date=July 7, 2014|url=https://www.cnn.com/2014/07/07/sport/lebron-james-fast-facts/index.html%7Caccess-date=March 16, 2023|archive-date=April 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404144528/https://www.cnn.com/2014/07/07/sport/lebron-james-fast-facts/index.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> When James was growing up, life was often a struggle for the family, as they moved from apartment to apartment in the more run-down neighborhoods of Akron while Gloria struggled to find steady work.<ref name="jockbio">{{#invoke:cite|web|title=LeBron James Biography |url=http://www.jockbio.com/Bios/James/James_bio.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224182236/http://www.jockbio.com/Bios/James/James_bio.html%7Carchive-date=February 24, 2012|access-date=May 23, 2010|website=JockBio.com}}</ref> Realizing that her son would be better off in a more stable family environment, Gloria allowed him to move in with the family of Frank Walker, a local youth football coach who introduced James to basketball when he was nine years old.<ref name="Jones2003"/>Template:Rp
James began playing organized basketball in the fifth grade.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Nichols|first=Rachel|date=July 30, 2018|title=LeBron James opens up on his new school, the Lakers and life's challenges|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/24194051/lebron-james-discusses-opening-public-school-akron-move-los-angeles-lakers-nba%7Caccess-date=July 31, 2018|work=ESPN.com|archive-date=December 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228025705/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/24194051/lebron-james-discusses-opening-public-school-akron-move-los-angeles-lakers-nba%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> He later played Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball for the Northeast Ohio Shooting Stars.<ref name=jockbio/> The team enjoyed success on a local and national level, led by James and his friends Sian Cotton, Dru Joyce III, and Willie McGee.<ref name="Jones2003"/>Template:Rp The group dubbed themselves the "Fab Four" and promised each other that they would attend high school together.<ref name="Jones2003"/>Template:Rp In a move that stirred local controversy, they chose to attend St. Vincent–St. Mary High School, a private Catholic school with predominantly white students.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Covert|first=Colin|title=Movie review: Band of brothers in 'More Than a Game'|url=http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/movies/64387712.html?elr=KArksD:aDyaEP:kD:aUnc5PDiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr%7Cnewspaper=Star Tribune|access-date=July 1, 2012|date=October 15, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224102803/http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/movies/64387712.html?elr=KArksD:aDyaEP:kD:aUnc5PDiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr%7Carchive-date=December 24, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
High school
Basketball
As a Template:Convert tall freshman, James averaged 18 points and 6.2 rebounds per game for the St. Vincent–St. Mary varsity basketball team.<ref name=Prospect>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Prospect Profile: LeBron James|url=http://www.nba.com/draft2003/profiles/JamesLeBron.html%7Cwebsite=NBA.com%7Caccess-date=March 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130709135603/http://www.nba.com/draft2003/profiles/JamesLeBron.html%7Carchive-date=July 9, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Fighting Irish went 27–0 en route to the Division III state title, making them the only boys high school team in Ohio to finish the season undefeated.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last1=Gaffney|first1=Tom|last2=Morgan|first2=David Lee|date=March 26, 2000|title=Winning one for Carter|page=D8|work=Akron Beacon Journal|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/21535260/lebron_james_hs_freshman/%7Cvia=Newspapers.com%7Caccess-date=July 3, 2018|archive-date=July 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180704093259/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/21535260/lebron_james_hs_freshman/%7Curl-status=live}} Template:Free access</ref> As a sophomore, James averaged 25.3 points and 7.4 rebounds, along with 5.5 assists and 3.7 steals per game.<ref name="nbabio"/> For some home games during the season, St. Vincent–St. Mary played at the University of Akron's 5,492-seat Rhodes Arena to satisfy ticket demand from alumni, fans, as well as college and NBA scouts who wanted to see James play.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Abrams|first=Jonathan|title=Heading Home to Celebrate|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/03/sports/basketball/03lebron.html%7Cnewspaper=The New York Times|access-date=May 30, 2012|date=May 2, 2010|archive-date=May 14, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100514071130/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/03/sports/basketball/03lebron.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> The Fighting Irish finished the season 26–1 and repeated as state champions.<ref name=Prospect/> For his outstanding play, James was named Ohio Mr. Basketball and selected to the USA Today All-USA First Team, becoming the first sophomore to do either.<ref name=Prospect/>
In 2001, during the summer before his junior year, James was the subject of a feature article in Slam magazine in which writer Ryan Jones lauded the 16-year-old James, who had grown to Template:Convert, as "[possibly] the best high school basketball player in America right now".<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> During the season, James also appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated, becoming the first high school basketball underclassman to do so.<ref name="Jones2003"/>Template:Rp With averages of 28 points, 8.9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals per game, he was again named Ohio Mr. Basketball and selected to the USA Today All-USA First Team,<ref name=Prospect/> and became the first junior to be named male basketball Gatorade National Player of the Year.<ref name="Jones2003"/>Template:Rp St. Vincent–St. Mary finished the year with a 23–4 record, ending their season with a loss in the Division II championship game.<ref name="Jones2003"/>Template:Rp Following the loss, James unsuccessfully petitioned for a change to the NBA's draft eligibility rules in an attempt to enter the 2002 NBA draft.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=What Is the NBA's Educational Requirement?|url=https://www.reference.com/sports-active-lifestyle/nba-s-educational-requirement-bf2bc2e227f74443%7Curl-status=dead%7Carchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191126045554/https://www.reference.com/sports-active-lifestyle/nba-s-educational-requirement-bf2bc2e227f74443%7Carchive-date=November 26, 2019|website=Reference}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/09/books/09garner.html%7Ctitle=An N.B.A. Giant and How He Grew|access-date=May 3, 2010|date=September 9, 2009|page=C1|work=The New York Times|last=Garner|first=Dwight|archive-date=November 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120101407/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/09/books/09garner.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> During this time, he used marijuana, which he said was to help cope with the stress that resulted from the constant media attention he was receiving.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|access-date=January 30, 2018|date=July 24, 2009|title=LeBron's Book Shows Struggle With Fame|publisher=CBS News|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/07/24/entertainment/main5185971.shtml%7Clast=Withers%7Cfirst=Tom%7Carchive-date=September 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130908104503/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/07/24/entertainment/main5185971.shtml%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>
Throughout his senior year, James and the Fighting Irish traveled across the country to play several nationally ranked teams, including a game on December 12, 2002, against Oak Hill Academy that was nationally televised on ESPN2.<ref name="Jones2003"/>Template:Rp Time Warner Cable, looking to capitalize on James' popularity, offered St. Vincent–St. Mary's games to Ohio-based subscribers for $7.95 per game on a pay-per-view basis throughout the season, but ended up not being profitable.<ref name="Jones2003"/>Template:Rp<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> For the year, James averaged 30.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 2.9 steals per game,<ref name=Prospect/> was named Ohio Mr. Basketball and selected to the USA Today All-USA First Team for an unprecedented third consecutive year,<ref name="Jones2003"/>Template:Rp and was named Gatorade National Player of the Year for the second consecutive year.<ref name=Prospect /> He participated in three year-end high school basketball all-star games—the EA Sports Roundball Classic, the Jordan Brand Capital Classic, and the McDonald's All-American Game—losing his National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) eligibility and making it official that he would enter the 2003 NBA draft.<ref name=Free/>
Also during his senior year, James was the centerpiece of several controversies. For his 18th birthday, James skirted state amateur bylaws by accepting a Hummer H2 as a gift from his mother, who had secured a loan for the vehicle by utilizing James' future earning power as an NBA player.<ref name=SUV>{{#invoke:cite|news|website=ESPN|date=January 27, 2003|access-date=March 8, 2009|title=Prep star James can continue drive for state title|url=http://static.espn.go.com/nba/news/2003/0127/1499490.html%7Cagency=Associated Press|archive-date=February 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205193816/http://static.espn.go.com/nba/news/2003/0127/1499490.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> This prompted an investigation by the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) because its guidelines stated that no amateur may accept any gift valued over $100 as a reward for athletic performance. James was cleared of any wrongdoing because he had accepted the luxury vehicle from a family member and not from an agent or any outside source.<ref name=Free/> Later in the season, James accepted two throwback jerseys worth $845 from an urban clothing store in exchange for posing for pictures, officially violating OHSAA rules and resulting in his being stripped of his high school sports eligibility.<ref name=Free>{{#invoke:cite|news|date=January 31, 2003|access-date=March 8, 2009|publisher=ESPN|title=James ruled ineligible, plans to appeal decision|url=http://static.espn.go.com/nba/news/2003/0131/1502001.html%7Carchive-date=March 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150302120629/http://static.espn.go.com/nba/news/2003/0131/1502001.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> James appealed the ruling and his penalty was eventually dropped to a two-game suspension, allowing him to play the remainder of the year. The Irish were also forced to forfeit one of their wins, their only official loss that season.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://www.ncaapublications.com/DownloadPublication.aspx?download=D110.pdf%7Ctitle=2009–2010 NCAA Division I Manual|date=August 2009|publisher=National Collegiate Athletic Association|page=163|access-date=July 10, 2010|archive-date=January 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111055237/http://www.ncaapublications.com/DownloadPublication.aspx?download=D110.pdf%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> In his first game back after the suspension, James scored a career-high 52 points.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Bolch|first=Ben|title=James Is Too Much for Westchester|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-feb-09-sp-hslebron9-story.html%7Cwork=Los Angeles Times|date=February 9, 2003|access-date=December 22, 2021|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222073241/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-feb-09-sp-hslebron9-story.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> St. Vincent–St. Mary went on to win the Division II championship, marking their third division title in four years.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Boys Basketball D2 State Champs|url=http://www.yappi.com/boysbasketball/D2.html%7Caccess-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070113105032/http://www.yappi.com/boysbasketball/D2.html%7Carchive-date=January 13, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Football
As an underclassman, James played wide receiver for St. Vincent–St. Mary's football team.<ref name="Jones2003"/>Template:Rp He was recruited by some Division I programs, including Notre Dame.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Remember that time Urban Meyer tried to recruit LeBron James?|publisher=ESPN|date=June 2, 2016|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/133392/remembering-that-time-urban-meyer-tried-to-recruit-lebron-james%7Clast=Ward%7Cfirst=Austin%7Caccess-date=December 22, 2021|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222073241/https://www.espn.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/133392/remembering-that-time-urban-meyer-tried-to-recruit-lebron-james%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> At the end of his second year, James was named first team all-state, and as a junior, he helped lead the Fighting Irish to the state semifinals.<ref name="nbabio">{{#invoke:cite|web|title=LeBron James stats, details, videos, and news|url=http://www.nba.com/players/lebron/james/2544%7Cwebsite=NBA.com%7Caccess-date=May 27, 2017|archive-date=May 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170529171606/http://www.nba.com/players/lebron/james/2544%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> James did not play during his senior year because of a wrist injury that he sustained in an AAU basketball game.<ref name=Two>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Abrams|first=Jonathan|title=LeBron James: Two Sports, One Superstar|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/03/sports/basketball/03james.html?pagewanted=all%7Cnewspaper=The New York Times|access-date=May 27, 2012|date=May 3, 2009|archive-date=September 26, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926124037/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/03/sports/basketball/03james.html?pagewanted=all%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> Some sports analysts, football critics, high school coaches, as well as former and current professional players have speculated that James could have played in the National Football League (NFL).Template:Efn
Professional career
Template:Split Template:Very long
Cleveland Cavaliers (2003–2010)
2003–2004: Rookie of the Year
James was selected by his hometown team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, as the first overall pick of the 2003 NBA draft.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=2003 NBA Draft|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_2003.html%7Cwebsite=Basketball Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=April 13, 2013|archive-date=May 14, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514005841/http://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_2003.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> James chose the jersey number 23 in honor of Michael Jordan.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In his first regular season game, James scored 25 points in a 106–92 loss to the Sacramento Kings, setting an NBA record for the most points scored by a prep-to-pro player in his debut performance.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=Expectations for James more than met|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?id=231029023%7Cwebsite=ESPN%7Caccess-date=December 22, 2021|date=October 30, 2003|publisher=Associated Press|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222073243/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?id=231029023%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> At the conclusion of the 2003–2004 season, James became the first Cavalier to receive the NBA Rookie of the Year Award,<ref name="Gordon 2021">{{#invoke:cite|book|last=Gordon|first=Roger|year=2021|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=u-fNDwAAQBAJ%7Ctitle=Tales from the Cleveland Cavaliers Locker Room: The Rookie Season of LeBron James|publisher=Simon and Schuster|page=173|isbn=978-1-68358-392-9|access-date=March 31, 2022|archive-date=October 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026143534/https://books.google.com/books?id=u-fNDwAAQBAJ%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> and only the third player in league history to average at least 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists per game as a rookie.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|publisher=Associated Press|title=20–5–5: Tyreke Evans makes rookie history|url=http://www.news10.net/news/story.aspx?storyid=79284%7Cwebsite=News10/KXTV%7Caccess-date=April 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921055244/http://www.news10.net/news/story.aspx?storyid=79284%7Carchive-date=September 21, 2013}}</ref> Cleveland ultimately finished the season 35–47, failing to make the playoffs despite an 18-game improvement over the previous year.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=2003–2004 Cleveland Cavaliers|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CLE/2004.html%7Cwebsite=Basketball Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=April 27, 2007|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112010738/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CLE/2004.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>
2004–2008: Rise to superstardom
In the 2004–2005 season, James earned his first NBA All-Star Game selection, contributing 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists in a winning effort for the Eastern Conference.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=2005 NBA All-Star Game|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/NBA_2005.html%7Cwebsite=Basketball Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=February 4, 2018|archive-date=October 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008034036/http://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/NBA_2005.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> Around the league, teams took note of his rapid development, and Denver Nuggets coach George Karl told Sports Illustrated: "It's weird talking about a 20-year-old kid being a great player, but he is a great player ... He's the exception to almost every rule."<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> On March 20, James scored 56 points against the Toronto Raptors, setting Cleveland's new single-game points record.<ref name=2005MG/> At the end of the season, James was named to his first All-NBA Team.<ref name="nbabio"/> Despite a 30–20 record to start the year,<ref name=2005MG>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=2004–2005 Season|url=http://www.nba.com/media/cavaliers/200506_200405_season.pdf%7Cpublisher=NBA%7Caccess-date=June 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091217121409/http://www.nba.com/media/cavaliers/200506_200405_season.pdf%7Carchive-date=December 17, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> the Cavaliers again failed to make the playoffs, finishing the season 42–40.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=2004–2005 Cleveland Cavaliers|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CLE/2005.html%7Cwebsite=Basketball Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=April 29, 2007|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112001524/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CLE/2005.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>
During the 2006 offseason, James signed a three-year, $60 million extension with a fourth year player option, aligning his potential free agency in the 2010 offseason with fellow draft class members Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
At the 2006 All-Star Game, James led the East to victory with 29 points and was named the NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Sheridan|first=Chris|title=LeBron and Pistons lead East to All-Star game win|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/allstar2006/news/story?id=2335852%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=February 4, 2018|date=February 19, 2006|archive-date=February 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205072108/http://www.espn.com/nba/allstar2006/news/story?id=2335852%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> He also finished second in overall NBA Most Valuable Player Award voting to Steve Nash.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=James, Nash share Sporting News MVP award|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2443137%7Cwebsite=ESPN%7Caccess-date=December 22, 2021|agency=Associated Press|date=May 12, 2006|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222090327/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2443137%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> Under James' leadership, the Cavaliers qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 1998.<ref name="clinch">{{#invoke:cite|web|title=James, Cavs Top Mavs To Clinch Playoff Berth|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20060329/DALCLE/recap.html%7Cwebsite=NBA.com%7Caccess-date=May 1, 2007|date=March 29, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110054701/http://www.nba.com/games/20060329/DALCLE/recap.html%7Carchive-date=November 10, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> In his postseason debut, James recorded a triple-double in a winning effort over the Washington Wizards.<ref name="debut">{{#invoke:cite|news|title=James' playoff debut triple-double carries Cavs|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=260422005%7Cwebsite=ESPN%7Caccess-date=December 22, 2021|date=April 22, 2006|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222090319/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=260422005%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> In Game 3 of the series, he made the first game-winning shot of his career, and made another in Game 5.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Kobe Bryant vs. Lebron James: Game Winning Shots|url=http://chasing23.com/kobe-bryant-vs-lebron-james-game-winning-shots/%7Cpublisher=Chasing 23|access-date=June 1, 2013|date=May 3, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130531031446/http://chasing23.com/kobe-bryant-vs-lebron-james-game-winning-shots/%7Carchive-date=May 31, 2013}}</ref> Cleveland would go on to defeat the Wizards before being ousted by the Detroit Pistons in the second round.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=2006 NBA Playoffs Summary|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2006.html%7Cwebsite=Basketball Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=April 13, 2013|archive-date=July 17, 2015|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150717051615/http://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2006.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>
In the 2006–2007 season, the Cavaliers finished the season with 50 wins for the second consecutive year and entered the playoffs as the #2-seed in the Eastern Conference.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=2006–2007 Cleveland Cavaliers|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CLE/2007.html%7Cwebsite=Basketball Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=April 29, 2007|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112030847/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CLE/2007.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> In the first two rounds of the playoffs, James led the team to wins over the Washington Wizards and New Jersey Nets. The Cavaliers then faced the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference Finals. In Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, he logged 48 points with nine rebounds and seven assists. His performance is considered one of the greatest playoff performances of all time as he scored 29 of Cleveland's last 30 points, including 25 straight, and the game-winning layup with two seconds left. The Cavaliers won 109–107 double-overtime victory over the Detroit Pistons.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=LeBron bewilders Pistons as Cavaliers inch closer to NBA finals|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=270531008%7Cwebsite=ESPN%7Caccess-date=December 22, 2021|date=June 1, 2007|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222090316/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=270531008%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> After the game, play-by-play announcer Marv Albert called the performance "one of the greatest moments in postseason history" and color commentator Steve Kerr described it as "[Michael] Jordan-esque".<ref name="2007DetroitGm5">Template:YouTube</ref> In 2012, ESPN ranked the performance the fourth greatest in modern NBA playoff history.<ref name=ESPN>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Greatest NBA playoff performances|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2012/story/_/id/8068148/nba-playoffs-top-25-performances-ever%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=December 22, 2021|date=June 20, 2012|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222090320/https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2012/story/_/id/8068148/nba-playoffs-top-25-performances-ever%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> The Cavaliers went on to win Game 6 and claim their first-ever Eastern Conference championship, earning them a matchup with the San Antonio Spurs in the Finals.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=270602005%7Ctitle=Gibson's 31 points, James' balanced play puts Cavs in NBA Finals|website=ESPN|date=June 2, 2007|access-date=December 11, 2016|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=December 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220122139/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=270602005%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> The Spurs at the time were coached by Gregg Popovich and featured a prime Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginóbili, and Bruce Bowen. With no other significant scoring threats, the Spurs built its defense around stopping James from getting into the paint. As James did not have a reliable jump shot yet nor another offensive weapon on his team, he struggled against the Spurs' zone defense.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He averaged 22 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game on just 35.6 percent shooting,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=2007 NBA Finals|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2007-nba-finals-cavaliers-vs-spurs.html%7Cwebsite=Basketball Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=August 6, 2017|archive-date=March 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323110344/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2007-nba-finals-cavaliers-vs-spurs.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> as Cleveland was eliminated in a four-game sweep.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://www.nba.com/finals2007/series/index.html%7Ctitle=Parker, Spurs Close Out Cavs for Fourth Title|work=NBA.com|date=June 15, 2007|access-date=June 15, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111015439/http://www.nba.com/finals2007/series/index.html%7Carchive-date=January 11, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>
On December 11, 2007, James came off the bench for the first time in his career; he chose to enter the game at the same time as teammate Anderson Varejão, who had been involved in a pay dispute with Cavaliers management, in order to prevent booing from fans. James would not come off the bench again for another 15 years.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In February of the 2007–2008 season, James was named All-Star Game MVP for the second time behind a 27-point, eight-rebound, and nine-assist performance.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=Allen's flurry of 3s help East hold on for All-Star win|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280217032%7Cwebsite=ESPN%7Caccess-date=February 4, 2018|date=February 18, 2008|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=August 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190821235326/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280217032%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> On March 21, he moved past Brad Daugherty as the Cavaliers' all-time leading scorer in a game against the Toronto Raptors, doing so in over 100 fewer games than Daugherty.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Starkey|first=Mike|title=LeBron James becomes Cleveland Cavaliers all-time scoring leader|url=https://www.cleveland.com/sports/2008/03/lebron_james_becomes_cleveland.html%7Cwebsite=The Plain Dealer|access-date=June 23, 2020|date=March 21, 2008|archive-date=August 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809204321/https://www.cleveland.com/sports/2008/03/lebron_james_becomes_cleveland.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> James' 30 points per game were also the highest in the league, marking his first scoring title.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Haberstroh|first=Tom|title=LeBron James: 'Scoring not my job'|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/truehoop/miamiheat/story/_/id/8772666/lebron-james-says-lead-league-scoring-not-my-job-miami-heat%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=February 4, 2018|date=December 26, 2012|archive-date=July 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705232941/http://www.espn.com/nba/truehoop/miamiheat/story/_/id/8772666/lebron-james-says-lead-league-scoring-not-my-job-miami-heat%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> Despite his individual accomplishments, Cleveland's record fell from the year before to 45–37.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=2007–08 NBA Standings|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2008_standings.html%7Cwebsite=Basketball Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=February 18, 2013|archive-date=April 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420204039/https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2008_standings.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> Seeded fourth in the East entering the playoffs, the Cavaliers defeated the Wizards in the first round for the third consecutive season before being eliminated in seven games by the eventual-champion Boston Celtics in the next round.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=2008 NBA Playoffs Summary|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2008.html%7Cwebsite=Basketball Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=April 13, 2013|archive-date=September 5, 2015|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150905101941/http://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2008.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> During the decisive seventh game in Boston, James scored 45 points and Paul Pierce scored 41 in a game the Associated Press described as a "shootout".<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=Pierce, James duke it out as Celtics close out Cavs in Game 7|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280518002%7Cwebsite=ESPN%7Caccess-date=February 18, 2013|date=May 19, 2008|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=December 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191202224033/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280518002%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>
2008–2010: MVP seasons
At the end of the 2008–2009 season, James finished second in NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award voting and made his first NBA All-Defensive Team,<ref name=DPOTY09>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Bryant Named to NBA All Defensive First Team|url=https://www.nba.com/lakers/news/090506_bryant_defensive_team.html%7Cwebsite=NBA.com%7Cdate=May 6, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090508060828/http://www.nba.com/2009/news/05/06/defensive.team/index.html%7Carchive-date=May 8, 2009}}</ref> posting 23 chase-down blocks and a career-high 93 total blocks.<ref name="Abrams"/> James also became only the fourth postmerger player to lead his team in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks in a single season.<ref name=TBOB477>{{#invoke:cite|book|last=Simmons|first=Bill|title=The Book of Basketball|year=2009|publisher=ESPN Books|location=New York|isbn=9780345511768|page=477|url=https://archive.org/details/bookofbasketball00simm/page/477}}</ref> Behind his play and the acquisition of All-Star guard Mo Williams, Cleveland went a franchise record 66–16 and fell just one game short of matching the best home record in league history,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|agency=Associated Press|title=LeBron sits as Cavs fail to match best home record|url=http://www.toledoblade.com/Pro/2009/04/16/LeBron-sits-as-Cavs-fail-to-match-best-home-record.html%7Cwebsite=Toledo Blade|access-date=February 18, 2013|date=April 16, 2009|archive-date=June 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610233036/http://www.toledoblade.com/Pro/2009/04/16/LeBron-sits-as-Cavs-fail-to-match-best-home-record.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> and James became the first Cavalier to win the MVP Award.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=James outdistances Bryant in winning Kia MVP award|url=http://www.nba.com/2009/news/05/04/mvp.release.20090504/index.html%7Cwebsite=NBA.com%7Caccess-date=May 4, 2009|date=May 4, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090507190209/http://www.nba.com/2009/news/05/04/mvp.release.20090504/index.html%7Carchive-date=May 7, 2009 }}</ref> Reflecting on James' performance for ESPN, John Hollinger later wrote: "He's having what is arguably the greatest individual season in history, and it's time we gave him his due for it."<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Hollinger|first=John|title=PER Diem: March 24, 2009|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&page=PERDiem-090324%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=October 8, 2017|date=March 24, 2009|website=ESPN Insider|archive-date=October 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009041906/http://www.espn.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&page=PERDiem-090324%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>
In the playoffs, Cleveland swept the Detroit Pistons and the Atlanta Hawks to earn a matchup with the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference Finals.<ref name=BR2009>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=2009 NBA Playoffs Summary|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2009.html%7Cwebsite=Basketball Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=April 13, 2013|archive-date=April 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422224828/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2009.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> In Game 1 of the series, James scored 49 points on 66 percent shooting in a losing effort for the Cavaliers.<ref name=ESPN/> In Game 2, he hit a game-winner to tie the series at 1–1.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|agency=Associated Press|title=James' dramatic buzzer-beater drops Magic, evens series at 1–1|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=290522005%7Cwebsite=ESPN%7Caccess-date=December 22, 2021|date=May 23, 2009|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222090320/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=290522005%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> Cleveland would lose the series in six games, and following the loss in Game 6, James immediately left the floor without shaking hands with his opponents, which was an act that many media members viewed as unsportsmanlike.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/02/sports/basketball/02rhoden.html%7Ctitle=A Handshake Is Not Too Much to Ask, Even From a King|last=Rhoden|first=William|author-link=William Rhoden|date=June 2, 2009|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=July 18, 2010|quote=It's hard for me to congratulate somebody after you just lose to them|archive-date=June 24, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110624021356/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/02/sports/basketball/02rhoden.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> For the series, James averaged 38.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game,<ref name=ap_06082013>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=LeBron: Do what's best for team|date=June 8, 2013|website=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2013/story/_/id/9355736/2013-nba-finals-lebron-james-miami-heat-criticism-done-more-lost%7Caccess-date=December 22, 2021|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222090314/https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2013/story/_/id/9355736/2013-nba-finals-lebron-james-miami-heat-criticism-done-more-lost%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> finishing the postseason with a career playoff-high 35.3 points per game.<ref name=Reference/>
In February of the 2009–10 season, James was forced into a temporary point guard role following a series of injuries to players in the Cavaliers' backcourt.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Schmitt Boyer|first=Mary|title=Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James glad point-guard assignment is temporary|url=https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2010/02/lebron_glad_point_guard_assign.html%7Cwebsite=cleveland.com%7Caccess-date=December 22, 2021|date=February 5, 2010|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222073241/https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2010/02/lebron_glad_point_guard_assign.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> Behind his leadership, Cleveland lost no momentum, finishing the year with the best record in the league for the second consecutive season.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2010.html%7Ctitle=2009–10 NBA Season Summary|website=Basketball Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=July 18, 2010|archive-date=July 14, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100714062612/http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2010.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> Despite only playing 39 minutes per game, James increased his statistical production and was awarded his second NBA MVP Award.<ref name=MPV>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=LeBron James Wins NBA's 2009–10 Most Valuable Player Award|url=http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/mvp_100502.html%7Cpublisher=Cleveland Cavaliers|date=May 2, 2010|access-date=February 4, 2018|archive-date=July 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140711183238/http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/mvp_100502.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> To open the playoffs, Cleveland advanced past the Chicago Bulls to earn a matchup with the Boston Celtics in the second round.<ref name=espn5132010>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=300513002%7Ctitle=LeBron's triple-double not enough as Celtics move on to face Magic|agency=Associated Press|website=ESPN|date=May 13, 2010|access-date=December 22, 2021|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222090319/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=300513002%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> James was heavily criticized for not playing well in Game 5 of the series, shooting only 20 percent on 14 shots and scoring 15 points.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Moore|first=Matt|title=NBA Playoffs Celtics Cavs Game 5: Celtics dominate as LeBron James fails in the big time|url=https://nba.nbcsports.com/2010/05/11/nba-playoffs-celtics-cavs-game-5-celtics-dominate-as-lebron-james-fails-in-the-big-time/%7Cpublisher=NBC Sports|access-date=December 22, 2021|date=May 11, 2010|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222090315/https://nba.nbcsports.com/2010/05/11/nba-playoffs-celtics-cavs-game-5-celtics-dominate-as-lebron-james-fails-in-the-big-time/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> The team suffered its worst loss in franchise history, and at the conclusion of the game, James walked off the court to a smattering of boos from Cleveland's home crowd.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=300511005%7Ctitle=Celtics hand Cavaliers worst home playoff loss in team history|agency=Associated Press|website=ESPN|date=May 11, 2010|access-date=December 22, 2021|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222090322/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=300511005%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> The Cavaliers were officially eliminated from the postseason in Game 6, with James posting 27 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists in the losing effort.<ref name=espn5132010/>
Miami Heat (2010–2014)
The Decision
James became an unrestricted free agent at on July 1, 2010.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?page=FreeAgency-100630%7Ctitle=NBA Free Agency: Who's going where?|publisher=ESPN|date=June 30, 2010|access-date=December 22, 2021|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222090322/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?page=FreeAgency-100630%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> During this time, he was contacted by several teams, including the Bulls, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, New Jersey Nets, and Cavaliers.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nba/lebron-says-hell-sign-with-miami-heat%7Ctitle=LeBron says he'll sign with Miami Heat|work=Fox Sports|date=August 9, 2010|access-date=December 22, 2021|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222090317/https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nba/lebron-says-hell-sign-with-miami-heat%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> On July 8, James announced on a live ESPN special titled The Decision that he would sign with the Heat.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Windhorst|first=Brian|title=A look back at the fateful 'Decision'|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/truehoop/miamiheat/columns/story?columnist=windhorst_brian&page=jamesdecision-110708%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=December 22, 2021|date=July 8, 2011|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222090317/https://www.espn.com/nba/truehoop/miamiheat/columns/story?columnist=windhorst_brian&page=jamesdecision-110708%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> The telecast was broadcast from the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich, Connecticut and raised $2.5 million for the charity. An additional $3.5 million was raised from advertising revenue, which was donated to other charities.<ref name="cleveland.com">{{#invoke:cite|web|date=July 12, 2010|website=cleveland.com|title=LeBron James' 'Decision' generated $6 million in ad revenue|access-date=June 10, 2012|url=https://www.cleveland.com/ohio-sports-blog/2010/07/lebron_james_decision_generate.html%7Cpublisher=The Plain Dealer|archive-date=December 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210194629/https://www.cleveland.com/ohio-sports-blog/2010/07/lebron_james_decision_generate.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> The day before the special, fellow free agents Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade also announced that they would sign with Miami;<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=http://www.nba.com/2010/news/07/07/wade.bosh.heat.ap/?ls=iref:nbahpt1%7Ctitle=Wade granted one of his wishes with Bosh coming to Miami|date=July 7, 2010|website=NBA.com|agency=Associated Press|access-date=October 30, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100915005634/http://www.nba.com/2010/news/07/07/wade.bosh.heat.ap/?ls=iref%3Anbahpt1%7Carchive-date=September 15, 2010}}</ref> reports later arose that back in 2006 the trio had discussed among themselves their upcoming 2010 free agencies.<ref name=plaindealer20100710>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2010/07/inside_the_decision_miamis_cou.html%7Ctitle=Inside 'The Decision': Miami's coup was a 'surprise' built on long-coveted goal of James, Wade and Bosh|last=Windhorst|first=Brian|author-link=Brian Windhorst|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|date=July 10, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100713120048/http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2010/07/inside_the_decision_miamis_cou.html%7Carchive-date=July 13, 2010|access-date=December 22, 2021}}</ref> James decided to join with Bosh and Wade in part so that he could shoulder less of the offensive load; James thought that his improved teammates would give him a better chance of winning an NBA championship than had he stayed in Cleveland.<ref name=thomsen>Template:Cite magazine</ref> Heat president Pat Riley played a major role in selling James on the idea of playing with Bosh and Wade.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Biggane|first=Brian|title=LeBron James admits Pat Riley sold him on being part of a family with Miami Heat|url=http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/sports/basketball/lebron-james-admits-pat-riley-sold-him-on-being-pa/nL8N6/%7Cnewspaper=The Palm Beach Post|access-date=July 3, 2012|date=July 10, 2010|archive-date=January 15, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150115091814/http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/sports/basketball/lebron-james-admits-pat-riley-sold-him-on-being-pa/nL8N6/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> James would be relieved of the burden of scoring, and he thought he could be the first player since Oscar Robertson to average a triple-double in a season.<ref name=thomsen/>
Upon leaving the Cavaliers, James drew intense criticism from sports analysts, executives, fans, and current and former players. The Decision itself was also scrutinized and viewed as unnecessary. Many thought that the prolonged wait for James' choice was unprofessional as not even the teams courting him were aware of his decision until moments before the show.<ref name=yahoo_20100716>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-heatfreeagency071610%7Ctitle=Inside look at LeBron's free-agent coup|first=Adrian|last=Wojnarowski|author-link=Adrian Wojnarowski|date=July 16, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100718140458/http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-heatfreeagency071610%7Carchive-date=July 18, 2010|access-date=November 9, 2010|quote=... the issue of James' immaturity and downright disrespectfulness had become a consuming topic on the march to the Olympics.|url-status=dead}}</ref> Upon learning that James would not be returning to Cleveland, Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert published an open letter to fans in which he aggressively denounced James' actions.<ref name=Letter>Template:Cite press release</ref> Some angry fans of the team recorded videos of themselves burning his jersey.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=http://sports.nationalpost.com/2010/07/09/cleveland-plain-dealers-final-word-on-lebron-james%7Ctitle=Cleveland Plain Dealer's final word on LeBron James|newspaper=National Post|last=Ron|first=Nurwisah|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714032424/http://sports.nationalpost.com/2010/07/09/cleveland-plain-dealers-final-word-on-lebron-james/%7Carchive-date=July 14, 2012|date=November 9, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> Former NBA players, including Jordan and Magic Johnson, were also critical of James, condemning him for forming a superteam with Bosh and Wade in Miami and not trying to win a championship in Cleveland, though Jordan did acknowledge that the options players had at the time were much more expansive than those he and others had in the 1980s and 1990s.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/10/sports/basketball/10heat.html?_r=1%7Ctitle=Criticism Grows as James Arrives in Miami|last1=Abrams|first1=Jonathan|last2=Shipp|first2=Catherine|newspaper=The New York Times|date=July 10, 2010|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120915082254/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/10/sports/basketball/10heat.html?_r=2%7Carchive-date=September 15, 2012|access-date=November 9, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=5391478%7Ctitle=Jordan wouldn't have called Magic, Bird|publisher=ESPN|date=July 19, 2010|access-date=December 22, 2021|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222090323/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=5391478%7Curl-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2010-07-20/magic-johnson-criticizes-lebron-james-says-he-wouldn-t-have-joined-bird|last=Rothbard|first=Barry|title=Magic Johnson Says He Wouldn't Have Joined Bird After LeBron James' Move|agency=Bloomberg|date=July 20, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100723102747/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-07-20/magic-johnson-criticizes-lebron-james-says-he-wouldn-t-have-joined-bird.html%7Carchive-date=July 23, 2010|access-date=December 22, 2021|quote=From college, I was trying to figure out how to beat Larry Bird.|url-status=dead}}</ref> Some commentators did defend James' decision to join the Miami Heat by noting the Cavaliers' inability to build a strong supporting cast around him. They argued that other NBA greats had benefitted from talented teammates: Johnson had Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and James Worthy, Larry Bird had Kevin McHale and Robert Parish on the Celtics, and Jordan had Scottie Pippen with the Bulls.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> James drew further criticism in a September interview with CNN when he claimed that race might have been a factor in the fallout from The Decision.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Freeman|first=Mike|author-link=Mike Freeman (columnist)|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nba/story/14047127/lambasted-lebron-conveniently-sees-hurtful-role-of-race%7Ctitle=Lambasted LeBron conveniently sees hurtful role of race|work=CBS Sports|date=September 30, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101001075600/http://www.cbssports.com/nba/story/14047127/lambasted-lebron-conveniently-sees-hurtful-role-of-race%7Carchive-date=October 1, 2010|access-date=November 9, 2010|quote=He has catered to corporate America, mostly ignored issues that affect people of color, and then when so many people turned on James, he's now suddenly seeing the racial light.|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Whitlock|first=Jason|author-link=Jason Whitlock|url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nba/point-the-finger-at-yourself-lebron%7Ctitle=Point the finger at yourself, LeBron|work=Fox Sports|date=September 30, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101004120418/http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/LeBron-James-should-put-away-the-race-card-and-just-apologize-093010%7Carchive-date=October 4, 2010|access-date=December 22, 2021|quote=LeBron's enablers are providing him the racial cocoon of denial. They're giving LeBron an excuse to avoid dealing with his own bad (The) Decision.}}</ref> As a result of his actions during the 2010 free agency period, James quickly gained a reputation as one of America's most disliked athletes, which marked a radical change from prior years.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|first=Michael|last=McCarthy|title=Forbes: Vick, Tiger among most 'disliked' athletes|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2012/02/vick-tiger-lead-list-of-americas-most-disliked-athletes-michael-vick-tiger-woods-forbes/1%7Cnewspaper=USA Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120210182055/http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2012/02/vick-tiger-lead-list-of-americas-most-disliked-athletes-michael-vick-tiger-woods-forbes/1%7Carchive-date=February 10, 2012|url-status=live|date=February 8, 2012}}</ref><ref name=Regret>{{#invoke:cite|news|first=Tom|last=Weir|title=LeBron James expresses regrets about 'The Decision'|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2011/12/lebron-james-expresses-regrets-about-the-decision/1%7Cnewspaper=USA Today|date=December 6, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108094631/http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2011/12/lebron-james-expresses-regrets-about-the-decision/1%7Carchive-date=January 8, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> The phrase "taking my talents to South Beach" became a punch line for critics.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Wetzel|first=Dan|title=LeBron's decisive backlash tops all stories|date=December 21, 2010|publisher=Yahoo! Sports|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/top/news?slug=dw-storyoftheyear122110%7Carchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101224120529/http://sports.yahoo.com/top/news?slug=dw-storyoftheyear122110%7Carchive-date=December 24, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Kerasotis|first=Peter|title=For Miami Heat, High Hopes but Lower Volume|date=December 25, 2011|page=SP8|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/25/sports/basketball/for-miami-heat-high-hopes-but-lower-volume.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all%7Caccess-date=June 27, 2012|archive-date=May 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521230310/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/25/sports/basketball/for-miami-heat-high-hopes-but-lower-volume.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> In retrospect, James has expressed some regret over his handling of The Decision.<ref name=Regret/><ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Moehringer|first=J. R.|author-link=J. R. Moehringer|title=Into the Funhouse with King James|date=September 2010|magazine=GQ|url=https://www.gq.com/sports/profiles/201009/lebron-james-september-gq-miami-heat-summer-lebronathon%7Carchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100819162817/http://www.gq.com/sports/profiles/201009/lebron-james-september-gq-miami-heat-summer-lebronathon%7Carchive-date=August 19, 2010|access-date=November 9, 2010|quote=During that postmortem interview, when Moehringer asked James what he'd change if he had a do-over, James replied, 'Nothing at all.'|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=kaplan>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Kaplan|first=Thomas|title=James Faces Jeering, but Little Competition|date=November 1, 2010|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/01/sports/basketball/01nets.html?_r=1&scp=5&sq=lebron%20james&st=cse%7Caccess-date=November 5, 2010|quote='If I had to go back on it, I probably would do it a little bit different,' James said before the game. 'But I'm happy with my decision.' He declined to be more specific.|archive-date=January 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130114135337/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/01/sports/basketball/01nets.html?_r=1&scp=5&sq=lebron%20james&st=cse%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>
2010–2011: Year of media and fan scrutiny
James officially signed a 6-year, $110 million contract with the Heat on July 10, 2010, through a sign-and-trade deal which sent two second- and two first-round draft picks to the Cavaliers and gave the team the option to swap first round picks with the Heat in 2012.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/trade_100710.html%7Ctitle=Cavaliers Complete Sign-and-Trade Deal with Miami|publisher=NBA|date=July 10, 2010|access-date=January 14, 2021|archive-date=January 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121201834/https://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/trade_100710.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref><ref name="HeatContract">{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Heat stars sign six-year deals|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=5368003%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=March 10, 2018|date=July 10, 2010|archive-date=December 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211230104655/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=5368003%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> As part of the first player-created NBA superteam<ref name="lynch20170616">{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Lynch|first=Andrew|date=June 16, 2017|title=The history of NBA superteams, from Wilt Chamberlain to the 2017 Warriors|url=http://www.foxsports.com/nba/gallery/nba-superteams-history-lebron-james-heat-cavaliers-warriors-061617%7Caccess-date=October 7, 2020|work=Fox Sports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619213557/http://www.foxsports.com/nba/gallery/nba-superteams-history-lebron-james-heat-cavaliers-warriors-061617%7Carchive-date=June 19, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> he became only the third reigning MVP to change teams and the first since Moses Malone in 1982.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Hochman|first=Benjamin|date=July 9, 2010|access-date=July 13, 2010|title=LeBron James' choice puts Miami back in the game|newspaper=The Denver Post|url=http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_15472852%7Carchive-date=July 12, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100712053429/http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_15472852%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> James changed his jersey number to 6, as the number 23 was retired in Miami for Michael Jordan.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He had declared during the previous season that he intended to change the number at the end of that season, stating that he felt the number 23 should be retired league-wide in honor of Jordan.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> That evening, the Heat threw a welcome party for their new "Big Three" at the American Airlines Arena, an event that took on a rock concert atmosphere.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=Heat throw welcome party for LeBron James, Chris Bosh|date=July 9, 2010|website=USA Today|agency=Associated Press|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/heat/2010-07-09-lebron-james-welcome-party_N.htm%7Caccess-date=November 4, 2010|quote=With 13,000 fans chanting "Yes We Did!" amid an atmosphere more suited to a rock concert than a basketball game, the Miami Heat welcomed the NBA's newest trio of superstars Friday night for a celebration unlike just about any other in team history.|archive-date=November 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103162955/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/heat/2010-07-09-lebron-james-welcome-party_N.htm%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> During the gathering, James predicted a dynasty for the Heat and alluded to multiple championships.<ref>Template:Cite interview</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Wharton|first=David|title=Miami's upgrade status holds lessons for Clippers|date=January 10, 2012|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=https://articles.latimes.com/2012/jan/10/sports/la-sp-miami-heat-20120111%7Caccess-date=June 13, 2012|archive-date=March 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305055049/http://articles.latimes.com/2012/jan/10/sports/la-sp-miami-heat-20120111%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> Outside of Miami, the spectacle was not well-received, furthering the negative public perception of James.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Beck|first=Howard|title=Shift in Talent Fortifies Elite Teams|page=B–12|date=October 26, 2010|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/26/sports/basketball/26stern.html?_r=1&ref=basketball%7Carchive-url=https://archive.today/20120909044701/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/26/sports/basketball/26stern.html?_r=2&ref=basketball%7Carchive-date=September 9, 2012|access-date=November 9, 2010|quote=In that moment on July 9, amid the pyrotechnics, the Miami Heat became a national Rorschach test. Everyone saw something: greatness, arrogance, self-indulgence, boldness, cowardice, pride, friendship, collusion, joy, cynicism, heroes, mercenaries.|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Throughout the 2010–11 season, the media and opposing fanbases treated James and the Heat as villains.<ref name="Villain">{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Windhorst|first=Brian|title=LeBron James: No more Mr. Bad Guy|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/truehoop/miamiheat/story/_/id/7322299/lebron-james-miami-heat-says-done-villain-role%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=December 22, 2021|date=December 7, 2011|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222090319/https://www.espn.com/nba/truehoop/miamiheat/story/_/id/7322299/lebron-james-miami-heat-says-done-villain-role%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> To begin the year, they struggled to adjust to these new circumstances, going only 9–8 after 17 games.<ref name="Herald">{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Magoloff|first=Scott|title=LeBron James: A timeline of his Miami Heat career|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nba/miami-heat/article1975142.html%7Cnewspaper=Miami Herald|access-date=March 10, 2018|date=July 12, 2014|archive-date=March 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180311081124/http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nba/miami-heat/article1975142.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> James later admitted that the constant negativity surrounding the team made him play with an angrier demeanor than in years past.<ref name="Villain"/> On December 2, James faced the Cleveland Cavaliers in Cleveland for the first time since departing as a free agent.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=LeBron James returns to Cleveland|date=December 3, 2010|website=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/truehoop/miamiheat/news/story?id=5875623%7Carchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101204111532/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/truehoop/miamiheat/news/story?id=5875623%7Carchive-date=December 4, 2010|access-date=December 22, 2021}}</ref> He scored 38 points and led Miami to a victory while being booed every time he touched the ball.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=LeBron shrugs off boos in return to Cleveland to lead Heat to easy win|date=December 2, 2010|website=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?id=301202005%7Carchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101213004249/http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?id=301202005%7Carchive-date=December 13, 2010|access-date=December 22, 2021}}</ref> The Heat eventually turned their season around and finished as the East's second seed.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=2010–11 NBA Season Summary|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2011.html%7Cwebsite=Basketball Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=March 10, 2018|archive-date=February 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212125227/https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2011.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>
In the Eastern Conference Semifinals, James and his teammates found themselves matched up with the Boston Celtics for the second consecutive year.<ref name=Eleven>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=2011 NBA Playoffs Summary|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2011.html%7Cwebsite=Basketball Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=February 19, 2013|archive-date=June 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622140836/http://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2011.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> In Game 5, he scored Miami's last 10 points to help seal a series-clinching win.<ref name="One Year">{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Windhorst|first=Brian|title=1. One Year Later, Sweet Turnaround For James|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/dailydime/_/page/dime-110512/daily-dime%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=March 10, 2018|date=May 12, 2011|archive-date=March 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180311021318/http://www.espn.com/nba/dailydime/_/page/dime-110512/daily-dime%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> After the final buzzer, James famously knelt on the court in an emotional moment, later telling reporters that it was an extremely personal victory for him and the team.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=Heat's LeBron James closes out Celtics in Game 5: Video|url=https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2011/05/heats_lebron_james_closes_out.html%7Cwebsite=cleveland.com%7Caccess-date=June 23, 2020|date=May 12, 2011|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=August 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814055551/https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2011/05/heats_lebron_james_closes_out.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> The Heat eventually advanced to the Finals, where they lost to the Dallas Mavericks in six games.<ref name="Eleven"/> James received the brunt of the criticism for the loss, averaging only three points in fourth quarters in the series and scored just eight points in Game 4, a game Miami lost by just three points.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=Kevin Durant, Thunder pull away from Heat, win Game 1|date=June 12, 2012|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=320612025%7Carchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614054605/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=320612025%7Curl-status=live%7Carchive-date=June 14, 2012}}</ref> His Finals scoring average of 17.8 points per game signified an 8.9-point drop from the regular season, the largest point drop-off in league history.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://www.al.com/sports/2011/06/hot_corner_with_nba_title_at_s.html%7Ctitle=Hot Corner: With NBA title at stake, LeBron James was a big flop|website=cleveland.com|last=Hollis|first=Charles|date=June 15, 2011|access-date=December 22, 2021|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222090315/https://www.al.com/sports/2011/06/hot_corner_with_nba_title_at_s.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>
2011–2013: Back-to-back championships
The 2011–2012 season was delayed by a lockout, and during that extended summer, James worked with Hakeem Olajuwon in order to improve his post up game.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Winderman|first=Ira|date=August 8, 2011|title=LeBron James works on post play with Hakeem Olajuwon, predicts NBA will play in 2011–12|url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/fl-xpm-2011-08-08-sfl-miami-heat-lebron-james-s080811-story.html%7Caccess-date=January 10, 2022|work=Sun-Sentinel|archive-date=December 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211205054748/https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/fl-xpm-2011-08-08-sfl-miami-heat-lebron-james-s080811-story.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Herald"/><ref name="Goldsberry"/> Humbled by the Heat's loss to the Mavericks, the experience inspired James to leave behind the villain role that he had been embracing, which helped James regain a sense of joy on the court.<ref name="Villain"/> Behind his expanded skillset,<ref name="Goldsberry"/> Miami began the year with a franchise-best 18–6 record.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Dwork|first=David|title=Heat top Raptors, tie best start in franchise history|url=http://www.hothothoops.com/2012/2/5/2773833/heat-top-raptors-tie-best-start-in-franchise-history%7Cpublisher=Hot Hot Hoops|access-date=May 27, 2017|date=February 5, 2012|archive-date=September 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928102821/https://www.hothothoops.com/2012/2/5/2773833/heat-top-raptors-tie-best-start-in-franchise-history%7Curl-status=dead}}</ref> James was eventually named MVP for the third time.<ref name="FMVP2">{{#invoke:cite|news|title=LeBron James wins 3rd NBA MVP award|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-400_162-57433236/lebron-james-wins-3rd-nba-mvp-award/%7Cpublisher=CBS News|access-date=June 22, 2012|agency=Associated Press|date=May 12, 2012|archive-date=June 28, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120628135928/http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-400_162-57433236/lebron-james-wins-3rd-nba-mvp-award/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>
In the second round of the playoffs, Miami temporarily lost Bosh to an abdominal injury and found themselves trailing the Indiana Pacers 2–1.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Windhorst |first=Brian |date=May 17, 2012|agency=Associated Press |title=Roy Hibbert scores 19 and adds 18 boards as Pacers pound Heat |url=http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=320517011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312083131/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=320517011 |archive-date=March 12, 2018 |access-date=March 11, 2018 |publisher=ESPN}}</ref> James responded with a 40-point, 18-rebound, and nine-assist outing in Game 4 to help even the series.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/43251/james%E2%80%99-box-score-gem-powers-heat%7Ctitle=James' box score gem powers Heat|publisher=ESPN|date=May 20, 2012|access-date=December 22, 2021|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222175134/https://www.espn.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/43251/james%E2%80%99-box-score-gem-powers-heat%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> To compensate for Bosh's absence, the Heat embraced a small-ball lineup with James at power forward, which they retained even after Bosh's return in the conference finals against the Boston Celtics.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Windhorst|first=Brian|title=LeBron eyeing 'point power forward' role?|date=September 29, 2012|publisher=ESPN|url=http://www.espn.com/blog/truehoop/miamiheat/post/_/id/15258/heat-eying-point-forward-role-for-lebron%7Carchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629102746/http://www.espn.com/blog/truehoop/miamiheat/post/_/id/15258/heat-eying-point-forward-role-for-lebron%7Carchive-date=June 29, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Vardon|first=Joe|title=LeBron James is embracing playing power forward for the Cavaliers like never before|date=March 5, 2016|website=cleveland.com|url=https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2016/03/lebron_james_is_embracing_play.html%7Carchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701110301/http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2016/03/lebron_james_is_embracing_play.html%7Carchive-date=July 1, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Facing elimination in Game 6, James recorded 45 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Heat to victory in what The New York Times called a "career-defining performance".<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/08/sports/basketball/james-leads-heat-to-game-7-against-celtics.html%7Ctitle=James Takes Game 6 Personally|newspaper=The New York Times|date=June 7, 2012|last=Beck|first=Howard|access-date=March 10, 2018|archive-date=January 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115142526/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/08/sports/basketball/james-leads-heat-to-game-7-against-celtics.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> Miami won Game 7 to advance to the Finals, earning them a matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder and James' budding rival Kevin Durant.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Abdul-Jabbar|first=Kareem|title=Finals take edge off season's start|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2012/story/_/id/8047973/2012-nba-finals-great-matchup-heat-thunder-lebron-james-kevin-durant%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=March 11, 2018|date=June 13, 2012|archive-date=March 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312083135/http://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2012/story/_/id/8047973/2012-nba-finals-great-matchup-heat-thunder-lebron-james-kevin-durant%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> Late in Game 4 of the series, James hit a three-pointer to give the Heat a lead, helping them win the game despite missing time with leg cramps.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|agency=Associated Press|title=Heat overcome Russell Westbrook's 43 points, take 3–1 Finals lead|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=320619014%7Cwebsite=ESPN%7Caccess-date=December 22, 2021|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222175142/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=320619014%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> In Game 5, he registered a triple-double as Miami defeated Oklahoma City for their second-ever championship and James' first championship.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|agency=Associated Press|title=LeBron James, Heat dominate Thunder to win NBA championship|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=320621014%7Cwebsite=ESPN%7Caccess-date=December 22, 2021|date=June 22, 2012|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222175130/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=320621014%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> James was unanimously voted the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player with averages of 28.6 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Washburn|first=Gary|title=MVP clear choice|url=http://archive.boston.com/sports/basketball/articles/2012/06/22/lebron_james_win_nba_finals_mvp/%7Cnewspaper=The Boston Globe|access-date=December 22, 2021|date=June 22, 2012|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222185855/http://archive.boston.com/sports/basketball/articles/2012/06/22/lebron_james_win_nba_finals_mvp/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> His full postseason run, in which James averaged 30.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, was later ranked the second best in modern NBA history by ESPN.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Pelton|first=Kevin|title=Best playoff runs: Players 1–5|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2013/story/_/id/9357345/greatest-individual-postseasons-1-5%7Cwebsite=ESPN Insider|publisher=ESPN|access-date=May 21, 2017|date=June 10, 2013|archive-date=September 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907080703/http://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2013/story/_/id/9357345/greatest-individual-postseasons-1-5%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>
In February of the 2012–13 season, James averaged 29.7 points and 7.8 assists per game while setting multiple shooting efficiency records.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=LeBron James sets NBA record in Heat's win against Blazers|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278490%7Cwebsite=ESPN%7Caccess-date=December 22, 2021|date=February 13, 2013|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222175123/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278490%7Curl-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/dailydime/_/page/weekenddime-130301-02/weekend-dime|title=Weekend Dime|publisher=ESPN|date=March 1, 2013|access-date=December 22, 2021|last=Stein|first=Marc|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222175150/http://www.espn.com/nba/dailydime/_/page/weekenddime-130301-02/weekend-dime%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> That same month, the Heat also began a 27-game winning streak, which is the third longest in NBA history.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Jhabvala|first=Nicki|title=Timeline of the Miami Heat's Winning Streak|url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2013/03/27/sports/basketball/miami-heat-winning-streak-timeline.html%7Cnewspaper=The New York Times|access-date=March 26, 2018|archive-date=March 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327084651/http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2013/03/27/sports/basketball/miami-heat-winning-streak-timeline.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> Based on these accomplishments, James' performance was described as a "month for the ages" by Sports Illustrated.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> Miami eventually finished the year with a franchise and league best 66–16 record,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Miami Heat Franchise Index|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MIA/%7Cwebsite=Basketball Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=August 18, 2014|archive-date=February 24, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110224232607/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MIA/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> and James was named MVP for the fourth time, falling just one vote shy of becoming the first player in NBA history to win the award unanimously.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=http://www.nba.com/2013/news/05/05/lebron-james-wins-mvp.ap/%7Cwebsite=NBA.com%7Caccess-date=March 26, 2018|date=May 6, 2013|agency=Associated Press|title=James wins 4th Kia MVP award in near unanimous vote|archive-date=March 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318001244/http://www.nba.com/2013/news/05/05/lebron-james-wins-mvp.ap/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>
In Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, James scored a buzzer-beating layup to give Miami a one-point victory against the Pacers.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400466594%7Ctitle=LeBron James' layup as time expires in OT lifts Heat past Pacers|website=ESPN|date=May 22, 2013|agency=Associated Press|access-date=December 22, 2021|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222175142/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400466594%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> Throughout the series, his supporting cast struggled significantly, and his added scoring load prompted James to compare his responsibilities to those of his "Cleveland days". Despite these struggles, the Heat advanced to the Finals for a meeting with the San Antonio Spurs,<ref name=2013playoffs>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=2013 NBA Playoffs Summary|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2013.html%7Cwebsite=Basketball Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=May 26, 2013|archive-date=June 20, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130620111427/http://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2013.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> signifying a rematch for James from his first Finals six years earlier.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Golliver|first=Ben|title=Heat's LeBron James eyes Finals rematch with Spurs: 'I'm a much better player'|url=https://www.si.com/nba/2013/06/04/heats-lebron-james-eyes-finals-rematch-with-spurs-im-a-much-better-player%7Cmagazine=Sports Illustrated|date=June 4, 2013 |access-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608061314/http://nba.si.com/2013/06/04/heats-lebron-james-eyes-finals-rematch-with-spurs-im-a-much-better-player/%7Carchive-date=June 8, 2013}}</ref> At the beginning of the series, he was criticized for his lack of aggressiveness and poor shot selection as Miami fell behind 2–3.<ref name=ap_06082013/><ref name=2013playoffs/><ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Pelton|first=Kevin|title=What's wrong with LeBron James?|url=http://insider.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2013/story/_/page/PerDiem-130612/2013-nba-playoffs-wrong-lebron-james%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=December 22, 2021|website=ESPN Insider|date=June 12, 2013|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222175133/http://insider.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2013/story/_/page/PerDiem-130612/2013-nba-playoffs-wrong-lebron-james%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> In Game 6, James recorded his second triple-double of the series, including 16 fourth quarter points, to lead the Heat to a comeback victory.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=Ray Allen's late 3 forces OT, Heat edge Spurs to force Game 7|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400467338%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=December 22, 2021|agency=Associated Press|date=June 18, 2013|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222175132/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400467338%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> In Game 7, he tied the Finals record for most points scored in a Game 7 victory, leading Miami over San Antonio with 37 points.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2013/story/_/id/9409188/2013-nba-finals-lebron-james-named-nba-finals-mvp%7Ctitle=LeBron James named Finals MVP|date=June 20, 2013|publisher=ESPN|access-date=December 22, 2021|archive-date=December 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211215728/https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2013/story/_/id/9409188/2013-nba-finals-lebron-james-named-nba-finals-mvp%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> James was named Finals MVP for the second straight season, averaging 25.3 points, 10.9 rebounds, 7.0 assists, and 2.3 steals per game for the championship round.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=2013 NBA Finals Composite Box Score|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2013_finals.html%7Cwebsite=Basketball Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=June 22, 2013|archive-date=March 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210313180414/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2013_finals.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>
2013–2014: Final season in Miami
On March 3 of the 2013–14 season, James scored a career-high and franchise-record 61 points in a game against the Charlotte Bobcats.<ref name=61pts>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=LeBron James' 61 points in win set career, Heat records|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400489766%7Cwebsite=ESPN%7Caccess-date=December 22, 2021|agency=Associated Press|date=March 4, 2014|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222175149/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400489766%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> He converted on his first eight three-point field goal attempts through three quarters, setting a new record for the most three-point field goals made in a 60-point game. James also set the record for most points in a single game while wearing a mask. Throughout the year, he was one of the few staples for a Heat roster that used 20 different starting lineups due to injuries.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=Pacers get top seed in East as short-handed Heat fall to Wizards|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?id=400490079%7Cwebsite=ESPN%7Caccess-date=May 25, 2014|agency=Associated Press|date=April 15, 2014|archive-date=January 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170127010422/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?id=400490079%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> In the second round of the playoffs, James tied a career postseason-high by scoring 49 points in Game 4 against the Brooklyn Nets.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Richardson's take: Heat 102, Nets 96|url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/fl-xpm-2014-05-12-fl-heat-nets-quick-take-0513-20140512-story.html%7Cwebsite=South Florida Sun-Sentinel|access-date=December 22, 2021|last=Richardson|first=Shandel|date=May 12, 2014|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222175132/https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/fl-xpm-2014-05-12-fl-heat-nets-quick-take-0513-20140512-story.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> In the next round, Miami defeated the Pacers to earn their fourth consecutive Finals berth, becoming one of only four teams in NBA history to do so.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Windhorst|first=Brian|title=Legacy grows for Miami's Big 3|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2014/story/_/id/11011357/nba-playoffs-miami-heat-big-3-add-legacy%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=December 22, 2021|date=June 6, 2014|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222175135/https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2014/story/_/id/11011357/nba-playoffs-miami-heat-big-3-add-legacy%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> In Game 1 of the NBA Finals, James missed most of the fourth quarter because of leg cramps, helping the San Antonio Spurs take an early series lead.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Young|first=Royce|title=Air conditioning goes out in Game 1|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2014/story/_/id/11039853/2014-nba-finals-lebron-james-exits-game-1-loss-thigh-cramp-c-fails%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=December 22, 2021|date=June 6, 2014|archive-date=June 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140607002907/http://espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2014/story/_/id/11039853/2014-nba-finals-lebron-james-exits-game-1-loss-thigh-cramp-c-fails%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> In Game 2, he led the Heat to a series-tying victory with 35 points on a 64 percent shooting rate.<ref name=35pts>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=LeBron James leads all scorers with 35 points as Heat take Game 2|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400559375%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=December 22, 2021|date=June 9, 2014|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=June 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140616024634/http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400559375%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> San Antonio eventually eliminated the Heat in five games, ending Miami's quest for a three-peat.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=Spurs shake early deficit to snuff out Heat and win 5th NBA title|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400559378%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=December 22, 2021|date=June 16, 2014|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=June 17, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140617112010/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400559378%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> For the Finals, James averaged 28.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game.<ref name=2014F>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=2014 NBA Finals|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2014_finals.html%7Cwebsite=Basketball Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=June 21, 2014|archive-date=March 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210328063402/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2014_finals.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>
Return to Cleveland (2014–2018)
On June 25, 2014, James opted out of his contract with the Heat, and on July 1, he officially became an unrestricted free agent.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/truehoop/miamiheat/story/_/id/11127329/lebron-james-opt-contract-miami-heat%7Ctitle=LeBron James will opt out of contract|publisher=ESPN|date=June 24, 2014|access-date=December 22, 2021|last=Broussard|first=Chris|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222175128/https://www.espn.com/nba/truehoop/miamiheat/story/_/id/11127329/lebron-james-opt-contract-miami-heat%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> On July 11, James revealed via a first-person essay in Sports Illustrated that he intended to return to the Cavaliers.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/cavaliers/2014/07/11/lebron-james-return-cleveland-cavaliers-contract-miami-heat/12444643/%7Ctitle=LeBron James rejoins Cleveland Cavaliers in free agency|newspaper=USA Today|date=July 11, 2014|access-date=July 11, 2014|last1=Amick|first1=Sam|last2=Zillgitt|first2=Jeff|archive-date=July 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140711182916/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/cavaliers/2014/07/11/lebron-james-return-cleveland-cavaliers-contract-miami-heat/12444643/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> In contrast to The Decision, his announcement to return to Cleveland was well received.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Levin|first=Josh|title=Nice Rebound!|url=http://www.slate.com/articles/sports/sports_nut/2014/07/lebron_james_cleveland_his_2014_announcement_was_everything_his_2010_decision.html%7Cmagazine=Slate%7Cdate=July 11, 2014|access-date=July 13, 2014|archive-date=June 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617093842/http://www.slate.com/articles/sports/sports_nut/2014/07/lebron_james_cleveland_his_2014_announcement_was_everything_his_2010_decision.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Simmons|first=Bill|title=God Loves Cleveland|url=http://grantland.com/features/god-loves-cleveland/%7Cwebsite=Grantland%7Cdate=July 11, 2014|access-date=July 13, 2014|archive-date=June 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603105538/http://grantland.com/features/god-loves-cleveland/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Lowe|first=Zach|title=The Decision 2.0: OK, What's Next?|url=http://grantland.com/the-triangle/lebron-james-cleveland-cavaliers-aftermath-miami-heat/%7Cwebsite=Grantland%7Cdate=July 11, 2014|access-date=July 13, 2014|archive-date=December 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214091730/http://grantland.com/the-triangle/lebron-james-cleveland-cavaliers-aftermath-miami-heat/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> The next day, James officially signed with the team on a two-year, $42.1 million contract,<ref name="LeBron deal has eye on future cap">{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Windhorst|first=Brian|title=LeBron deal has eye on future cap|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/11207703/lebron-james-deal-cleveland-cavaliers-2-years-421-million%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=December 22, 2021|date=July 12, 2014|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222182041/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/11207703/lebron-james-deal-cleveland-cavaliers-2-years-421-million%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> marking his return to the team who had compiled a league-worst 97–215 record in the four seasons following his departure.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=LeBron to Cleveland: I'm coming home|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/chi-lebron-james-cleveland-20140711-story.html |website=Chicago Tribune|access-date=April 26, 2017|agency=Bloomberg News|archive-date=November 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116142150/https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/chi-lebron-james-cleveland-20140711-story.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> A month after James' signing, the Cavaliers acquired Kevin Love from the Minnesota Timberwolves, forming a new star trio along with Kyrie Irving.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Kevin Love traded to Cavaliers|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/11397368/kevin-love-traded-minnesota-timberwolves-cleveland-cavaliers%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=December 22, 2021|date=August 23, 2014|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222175126/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/11397368/kevin-love-traded-minnesota-timberwolves-cleveland-cavaliers%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> James switched back to No. 23 upon his return to Cleveland.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2014–2016: Ending Cleveland's championship drought
.jpg)
In January of the 2014–2015 season, James missed two weeks due to left knee and lower back strains, which at the time represented the longest stretch of missed games in his career.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Feldman|first=Dan|title=LeBron James out two weeks with multiple injuries|url=https://nba.nbcsports.com/2015/01/01/lebron-james-out-two-weeks-with-multiple-injuries/%7Cpublisher=NBC Sports|access-date=December 22, 2021|date=January 1, 2015|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222175121/https://nba.nbcsports.com/2015/01/01/lebron-james-out-two-weeks-with-multiple-injuries/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> In the second round of the playoffs, he hit a baseline jumper at the buzzer to give Cleveland a 2–2 series tie with the Chicago Bulls.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=LeBron James hits buzzer beater as Cavaliers edge Bulls|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/james-hits-buzzer-beater-lift-cavs-past-bulls-230515268--nba.html%7Cwebsite=Yahoo Sports|access-date=May 10, 2015|date=May 11, 2015|agency=Agence France-Presse|archive-date=July 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701100532/https://sports.yahoo.com/news/james-hits-buzzer-beater-lift-cavs-past-bulls-230515268--nba.html%7Curl-status=dead}}</ref> In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Cavaliers defeated the Atlanta Hawks to advance to the NBA Finals, making James the first player since the 1960s to play in five consecutive Finals.<ref name=Finals5/> For most of the Finals against the Golden State Warriors, Irving and Love were sidelined due to injury, giving James more offensive responsibilities.<ref name=Finals5>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Moore|first=Matt|title=The crown is forever heavy: LeBron James and his Finals legacy|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/the-crown-is-forever-heavy-lebron-james-and-his-finals-legacy/%7Cwork=CBS Sports|date=May 29, 2015|access-date=December 22, 2021|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222181829/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/the-crown-is-forever-heavy-lebron-james-and-his-finals-legacy/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> Behind his leadership, the Cavaliers opened the series with a 2–1 lead before losing in six games.<ref name=2015Finals>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=2015 NBA Finals|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2015-nba-finals-cavaliers-vs-warriors.html%7Cwebsite=Basketball Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=June 18, 2015|archive-date=January 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160116105920/http://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2015-nba-finals-cavaliers-vs-warriors.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> Despite the loss, he received serious consideration for the Finals MVP Award,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Neck and neck: Just how close was Finals MVP voting?|url=http://www.foxsports.com/nba/story/andre-iguodala-wins-finals-mvp-lebron-james-7-4-vote-total-golden-state-warriors-champs-061615%7Cwork=Fox Sports|access-date=July 24, 2016|date=June 17, 2015|archive-date=December 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191212201052/https://www.foxsports.com/nba/story/andre-iguodala-wins-finals-mvp-lebron-james-7-4-vote-total-golden-state-warriors-champs-061615%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> averaging 35.8 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game.<ref name=2015Finals/>
In the 2015 offseason, James declined his $21.5 million player option and re-signed on a two-year, $46.9 million contract that again carried a second year player option.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
During the 2015–16 season, James was criticized for his role in several off-court controversies, including the midseason firing of Cavaliers' coach David Blatt.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Windhorst|first=Brian|title=For NBA coaches, is LeBron James really a big professional hazard?|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14663758/windhorst-lebron-coach-killer%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=December 22, 2021|date=January 28, 2016|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222175154/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14663758/windhorst-lebron-coach-killer%7Curl-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last1=McMenamin |first1=Dave |last2=Walks |first2=Matt |date=March 22, 2016 |title=LeBron not interested in discussing whether he unfollowed Cavs |url=https://www.espn.com/sportsnation/story/_/id/15039111/lebron-james-not-interested-discussing-whether-unfollowed-cavs-twitter |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222175139/https://www.espn.com/sportsnation/story/_/id/15039111/lebron-james-not-interested-discussing-whether-unfollowed-cavs-twitter |archive-date=December 22, 2021 |access-date=December 22, 2021 |publisher=ESPN}}</ref> Despite these distractions, Cleveland finished the year with 57 wins and the best record in the East.<ref name="2016season">{{#invoke:cite|web|title=2015–16 NBA Season Summary|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2016.html%7Cwebsite=Basketball Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=June 22, 2016|archive-date=April 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401172000/https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2016.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> In the playoffs, the Cavaliers advanced comfortably to the NBA Finals, losing only two games en route to a rematch with the Golden State Warriors,<ref name=2016season/> who were coming off a record-setting 73-win season.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Chase for 73: Warriors one for the ages now|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14329436/nba-golden-state-warriors-surpass-1995-96-chicago-bulls%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=December 22, 2021|date=April 7, 2016|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222175138/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14329436/nba-golden-state-warriors-surpass-1995-96-chicago-bulls%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>
To begin the series, Cleveland fell behind 3–1, including two blowout losses.<ref name="2016finals">{{#invoke:cite|web|title=2016 NBA Finals|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2016-nba-finals-cavaliers-vs-warriors.html%7Cwebsite=Basketball Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=June 22, 2016|archive-date=June 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606060429/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2016-nba-finals-cavaliers-vs-warriors.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> James responded by registering back-to-back 41-point games in Games 5 and 6, leading the Cavaliers to two consecutive wins to stave off elimination.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Azande|first=J. A.|title=LeBron James' transcendent performance sets Game 7 stage|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2016/story/_/id/16270831/lebron-james-giant-night-sets-stage-game-7%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=December 22, 2021|date=June 17, 2016|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222175137/https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2016/story/_/id/16270831/lebron-james-giant-night-sets-stage-game-7%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> In Game 7, he posted a triple-double and made a number of key plays, including a chasedown block on Andre Iguodala's go-ahead layup attempt,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=McMenamin|first=Dave|title=When LeBron swooped in and changed the course of Cavs' history|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2016/story/_/id/16544563/nba-finals-2016-oral-history-lebron-chasedown-block%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=December 22, 2021|date=June 27, 2016|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222175130/https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2016/story/_/id/16544563/nba-finals-2016-oral-history-lebron-chasedown-block%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> as Cleveland emerged victorious, winning the city's first professional sports title in 52 years and becoming the first team in NBA history to come back from a 3–1 series deficit in the Finals.<ref name="Bontemps 2016">{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Bontemps|first=Tim|title=Cavaliers end over 50 years of Cleveland sports heartbreak with first NBA championship|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/cavaliers-beat-warriors-in-game-7-of-nba-finals-win-franchises-first-title/2016/06/19/e33bbfdc-366c-11e6-a254-2b336e293a3c_story.html%7Cnewspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=June 22, 2016|date=June 19, 2016|archive-date=January 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117233838/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/cavaliers-beat-warriors-in-game-7-of-nba-finals-win-franchises-first-title/2016/06/19/e33bbfdc-366c-11e6-a254-2b336e293a3c_story.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> James became just the third player to record a triple-double in an NBA Finals Game 7,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=LeBron James wins NBA Finals MVP for 3rd time|url=http://www.nba.com/2016/news/06/19/lebron-james-finals-mvp.ap/index.html%7Cagency=Associated Press|website=NBA.com|date=June 19, 2016|access-date=June 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160621054930/http://www.nba.com/2016/news/06/19/lebron-james-finals-mvp.ap/index.html%7Carchive-date=June 21, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> and behind series averages of 29.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, 8.9 assists, 2.3 blocks, and 2.6 steals per game,<ref name="2016finals"/> he also became the first player in league history to lead both teams in all five statistical categories for a playoff round, culminating in a unanimous Finals MVP selection.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Feldman |first=Dan |date=June 20, 2016 |title=LeBron James becomes first player on record to lead series in points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks |url=http://nba.nbcsports.com/2016/06/20/lebron-james-becomes-first-player-on-record-to-lead-series-in-points-rebounds-assists-steals-and-blocks/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531224747/https://nba.nbcsports.com/2016/06/20/lebron-james-becomes-first-player-on-record-to-lead-series-in-points-rebounds-assists-steals-and-blocks/ |archive-date=May 31, 2023 |access-date=June 22, 2016 |publisher=NBC Sports}}</ref>
2016–2018: End of second stint in Cleveland
Following the championship, James again opted out of his contract and re-signed with the Cavaliers, this time on a three-year, $100 million contract, in which the final year was a player option.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The 2016–17 season was marred by injuries and unexpected losses for the Cavaliers;<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=McMenamin|first=Dave|title='Fantasy' no more: LeBron James gives Cavs' season a wake-up call|url=http://www.espn.com/blog/cleveland-cavaliers/post/_/id/3553/fantasy-no-more-lebron-james-gives-cavs-season-a-wake-up-call%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=April 24, 2017|date=January 26, 2017|archive-date=April 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170424174458/http://www.espn.com/blog/cleveland-cavaliers/post/_/id/3553/fantasy-no-more-lebron-james-gives-cavs-season-a-wake-up-call%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> James later described it as one of the "strangest" years of his career.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Vardon|first=Joe|title=LeBron James posts second straight triple-double, Cavs snap three-game skid 116–104 over Magic|url=https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2017/03/lebron_james_tristan_thompson_12.html%7Cwebsite=Cleveland.com%7Caccess-date=December 22, 2021|date=March 12, 2017|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222175121/https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2017/03/lebron_james_tristan_thompson_12.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> Following a January defeat to the New Orleans Pelicans, James publicly criticized Cleveland's front office for constructing a team that he felt was too "top heavy", for which he received countercriticism.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Joseph|first=Adi|title=Cavs should send LeBron on in-season vacation after latest rant|url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2017/01/lebron-james-break-vacation-cavaliers-cleveland-complaints%7Cnewspaper=USA Today|access-date=April 24, 2017|date=January 24, 2017|archive-date=April 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170424085820/http://ftw.usatoday.com/2017/01/lebron-james-break-vacation-cavaliers-cleveland-complaints%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> The Cavaliers finished the season as the East's second seed, with James averaging 26.4 points and career highs in rebounds (8.6), assists (8.7), and turnovers (4.1) per game.<ref name=Reference/> In Game 3 of the first round of the playoffs, he registered 41 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists against the Indiana Pacers, leading Cleveland to a comeback victory after trailing by 25 points at halftime, representing the largest halftime deficit overcome in NBA playoff history.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=McMenamin|first=Dave|title=LeBron James leads Cleveland to historic comeback win|url=http://www.espn.com/blog/cleveland-cavaliers/post/_/id/3980/lebron-james-leads-cleveland-to-historic-comeback-win%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=April 24, 2017|date=April 21, 2017|archive-date=April 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170424021220/http://www.espn.com/blog/cleveland-cavaliers/post/_/id/3980/lebron-james-leads-cleveland-to-historic-comeback-win%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> In Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics, James scored 35 points and surpassed Jordan as the league's all-time postseason scoring leader.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=James passes Jordan, Cavs back in Finals with 135–102 win|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400953698%7Cpublisher=ESPN|date=May 25, 2017|access-date=May 25, 2017|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=May 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170526150458/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400953698%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> The Cavaliers won the game and the series, advancing to the NBA Finals for the third consecutive time against the Golden State Warriors, who had signed James' rival Kevin Durant during the off-season.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Maloney|first=Jack|title=Cavaliers set for third straight NBA Finals vs. Warriors after bouncing Celtics|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/cavaliers-head-to-third-straight-finals-after-eliminating-celtics-in-game-5/%7Cwork=CBS Sports|access-date=August 5, 2017|date=May 26, 2017|archive-date=August 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806060959/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/cavaliers-head-to-third-straight-finals-after-eliminating-celtics-in-game-5/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> Behind averages of 33.6 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 10.0 assists per game, James became the first player to average a triple-double in the Finals, but Cleveland was defeated in five games.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=LeBron James Becomes 1st Player to Average Triple-Double in NBA Finals History|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2715326-lebron-james-becomes-1st-player-to-average-triple-double-in-nba-finals-history%7Cwebsite=Bleacher Report|date=June 13, 2017|access-date=June 13, 2017|last=Zucker|first=Joseph|archive-date=June 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170613065935/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2715326-lebron-james-becomes-1st-player-to-average-triple-double-in-nba-finals-history%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>
.jpg)
Prior to the start of the 2017–18 season, the Cavaliers overhauled their roster by trading Kyrie Irving to the Boston Celtics, who requested a trade in part because he no longer wanted to play with James.<ref name="Kyrie">{{#invoke:cite|web|last=West|first=Jenna|title=Report: Kyrie Irving Never Wanted LeBron James to Return to the Cavaliers|url=https://www.si.com/nba/2018/07/06/kyrie-irving-did-not-want-lebron-james-cleveland-cavaliers-return-asked-trade%7Caccess-date=August 15, 2018|date=July 6, 2018|magazine=Sports Illustrated|archive-date=August 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816025630/https://www.si.com/nba/2018/07/06/kyrie-irving-did-not-want-lebron-james-cleveland-cavaliers-return-asked-trade%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> After a slow start to the year, Cleveland rebounded by winning 18 of 19 games in December.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=In special shoes, LeBron's triple-double leads Cavs past Wiz|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/id/400975191%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=August 15, 2018|date=December 17, 2017|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=August 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816025535/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/id/400975191%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> Their turnaround began with a victory over the Wizards on November 3 where James scored 57 points, which represented the second-highest point total of his career and tied a franchise record.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=LeBron James scores 57, Cavaliers top Wiz 130–122, end skid|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400974873%7Cpublisher=ESPN|date=November 3, 2017|access-date=November 3, 2017|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=November 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171105061018/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400974873%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> In January, the Cavaliers had a losing record, and James was criticized for his lackluster effort.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Vejar|first=Alex|title=LeBron James finished January with worst plus-minus of his career|url=https://clutchpoints.com/cavs-news-lebron-james-finished-january-with-worst-plus-minus-of-his-career/%7Cwebsite=ClutchPoints%7Caccess-date=August 15, 2018|date=February 1, 2018|archive-date=August 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816025634/https://clutchpoints.com/cavs-news-lebron-james-finished-january-with-worst-plus-minus-of-his-career/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> The next month, James won his third All-Star Game MVP Award, after posting 29 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, and several key plays to help Team LeBron win over Team Curry.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=McMenamin|first=Dave|date=February 19, 2018|title=LeBron James scores 29, wins his third career All-Star Game MVP|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/22497256/cleveland-cavaliers-lebron-james-named-2018-all-star-game-mvp%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=May 27, 2021|archive-date=July 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210706225905/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/22497256/cleveland-cavaliers-lebron-james-named-2018-all-star-game-mvp%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> Following another round of trades in February, Cleveland returned to form and James reached a number of historical milestones; on March 30, he set an NBA record with 867 straight games scoring in double digits.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=LeBron breaks Jordan record as Cavs down Pelicans 107–102|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975877%7Cpublisher=ESPN|date=March 30, 2018|access-date=March 30, 2018|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=April 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401003544/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975877%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> James eventually finished the season with averages of 27.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, 9.2 assists, and 4.2 turnovers per game.<ref name=Reference/>
In the playoffs, James guided the Cavaliers to another Finals rematch with the Golden State Warriors.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Golen |first=Jimmy |date=May 27, 2018 |title=LeBron James reaches eighth straight NBA Finals as Cavaliers beat Celtics 87–79 in Game 7 |work=Chicago Tribune |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/ct-spt-lebron-james-cavaliers-celtics-20180527-story.html |url-status=live |access-date=August 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180809114926/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/ct-spt-lebron-james-cavaliers-celtics-20180527-story.html |archive-date=August 9, 2018}}</ref> Along the way, he had some of the most memorable moments of his career, including a game-winning shot against the Pacers and another against the Raptors, after which a new nickname, "LeBronto" was popularized.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=LeBron James' career playoffs buzzer-beaters|url=http://www.nba.com/article/2018/04/26/lebron-james-career-playoff-buzzer-beaters%7Cwebsite=NBA.com%7Caccess-date=August 15, 2018|date=May 6, 2018|archive-date=August 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815233023/http://www.nba.com/article/2018/04/26/lebron-james-career-playoff-buzzer-beaters%7Curl-status=live}}</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In Game 1 of the NBA Finals, James scored a playoff career-high 51 points, but Cleveland lost 124–114 in overtime.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=Warriors withstand James' 51 points to win NBA Finals Game 1|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401034613%7Cpublisher=ESPN|date=May 31, 2018|access-date=May 31, 2018|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=June 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180607183351/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401034613%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> Following the loss, James injured his hand after punching a wall in the locker room, which hindered his effectiveness for the remainder of the series.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last1=McMenamin|first1=Dave|last2=Windhorst|first2=Brian|title=LeBron James says he 'pretty much played the last three games with a broken hand'|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/23739593/lebron-james-cleveland-cavaliers-played-significant-hand-injury%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=August 15, 2018|date=June 9, 2018|archive-date=July 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711031704/http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/23739593/lebron-james-cleveland-cavaliers-played-significant-hand-injury%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> The Cavaliers lost the series in four games, with James averaging 34 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 10.0 assists per game for the Finals.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=2018 NBA Finals – Cavaliers vs. Warriors|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2018-nba-finals-cavaliers-vs-warriors.html%7Cwebsite=Basketball Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=August 15, 2018|archive-date=June 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180610004347/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2018-nba-finals-cavaliers-vs-warriors.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>
Los Angeles Lakers (2018–present)
2018–2019: Injury and playoff miss
On June 29, 2018, James opted out of his contract with the Cavaliers and became an unrestricted free agent.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Maloney|first=Jack|title=LeBron James opts out of Cavaliers contract and hits NBA free agency, report says|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lebron-james-opts-out-of-cavaliers-contract-and-hits-nba-free-agency-report-says/%7Cwork=CBS Sports|access-date=August 16, 2018|date=June 29, 2018|archive-date=August 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816230602/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lebron-james-opts-out-of-cavaliers-contract-and-hits-nba-free-agency-report-says/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> Two days later, his management company, Klutch Sports, announced that he would sign with the Los Angeles Lakers on a four-year, $153.5 million contract;<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=LeBron James agrees to four-year, $154-million contract with Los Angeles Lakers|url=http://www.nba.com/article/2018/07/01/lebron-james-agrees-four-year-deal-los-angeles-lakers%7Cwebsite=NBA.com%7Caccess-date=July 3, 2018|date=July 1, 2018|archive-date=July 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705053620/http://www.nba.com/article/2018/07/01/lebron-james-agrees-four-year-deal-los-angeles-lakers%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> the deal was officially completed on July 9.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://www.nba.com/lakers/releases/180709-lakers-sign-lebron-james%7Ctitle=Lakers Sign LeBron James|website=NBA.com|date=July 9, 2018|access-date=July 9, 2018|archive-date=July 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727214915/https://www.nba.com/lakers/releases/180709-lakers-sign-lebron-james%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> In an interview with Sports Illustrated, James' agent Rich Paul explained: "In 2010, when he went to Miami, it was about championships. In 2014, when he went back to Cleveland, it was about delivering on a promise. In 2018, it was just about doing what he wants to do."<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Jenkins|first=Lee|title=Fit for the King: LeBron James and the Lakers Form Hollywood's Ultimate Marriage|url=https://www.si.com/nba/2018/07/11/lebron-james-lakers-cavaliers-heat-rich-paul-magic-johnson-rajon-rondo%7Caccess-date=August 16, 2018|date=July 11, 2018|magazine=Sports Illustrated|archive-date=August 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180817023029/https://www.si.com/nba/2018/07/11/lebron-james-lakers-cavaliers-heat-rich-paul-magic-johnson-rajon-rondo%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> Reaction to the move was more positive than his original departure from the Cavaliers, albeit still mixed, as some onlookers felt that Los Angeles was not his optimal destination.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last1=McMenamin|first1=Dave|last2=Youngmisuk|first2=Ohm|title='They just had to not f--- it up': The NBA's mixed reaction to the Lakers landing LeBron James|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/24072900/the-wide-ranging-reaction-lebron-james-leaving-cleveland-cavaliers-los-angeles-lakers-nba%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=August 16, 2018|date=July 29, 2018|archive-date=August 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815182710/http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/24072900/the-wide-ranging-reaction-lebron-james-leaving-cleveland-cavaliers-los-angeles-lakers-nba%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>
The Lakers expected James to immediately transform them into a championship contender after having missed the playoffs since 2014 and not appearing in the Finals since 2010.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last1=Rogers|first1=Martin|last2=Zillgitt|first2=Jeff|title=What went wrong for LeBron James, Lakers in Year 1?|date=March 13, 2019|work=USA Today|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2019/03/13/lebron-james-lakers-nba-postseason-what-went-wrong/3099129002/%7Caccess-date=October 8, 2020|archive-date=October 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010004717/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2019/03/13/lebron-james-lakers-nba-postseason-what-went-wrong/3099129002/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|first=Calum|last=Trenaman|title=NBA Finals: LeBron James finding new ways to define greatness|date=September 30, 2020|website=CNN|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/09/29/sport/nba-finals-lebron-james-los-angeles-lakers-nba-finals-spt-intl/index.html%7Caccess-date=October 8, 2020|archive-date=October 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008051527/https://edition.cnn.com/2020/09/29/sport/nba-finals-lebron-james-los-angeles-lakers-nba-finals-spt-intl/index.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> Following his signing, the team rounded out their roster with a controversial collection of playmakers and veterans. To begin the 2018–19 season, the Lakers struggled to find effective lineups and recorded only two wins through their first seven games.<ref name="Wasted">{{#invoke:cite|web|last=McMenamin|first=Dave|title=How the Lakers wasted Year 1 of LeBron|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/26335718/how-lakers-wasted-year-1-lebron%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=July 14, 2019|date=April 9, 2019|archive-date=July 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714011148/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/26335718/how-lakers-wasted-year-1-lebron%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> In November, they began a turnaround, which included two of James' strongest performances of the season. On November 14, he registered 44 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists in a victory against the Portland Trail Blazers.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=LeBron James passes Wilt Chamberlain for fifth on NBA's all-time scoring list|url=http://www.nba.com/article/2018/11/15/lebron-james-wilt-chamberlain-all-time-nba-scoring-list%7Cwebsite=NBA.com%7Caccess-date=November 15, 2018|date=November 15, 2019|archive-date=November 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181115154045/http://www.nba.com/article/2018/11/15/lebron-james-wilt-chamberlain-all-time-nba-scoring-list%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> Four days later, James scored a season-high 51 points in a victory over the Heat.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401070916%7Ctitle=LeBron James scores 51 points, Lakers roll past Heat 113–97|publisher=ESPN|date=November 18, 2018|access-date=November 19, 2018|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=November 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119084443/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401070916%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> After blowing out the Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day, Los Angeles improved their record to 20–14, but James suffered a groin injury,<ref name=ap_01312019/> the first major injury of his career.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|first=Ben|last=Golliver|title=First LeBron James, now Anthony Davis: The time to pity the Lakers has passed|date=June 15, 2019|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nba/first-lebron-james-now-anthony-davis-the-time-to-pity-the-lakers-has-passed/2019/06/15/71aaaddc-8fc0-11e9-8f69-a2795fca3343_story.html%7Caccess-date=October 8, 2020|archive-date=July 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715040400/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nba/first-lebron-james-now-anthony-davis-the-time-to-pity-the-lakers-has-passed/2019/06/15/71aaaddc-8fc0-11e9-8f69-a2795fca3343_story.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> James missed a then career-high 17 consecutive games, and the Lakers fell out of playoff contention without him,<ref name=ap_01312019>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401071442%7Ctitle=With LeBron back, Lakers outlast Clippers in OT 123–120|publisher=ESPN|date=January 31, 2019|access-date=February 1, 2019|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=February 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202041704/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401071442%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> marking the first time that James missed the playoffs since 2005.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/los-angeles-lakers-eliminated-nba-playoffs-brooklyn-nets-dangelo-russell-050319377.html%7Ctitle=Lakers officially eliminated from NBA postseason contention by D'Angelo Russell and the Nets|publisher=Yahoo! Sports|date=March 22, 2019|access-date=March 22, 2019|first=Jack|last=Baer|archive-date=March 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323051730/https://sports.yahoo.com/los-angeles-lakers-eliminated-nba-playoffs-brooklyn-nets-dangelo-russell-050319377.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> In March, the Lakers announced that James would begin a minutes restriction,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|date=March 7, 2019|title=Report: Lakers, LeBron agree to minutes restriction|url=http://www.nba.com/article/2019/03/07/los-angeles-lakers-lebron-james-minutes-restriction%7Caccess-date=March 9, 2019|website=NBA.com|archive-date=June 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616061501/https://www.nba.com/article/2019/03/07/los-angeles-lakers-lebron-james-minutes-restriction%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> and he was later officially ruled out for the rest of the season.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=Lakers shut down LeBron James for rest of season|url=https://www.nba.com/article/2019/03/30/lakers-lebron-james-done-season%7Cwebsite=NBA.com%7Caccess-date=July 14, 2019|date=March 30, 2019|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=July 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714011148/https://www.nba.com/article/2019/03/30/lakers-lebron-james-done-season%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> Despite his inconsistent campaign, James was named to the All-NBA Third Team, marking the first time in twelve years that he did not make the All-NBA First Team.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://www.nba.com/lakers/releases/lebron-james-named-all-nba-third-team%7Ctitle=LeBron James Named to All-NBA Third Team|website=NBA.com|date=May 23, 2019|access-date=April 3, 2022|archive-date=April 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403060034/https://www.nba.com/lakers/releases/lebron-james-named-all-nba-third-team%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>
2019–2020: Fourth NBA championship
Template:Quote box During the offseason, the Lakers hired Frank Vogel as their new head coach, and traded the majority of their young core to the Pelicans for superstar big man Anthony Davis.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last1=Ganguli|first1=Tania|last2=Turner|first2=Broderick|title=Lakers to acquire NBA superstar Anthony Davis in trade with Pelicans|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-anthony-davis-lakers-pelicans-trade-20190614-story.html%7Cwork=Los Angeles Times|access-date=March 9, 2020|date=June 15, 2019|archive-date=October 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014072716/https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-anthony-davis-lakers-pelicans-trade-20190614-story.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> James immediately embraced the team's much-improved roster by transforming his playing style, moving to full-time point guard, and competing with a more consistent defensive effort.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Windhorst|first=Brian|title=LeBron James has approached this Los Angeles Lakers season differently|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/page/beatsow28825669/lebron-james-approached-los-angeles-lakers-season-differently%7Cwork=ESPN%7Caccess-date=March 9, 2020|date=March 3, 2020|archive-date=March 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200308181313/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/page/beatsow28825669/lebron-james-approached-los-angeles-lakers-season-differently%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> Behind James' leadership, the Lakers opened the 2019–20 season with a 17–2 record, matching the best start in franchise history.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=Lakers romp to 10th straight victory, 125–103 over Wizards|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401160921%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=March 9, 2020|date=November 30, 2019|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=January 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111190709/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401160921%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> On January 25, James scored his 33,644th career point, passing Kobe Bryant for third on the all-time regular season scoring list.<ref name="third">{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/basketball/51254093%7Ctitle=LeBron James Surpasses Kobe Bryant in NBA's All-Time Scoring List|work=BBC Sport |agency=BBC|date=January 26, 2020|access-date=January 26, 2020|archive-date=January 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126070302/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/basketball/51254093%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> The following day, Bryant died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> James delivered an improvised eulogy in honor of Bryant at Staples Center, before a January 31 game against the Portland Trail Blazers.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In early March, before the season was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, James led the Lakers to a victory over the Milwaukee Bucks in a matchup of conference leaders, followed by a streak-breaking victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=LeBron & Co. snap Clippers' streak at 6 with 112–103 victory|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401161590%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=July 22, 2020|date=March 8, 2020|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=July 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723005550/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401161590%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> Regular season play resumed in July and concluded in August within the confined NBA Bubble, where James ended the regular season as the league leader in assists for the first time in his career, averaging 10.2 assists per game.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://lakersnation.com/lakers-news-lebron-james-wins-first-career-nba-assists-title/2020/08/14/%7Ctitle=Lakers News: LeBron James Wins First Career NBA Assists Title|website=Lakers Nation|last=Hansford|first=Corey|date=August 14, 2020|access-date=August 15, 2020|archive-date=August 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816043928/https://lakersnation.com/lakers-news-lebron-james-wins-first-career-nba-assists-title/2020/08/14/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> He earned a record 16th All-NBA Team selection as part of the First Team, extending his record First Team selections to 13.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Bontemps|first=Tim|title=Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James sets record with 16th selection to All-NBA team|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29899984/los-angeles-lakers-lebron-james-sets-record-16th-selection-all-nba-team%7Caccess-date=June 16, 2021|publisher=ESPN|date=September 16, 2020|archive-date=October 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211015221754/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29899984/los-angeles-lakers-lebron-james-sets-record-16th-selection-all-nba-team%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>
The Lakers entered the playoffs as the top seed in the West and advanced to the NBA Finals convincingly, with only three total losses along the way.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last1=Hiserman|first1=Mike|last2=Loumena|first2=Dan|title=How the Lakers won the franchise's 17th NBA title|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2020-10-14/lakers-2020-nba-championship-season-timeline%7Caccess-date=May 21, 2021|work=Los Angeles Times|date=October 14, 2020|archive-date=June 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604005639/https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2020-10-14/lakers-2020-nba-championship-season-timeline%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> In Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals against the Denver Nuggets, James helped clinch the conference championship by scoring a game-high 38 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=James, Lakers beat Nuggets in Game 5 to reach NBA Finals|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401246238%7Cwork=ESPN%7Caccess-date=October 20, 2020|date=September 26, 2020|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=September 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928002330/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401246238%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> In the Finals, James and his teammates found themselves matched up with his former team, the Miami Heat, and quickly took control of the series with a 2–0 lead.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Halfway home: Lakers top Heat 124–114 for 2–0 Finals lead|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401248434%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=October 20, 2020|date=October 3, 2020|archive-date=October 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004044005/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401248434%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> In Game 5, James had his best statistical performance of the Finals with 40 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists in a memorable duel with Miami's Jimmy Butler, but Los Angeles was ultimately defeated in a three-point game.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Heat force Game 6, top Lakers to stave off elimination|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401248437%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=October 20, 2020|date=October 9, 2020|archive-date=October 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012192255/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401248437%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> The Lakers eliminated the Heat in Game 6, which earned James, who averaged 29.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game during the series,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://www.nba.com/lebron-james-history-finals-mvps-3-nba-franchises%7Ctitle=LeBron James makes Finals MVP history in 2020|publisher=NBA|date=October 12, 2020|access-date=January 10, 2021|archive-date=October 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012204631/https://www.nba.com/lebron-james-history-finals-mvps-3-nba-franchises%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> his fourth NBA championship and fourth Finals MVP award.<ref name="Quinn 2020">{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Quinn|first=Sam|date=October 12, 2020|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lebron-james-wins-fourth-nba-finals-mvp-award-becomes-first-player-to-earn-honor-with-three-different-teams/%7Ctitle=LeBron James wins fourth NBA Finals MVP award, becomes first player to earn honor with three different teams|work=CBS Sports|access-date=January 10, 2022|archive-date=December 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211220005106/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lebron-james-wins-fourth-nba-finals-mvp-award-becomes-first-player-to-earn-honor-with-three-different-teams/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> At 35 years and 287 days old, James became the second-oldest player in league history to win the award,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://hoopshype.com/gallery/nba-finals-oldest-mvp-history-ever/%7Ctitle=The oldest Finals MVPs in NBA history (featuring LeBron James at No. 2)|website=HoopsHype|date=October 11, 2020|access-date=October 12, 2020|archive-date=October 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017211049/https://hoopshype.com/gallery/nba-finals-oldest-mvp-history-ever/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> and the only player in NBA history to win the award with three different franchises.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://global.nba.com/news/lebron-james-makes-history-wins-finals-mvp-with-3-different-franchises/%7Ctitle=LeBron James Makes History, Wins Finals MVP With 3 Different Franchises|publisher=NBA|date=October 11, 2020|access-date=January 10, 2021|archive-date=January 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110155808/http://global.nba.com/news/lebron-james-makes-history-wins-finals-mvp-with-3-different-franchises/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> James and teammate Danny Green also became the third and fourth players in NBA history to win at least one championship with three different teams each.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Kidane|first=Benyam|title=NBA Finals 2020: LeBron James and Danny Green join exclusive club in winning three championships with three different teams|url=https://in.nba.com/news/nba-finals-2020-lebron-james-and-danny-green-join-exclusive-list-of-players-to-win-championships-with-three-different-teams/2k44d51hll6m11atm4bf9qpnl%7Cpublisher=NBA%7Caccess-date=December 8, 2020|date=October 12, 2020|archive-date=December 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206235844/https://in.nba.com/news/nba-finals-2020-lebron-james-and-danny-green-join-exclusive-list-of-players-to-win-championships-with-three-different-teams/2k44d51hll6m11atm4bf9qpnl%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>
2020–2021: Back-to-back chase
Following the championship, James would sign a two-year, $85.7 million extension that would keep him with the Lakers through the 2022–23 season.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The 2020–2021 season, reduced to 72 games for each team and starting on December 22, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, began after the shortest offseason in NBA history with a 116–109 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401266806%7Ctitle=George's 33 sends Clippers past Lakers 116–109 on ring night|website=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|date=December 23, 2020|access-date=May 27, 2021|archive-date=July 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210706224844/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401266806%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> On December 31, James became the first player in NBA history to score 10 points or more in 1,000 consecutive games in a 121–107 victory over the San Antonio Spurs.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Trenaman|first=Calum|date=December 31, 2020|title=LeBron James celebrates scoring milestone on 36th birthday|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/12/31/sport/lebron-james-birthday-los-angeles-lakers-1000-games-scoring-spt-intl/index.html%7Caccess-date=March 22, 2021|agency=CNN|archive-date=October 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028085803/https://edition.cnn.com/2020/12/31/sport/lebron-james-birthday-los-angeles-lakers-1000-games-scoring-spt-intl/index.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> On February 18, 2021, James became the third player in NBA history with 35,000 career points, joining Hall of Famers Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone; aged 36 years and 50 days, he was the youngest player to reach the milestone.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> On March 20, James sprained his ankle against the Atlanta Hawks,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=LA Lakers star LeBron James out indefinitely with high ankle sprain|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/mar/20/lebron-james-injury-ankle-sprain-lakers%7Cwork=The Guardian|date=March 21, 2021|access-date=May 14, 2021|archive-date=May 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513141816/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/mar/20/lebron-james-injury-ankle-sprain-lakers%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> but was able to hit a three-point shot afterwards to keep his 10-points streak alive before exiting the game.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Davis|first=Scott|title=LeBron James suffered a serious ankle injury, then took one more shot and kept an impressive streak alive|url=https://www.insider.com/lebron-james-injury-ankle-scoring-streak-2021-3%7Caccess-date=May 16, 2021|website=Insider|archive-date=October 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026143534/https://www.insider.com/lebron-james-injury-ankle-scoring-streak-2021-3%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> By March, the Lakers were No. 2, two games behind the Utah Jazz, but they went 14–16 without Davis and 6–10 without James, falling to No. 5.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Powell|first=Shaun|date=April 21, 2021|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401266806%7Ctitle=Lakers stay afloat in West without LeBron James and Anthony Davis|publisher=NBA|access-date=May 27, 2021|archive-date=July 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210706224844/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401266806%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> James returned on April 30 after missing 20 games, the longest absence of his career.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Schwartz|first=Nick|title=LeBron James says he'll never get back to 100 percent after latest injury|url=https://lebronwire.usatoday.com/2021/05/01/lebron-james-says-hell-never-get-back-to-100-percent-after-latest-injury/%7Cwebsite=LeBron Wire|date=May 2021|publisher=USA Today|access-date=May 14, 2021|archive-date=May 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513182804/https://lebronwire.usatoday.com/2021/05/01/lebron-james-says-hell-never-get-back-to-100-percent-after-latest-injury/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>
In May, James was sidelined again after leaving a game against the Toronto Raptors,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Kaskey-Blomain|first=Michael|title=LeBron James injury update: Lakers star set to return Saturday vs. Pacers, per report|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lebron-james-injury-update-lakers-star-set-to-return-saturday-vs-pacers-per-report/%7Cwork=CBS Sports|date=May 13, 2021|access-date=May 14, 2021|archive-date=May 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514124332/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lebron-james-injury-update-lakers-star-set-to-return-saturday-vs-pacers-per-report/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> but he returned for the final two games,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=McMenamin|first=Dave|date=May 15, 2021|title=LeBron James returns against Indiana Pacers after six games out|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/lebron-james-returns-indiana-pacers-games/story?id=77712582%7Cwebsite=ABC News|access-date=May 18, 2021|archive-date=May 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517023954/https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/lebron-james-returns-indiana-pacers-games/story?id=77712582%7Curl-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Quinn|first=Sam|date=May 18, 2020|title=Lakers' LeBron James says ankle will 'be fine' after tweaking injury in win over Pelicans|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lakers-lebron-james-says-ankle-will-be-fine-after-tweaking-injury-in-win-over-pelicans/%7Caccess-date=May 18, 2021|work=CBS Sports|archive-date=May 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517115613/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lakers-lebron-james-says-ankle-will-be-fine-after-tweaking-injury-in-win-over-pelicans/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> and finished the season averaging of 25.0 points, his 17th consecutive season averaging at least 25 points per game, the most in NBA history.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Singh|first=Sanjesh|url=https://lebronwire.usatoday.com/2021/05/17/lebron-james-17-seasons-averaging-25-points-per-game-most-in-nba-history/%7Ctitle=LeBron James reacts to his incredible NBA scoring record|access-date=May 21, 2021|website=LeBron Wire|publisher=USA Today|date=May 17, 2021|archive-date=May 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520231117/https://lebronwire.usatoday.com/2021/05/17/lebron-james-17-seasons-averaging-25-points-per-game-most-in-nba-history/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> In an injury-laden season, the Lakers ended with a 42–30 record, finishing No. 7 due to tiebreakers and facing the No. 8-seed Warriors in the play-in tournament.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Turner|first=Broderick|date=May 17, 2021|title=LeBron James has ankle scare as Lakers win, will face Warriors in playoff play-in|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2021-05-16/lakers-beat-pelicans-lebron-james-injures-ankle-again%7Caccess-date=May 18, 2021|work=Los Angeles Times|archive-date=May 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517221028/https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2021-05-16/lakers-beat-pelicans-lebron-james-injures-ankle-again%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> The Lakers won 103–100 after James scored the go-ahead, three-point shot in the final minute, posting a triple-double with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, along with two steals and a block.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last1=Bieler|first1=Des|last2=Golliver|first2=Ben|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2021/05/19/lakers-warriors-lebron-curry-live-updates/%7Ctitle=With blurred vision but pinpoint accuracy, LeBron James buries late three to rescue Lakers|access-date=May 21, 2021|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=May 20, 2021|archive-date=May 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520193705/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2021/05/19/lakers-warriors-lebron-curry-live-updates/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> His Template:Convert shot over Stephen Curry before the shot clock buzzer was his longest basket of the season as well as his longest go-ahead shot in the closing three minutes of a game in his career.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|first=Dave|last=McMenamin|title=LeBron James delivers in clutch as Los Angeles Lakers take 7th seed in NBA playoffs|date=May 19, 2021|website=ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/31475054/lebron-james-delivers-clutch-los-angeles-lakers-take-7th-seed-nba-playoffs%7Caccess-date=May 20, 2021|archive-date=May 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520053143/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/31475054/lebron-james-delivers-clutch-los-angeles-lakers-take-7th-seed-nba-playoffs%7Curl-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://www.insider.com/video-lebron-james-3-pointer-steph-curry-lakers-playoffs-2021-5|title=LeBron James hit a 34-foot, desperation dagger 3 over Stephen Curry to propel the Lakers to the playoffs|first=Scott|last=Davis|website=Insider.com|date=May 20, 2021|access-date=June 19, 2023|archive-date=October 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026143536/https://www.insider.com/video-lebron-james-3-pointer-steph-curry-lakers-playoffs-2021-5%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>
In the first round of the playoffs, the Lakers faced the No. 2 Phoenix Suns. This marked the first time in James' career that he did not have home court advantage in the opening series.<ref name=shelburne_06042021/><ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|first=Louis|last=Zatzman|title=The Lakers Aren't Like Any Defending Champs We've Seen|date=May 18, 2021|work=FiveThirtyEight|url=https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/lebron-said-it-didnt-matter-what-seed-his-team-was-now-he-has-a-chance-to-prove-it/%7Caccess-date=June 4, 2021|archive-date=October 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028085803/https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/lebron-said-it-didnt-matter-what-seed-his-team-was-now-he-has-a-chance-to-prove-it/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> They were up 2–1 before Davis suffered a strained groin in Game 4, in which James finished with a game-high 25 points on 10-for-21 shooting, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Golliver|first=Ben|date=May 31, 2021|title=Anthony Davis exits early from Lakers' Game 4 loss to Suns with groin strain|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2021/05/30/anthony-davis-injury-groin/%7Caccess-date=June 6, 2021|issn=0190-8286|archive-date=October 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026143537/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2021/05/30/anthony-davis-injury-groin/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> The Lakers lost to the Suns in six games, marking the first time James lost in the first round in his career.<ref name=shelburne_06042021>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Shelburne|first=Ramona|title=The Lakers' title retool ended up as a bust|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/31563367/a-lakers-sequel-failed-live-original%7Cwebsite=ESPN%7Caccess-date=June 4, 2021|date=June 4, 2021|archive-date=June 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210604065618/https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/31563367/a-lakers-sequel-failed-live-original%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> James finished the series averaging 23.3 points, his fourth-lowest scoring output for a series over his career and his lowest mark since averaging 22.8 in the 2014 Eastern Conference finals.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Botkin|first=Brad|date=June 4, 2021|title=LeBron James eliminated in first round for first time in NBA career, but his title window is far from closed|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lebron-james-eliminated-in-first-round-for-first-time-in-nba-career-but-his-title-window-is-far-from-closed/%7Caccess-date=June 6, 2021|agency=CBS Sports|archive-date=June 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210606173917/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lebron-james-eliminated-in-first-round-for-first-time-in-nba-career-but-his-title-window-is-far-from-closed/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> He made his 17th consecutive All-NBA Team selection,<ref name="Quinn 2021">{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Quinn|first=Sam|date=June 15, 2021|title=2020–2021 All-NBA Teams: LeBron James makes cut for record 17th time; Bradley Beal among two first-time honorees|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2020-21-all-nba-teams-lebron-james-makes-cut-for-record-17th-time-bradley-beal-among-two-first-time-honorees/%7Caccess-date=June 16, 2021|agency=CBS Sports|archive-date=June 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624195842/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2020-21-all-nba-teams-lebron-james-makes-cut-for-record-17th-time-bradley-beal-among-two-first-time-honorees/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> extending the record for most selections in NBA history,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=LeBron James Named to All-NBA Second Team|url=https://www.nba.com/lakers/releases/lebron-james-named-all-nba-second-team-2021%7Caccess-date=June 16, 2021|publisher=NBA|date=June 15, 2021|archive-date=June 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616005603/https://www.nba.com/lakers/releases/lebron-james-named-all-nba-second-team-2021%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> being named for the third time to the All-NBA Second Team.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Rivas|first=Christian|date=June 15, 2021|title=LeBron James has been named to the All-NBA Second Team|url=https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2021/6/15/22536048/lakers-lebron-james-named-to-all-nba-second-team-record%7Caccess-date=June 16, 2021|website=Silver Screen and Roll|archive-date=June 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616015401/https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2021/6/15/22536048/lakers-lebron-james-named-to-all-nba-second-team-record%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>
2021–2022: First in the 10K-10K-10K club
For the 2021–22 season, James was joined by Carmelo Anthony and Russell Westbrook.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Crane|first=Andrew|date=September 20, 2021|title='I need you': The call that proves who's really running the Lakers|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/basketball/nba/nba-2021-lebron-james-carmelo-anthony-los-angeles-lakers-free-agency-news/news-story/3f17912aeed9e458ea8a48939fea036d%7Caccess-date=February 21, 2022|website=Fox Sports|archive-date=February 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221200314/https://www.foxsports.com.au/basketball/nba/nba-2021-lebron-james-carmelo-anthony-los-angeles-lakers-free-agency-news/news-story/3f17912aeed9e458ea8a48939fea036d%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> James switched his jersey back to No. 6; he had intended to do so two years earlier, in order to allow Davis to wear No. 23, but Nike prevented him from doing so due to having too much merchandise of James with No. 23.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In a game against the Pistons on November 21, James was ejected in the third quarter after getting into a scuffle with Isaiah Stewart during the 121–116 victory. This was only the second time in his career that he was ejected from a game,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=McMenamin|first=Dave|date=November 22, 2021|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/32685986/lebron-james-bloodies-detroit-pistons-isaiah-stewart-hit-face-ejected-ensuing-tussle%7Ctitle=LeBron bloodies Stewart; both ejected after tussle|publisher=ESPN|access-date=November 22, 2021|archive-date=January 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220109102927/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/32685986/lebron-james-bloodies-detroit-pistons-isaiah-stewart-hit-face-ejected-ensuing-tussle%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> and James was suspended for one game due to his actions.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Wimbish|first=Jasmyn|date=November 23, 2021|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lebron-james-suspended-one-game-isaiah-stewart-docked-two-for-roles-in-lakers-pistons-altercation/%7Ctitle=LeBron James suspended one game, Isaiah Stewart docked two for roles in Lakers-Pistons altercation|work=CBS Sports|access-date=January 10, 2022|archive-date=November 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127033425/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lebron-james-suspended-one-game-isaiah-stewart-docked-two-for-roles-in-lakers-pistons-altercation/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> In his next 16 games, James averaged 30.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.4 blocks on 54 percent shooting, also achieving his 100th triple-double,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://theathletic.com/news/lebron-james-records-100th-career-triple-double-in-loss-vs-grizzlies/0te4DLzkipjk/%7Ctitle=LeBron James records 100th career triple-double in loss vs. Grizzlies|website=The Athletic|date=December 9, 2021|access-date=January 10, 2022|archive-date=January 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220104231409/https://theathletic.com/news/lebron-james-records-100th-career-triple-double-in-loss-vs-grizzlies/0te4DLzkipjk/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> while becoming the third player in NBA history to surpass 36,000 career points;<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Li|first=Joyce|date=December 29, 2021|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/lebron-james-becomes-third-player-100330770.html%7Ctitle=LeBron James Becomes Third Player in NBA History To Reach 36,000 Career Points|website=Yahoo! Sports|access-date=January 10, 2022|archive-date=January 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220104231712/https://sports.yahoo.com/lebron-james-becomes-third-player-100330770.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> during this period, James played 35 percent of his minutes at center.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Rafferty|first=Scott|date=January 7, 2022|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/lebron-james-center-save-lakers-season/e9pfyf3jl1t51tzmwgj2pbemg%7Ctitle=LeBron James' move to center could save Lakers' season|website=Sporting News|access-date=January 10, 2022|archive-date=January 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110120420/https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/lebron-james-center-save-lakers-season/e9pfyf3jl1t51tzmwgj2pbemg%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> From December 19 to February 26, 2022, playing 23 out of 27 games, he had a streak of 23 consecutive 25-point games.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.rappler.com/sports/nba/game-results-los-angeles-clippers-lakers-february-25-2022/%7Ctitle=Clippers stun Lakers again in wild finish|agency=Reuters|date=February 26, 2022|access-date=March 6, 2022|via=Rappler|archive-date=March 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306095621/https://www.rappler.com/sports/nba/game-results-los-angeles-clippers-lakers-february-25-2022/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>
.jpg)
In December, James became the second player in NBA history (after Jordan) to post 40 points and no turnovers at age 35 or older.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Singh|first=Shailesh|date=January 1, 2022|title=LeBron James joins Michael Jordan in the legendary old man list after his banging performance against Blazers|url=https://firstsportz.com/lebron-james-joins-michael-jordan-in-the-legendary-old-man-list-after-his-banging-performance-against-blazers/%7Caccess-date=January 4, 2022|website=FirstSportz|archive-date=January 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220104230755/https://firstsportz.com/lebron-james-joins-michael-jordan-in-the-legendary-old-man-list-after-his-banging-performance-against-blazers/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> In January, James met the minimum criteria for points per game by playing at least 70 percent of his team's games, averaging 28.6 points, and became the oldest player to average 25+ points per game, having already been the youngest to do so, as James averaged 27.6 points per game in his sophomore season at 20 years old.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Krishnamurthy|first=Aaditya|date=January 3, 2022|title=LeBron James Is Both The Youngest and the Oldest Player in NBA History To Average 25+ Points Per Game|url=https://fadeawayworld.net/nba-media/lebron-james-is-both-the-youngest-and-the-oldest-player-in-nba-history-to-average-25-points-per-game%7Caccess-date=January 11, 2022|website=Fadeaway World|archive-date=January 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111075229/https://fadeawayworld.net/nba-media/lebron-james-is-both-the-youngest-and-the-oldest-player-in-nba-history-to-average-25-points-per-game%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>Template:Nbau He also became the oldest player in NBA history to record at least 25 points in ten straight games, doing so at 37 years old.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> By January 20, James became the fifth player in NBA history to record at least 30,000 career points and 10,000 career rebounds; he is the first player to record at least 30,000 career points, 10,000 career rebounds, and 9,000 career assists.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|date=January 20, 2022|title=LeBron James reaches 10,000 career rebounds vs. Pacers|url=https://www.nba.com/news/lebron-james-reaches-10000-career-rebounds-vs-pacers%7Caccess-date=January 20, 2022|website=NBA.com|archive-date=January 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120071346/https://www.nba.com/news/lebron-james-reaches-10000-career-rebounds-vs-pacers%7Curl-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Stalnicovitz|first=Dan Fridman|date=January 20, 2022|title=Another milestone in LeBron James' career as he reaches 10,000 rebounds|url=https://www.marca.com/en/basketball/nba/los-angeles-lakers/2022/01/20/61e9093eca474131328b45ba.html%7Caccess-date=January 20, 2022|work=Marca|archive-date=January 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120162413/https://www.marca.com/en/basketball/nba/los-angeles-lakers/2022/01/20/61e9093eca474131328b45ba.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Julka|first=Arjun|date=January 20, 2022|title='LeBron James becomes the first player in NBA history to record 30K points, 10K rebounds, and 9K assists': The 37-year-old was the only saving grace in the Lakers' embarrassing loss to the Pacers|url=https://thesportsrush.com/nba-news-lebron-james-becomes-the-first-player-in-nba-history-to-record-30k-points-10k-rebounds-and-9k-assists-the-37-year-old-was-the-only-saving-grace-in-the-lakers-embarrassing-loss-to-the/%7Caccess-date=January 20, 2022|website=The SportsRush|archive-date=January 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120162411/https://thesportsrush.com/nba-news-lebron-james-becomes-the-first-player-in-nba-history-to-record-30k-points-10k-rebounds-and-9k-assists-the-37-year-old-was-the-only-saving-grace-in-the-lakers-embarrassing-loss-to-the/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> In the same period, he surpassed Robertson for fourth all-time free throws made,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Krishnamurthy|first=Aaditya|date=January 3, 2022|title=LeBron James Surpasses Oscar Robertson To Become 4th on the All-Time Free-Throw List|url=https://fadeawayworld.net/nba-media/lebron-james-surpasses-oscar-robertson-to-become-4th-on-the-all-time-free-throw-list%7Caccess-date=January 11, 2022|website=Fadeaway World|archive-date=January 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111075227/https://fadeawayworld.net/nba-media/lebron-james-surpasses-oscar-robertson-to-become-4th-on-the-all-time-free-throw-list%7Curl-status=live}}</ref>Template:Nbau and Alvin Robertson for 10th all-time in career steals.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Ricks|first=William E.|date=January 8, 2022|title=LeBron James enters the NBA's top-10 all-time in steals|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33003855/nba-all-steals-list-lebron-james-moves-10th-place%7Caccess-date=January 11, 2022|website=ESPN.com|archive-date=January 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111075228/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33003855/nba-all-steals-list-lebron-james-moves-10th-place%7Curl-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Wimbish|first=Jasmyn|date=January 10, 2022|title=Lakers' LeBron James passes Oscar Robertson for seventh on NBA all-time assists list|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lakers-lebron-james-passes-oscar-robertson-for-seventh-on-nba-all-time-assists-list/%7Caccess-date=January 11, 2022|website=CBS Sports|archive-date=January 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110162153/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lakers-lebron-james-passes-oscar-robertson-for-seventh-on-nba-all-time-assists-list/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> In February, James surpassed Abdul-Jabbar for the most points scored in both the regular season and playoffs.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=McMenamin|first=Dave|date=February 12, 2022|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33277731/lebron-james-passes-kareem-abdul-jabbar-most-combined-points-regular-season-playoffs%7Ctitle=LeBron James passes Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for most combined points in regular season and playoffs|website=ESPN.com|access-date=February 13, 2022|archive-date=February 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213031742/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33277731/lebron-james-passes-kareem-abdul-jabbar-most-combined-points-regular-season-playoffs%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> James also set a new record for most turnovers in a career, surpassing Karl Malone's record of 4,524 turnovers.<ref name="s180">Template:Cite web</ref> By March, he passed Karl Malone for second in the all-time minutes and regular season scoring lists.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Buha|first=Jovan|date=March 6, 2022|url=https://theathletic.com/3165300/2022/03/06/lebron-james-monster-game-halts-lakers-skid-i-dont-give-a-damn-about-the-56-im-just-happy-we-got-a-win/%7Ctitle=LeBron James' monster game halts Lakers' skid: 'I don't give a damn about the 56. I'm just happy we got a win'|website=The Athletic|access-date=March 7, 2022|archive-date=March 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306143501/https://theathletic.com/3165300/2022/03/06/lebron-james-monster-game-halts-lakers-skid-i-dont-give-a-damn-about-the-56-im-just-happy-we-got-a-win/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Samillano|first=Gerard|date=March 19, 2022|url=https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-lebron-james-draws-massive-standing-ovation-from-wizards-fans-after-passing-karl-malone-in-all-time-scoring-list/%7Ctitle=Lakers star LeBron James draws massive standing ovation from Wizards fans after passing Karl Malone in all-time scoring list|website=ClutchPoints|access-date=March 19, 2022|archive-date=March 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320094504/https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-lebron-james-draws-massive-standing-ovation-from-wizards-fans-after-passing-karl-malone-in-all-time-scoring-list/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Kaskey-Blomain|first=Michael|date=March 20, 2022|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lakers-lebron-james-passes-karl-malone-for-second-on-nbas-all-time-scoring-list/%7Ctitle=Lakers' LeBron James passes Karl Malone for second on NBA's all-time scoring list|work=CBS Sports|access-date=March 31, 2022|archive-date=March 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331170938/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lakers-lebron-james-passes-karl-malone-for-second-on-nbas-all-time-scoring-list/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> At the 2022 NBA All-Star Game held in Cleveland, James was celebrated among the other 74 players for the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> James led all players in fan votes with his 18th All-Star selection, tying Bryant and just one behind Abdul-Jabbar;<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> his team achieved its fifth consecutive All-Star victory,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.marca.com/en/basketball/nba/2022/02/20/621281d046163f78378b45ae.html%7Ctitle=NBA All-Star Game 2022: Score and highlights|newspaper=Marca|date=February 21, 2022|access-date=February 21, 2022|archive-date=February 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220233635/https://www.marca.com/en/basketball/nba/2022/02/20/621281d046163f78378b45ae.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> defeating Team Durant 163–161,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Martin|first=Colin|date=February 21, 2022|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/team-lebron-beats-team-durant-041936247.html%7Ctitle=Team LeBron beats Team Durant 163–160 in 2022 NBA All-Star Game|website=Yahoo! Sports|access-date=February 21, 2022|archive-date=February 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221043707/https://sports.yahoo.com/team-lebron-beats-team-durant-041936247.html%7Curl-status=dead}}</ref> with James hitting the game-winning dagger shot in front of his hometown crowd.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Vardon|first=Joe|date=February 20, 2022|url=https://theathletic.com/news/stephen-curry-drops-50-lebron-james-hits-game-winner-to-beat-team-durant-in-all-star-game/HeOxNhqmEWzI/%7Ctitle=Stephen Curry drops 50, LeBron James hits game-winner to beat Team Durant in All-Star Game|website=The Athletic|access-date=February 21, 2022|archive-date=February 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221042737/https://theathletic.com/news/stephen-curry-drops-50-lebron-james-hits-game-winner-to-beat-team-durant-in-all-star-game/HeOxNhqmEWzI/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Martin|first=Colin|date=February 20, 2022|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/team-lebron-beats-team-durant-041936247.html%7Ctitle=Team LeBron beats Team Durant 163–160 in 2022 NBA All-Star Game|website=Yahoo! Sports|access-date=February 21, 2022|archive-date=February 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221043707/https://sports.yahoo.com/team-lebron-beats-team-durant-041936247.html%7Curl-status=dead}}</ref>
In March, James recorded two 50-point games, which were also his Lakers' career-high,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Woike|first=Dan|date=March 5, 2022|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2022-03-05/lebron-james-scores-56-points-lakers-defeat-golden-state-warriors%7Ctitle=LeBron James scores 56 points, his most as a Laker, as L.A. beats Golden State|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=March 6, 2022|archive-date=March 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306053808/https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2022-03-05/lebron-james-scores-56-points-lakers-defeat-golden-state-warriors%7Curl-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Maloney|first=Jack|date=March 6, 2022|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/warriors-vs-lakers-score-takeaways-lebron-james-scores-56-points-to-lead-l-a-to-victory-over-golden-state/live/%7Ctitle=Warriors vs. Lakers score, takeaways: LeBron James scores 56 points to lead L.A. to victory over Golden State|website=CBS Sports|publisher=CBS|access-date=March 6, 2022|archive-date=March 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306054422/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/warriors-vs-lakers-score-takeaways-lebron-james-scores-56-points-to-lead-l-a-to-victory-over-golden-state/live/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> becoming the oldest player to have multiple 50-point games in a season, as well as the first Lakers player since Bryant in 2008 to have back-to-back 50-point home games; it was James' 15th 50-point game in his 19-year career, including the postseason.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Reedy|first=Joe|date=March 12, 2022|url=https://www.nba.com/game/was-vs-lal-0022101004%7Ctitle=James scores 50, rallies Lakers past Wizards for 122–109 win|website=NBA.com|access-date=March 15, 2022|archive-date=April 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408142055/https://www.nba.com/game/was-vs-lal-0022101004%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> He also recorded his 10,000th career assist, becoming the only player in NBA history to record at least 10,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, and 10,000 assists.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://www.nba.com/news/lebron-james-close-to-being-the-only-member-of-the-30k-10k-10k-club |title=LeBron James becomes the only member of the 30K-10K-10K club – NBA.com |website=NBA.com |access-date=January 9, 2023 |archive-date=July 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711175540/https://www.nba.com/news/lebron-james-close-to-being-the-only-member-of-the-30k-10k-10k-club |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Eppers|first=Matt|date=March 14, 2022|url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/lakers/2022/03/13/lebron-james-first-player-30000-points-10000-rebounds-10000-assists/6995760001/%7Ctitle=Lakers' LeBron James becomes first player in NBA history with 30K points, 10K rebounds, 10K assists|newspaper=USA Today|access-date=March 15, 2022|archive-date=March 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220314085339/https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/lakers/2022/03/13/lebron-james-first-player-30000-points-10000-rebounds-10000-assists/6995760001/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> On March 27, James became just the second player in NBA history to score 37,000 points. Due to an ankle injury in late March, he missed out on a close three-players run for the NBA scoring title,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Hodge|first=Stuart|date=April 9, 2022|url=https://www.skysports.com/nba/news/36226/12572558/joel-embiid-wins-nba-scoring-title-ahead-of-lebron-james-and-giannis-antetokounmpo%7Ctitle=Joel Embiid becomes NBA scoring title favourite over LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo as LeBron's season ends|website=Sky Sports|access-date=April 10, 2022|archive-date=April 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410040607/https://www.skysports.com/amp/nba/news/12040/12572558/joel-embiid-lebron-james-giannis-antetokounmpo-locked-in-historic-battle-for-nba-scoring-title%7Curl-status=live}}</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Martin|first=Brian|date=April 10, 2022|url=https://www.nba.com/news/scoring-title-tracker-historically-close-chase%7Ctitle=Scoring Title Tracker: Historically close 3-player chase narrows|website=NBA.com|access-date=April 10, 2022|archive-date=April 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410040607/https://www.nba.com/news/scoring-title-tracker-historically-close-chase%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> having only played 56 games, two less than the necessary to qualify;<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|agency=Associated Press|date=April 8, 2022|url=https://usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/lakers/2022/04/08/lebron-james-miss-lakers-last-two-games-scoring-title/9513769002/%7Ctitle=Lakers' LeBron James to miss final two games with ankle injury, loses out on scoring title|newspaper=USA Today|access-date=April 10, 2022|archive-date=April 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409092535/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/lakers/2022/04/08/lebron-james-miss-lakers-last-two-games-scoring-title/9513769002/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> aged 37, James would have broken Jordan's record of oldest scoring leader at 34.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Walsh|first=Erin|date=April 8, 2022|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lebron-james-ends-bid-for-historic-scoring-title-lakers-rule-him-out-for-rest-of-season-to-rehab-ankle-injury/%7Ctitle=LeBron James ends bid for historic scoring title; Lakers rule him out for rest of season to rehab ankle injury|website=CBS Sports|access-date=April 10, 2022|archive-date=April 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410040607/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lebron-james-ends-bid-for-historic-scoring-title-lakers-rule-him-out-for-rest-of-season-to-rehab-ankle-injury/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> For The Athletic, Bill Oram wrote that James' ankle injury felt like "the moment that might signal the end of the Lakers season".<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Oram|first=Bill|date=March 28, 2022|url=https://theathletic.com/3213293/2022/03/28/oram-lebron-james-injury-in-loss-to-pelicans-could-be-the-biggest-lakers-collapse-of-all/%7Ctitle=Oram: LeBron James' injury in loss to Pelicans could be the biggest Lakers collapse of all|website=The Athletic|access-date=April 10, 2022|archive-date=April 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401131358/https://theathletic.com/3213293/2022/03/28/oram-lebron-james-injury-in-loss-to-pelicans-could-be-the-biggest-lakers-collapse-of-all/%7Curl-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Adams|first=Luke|date=March 28, 2022|url=https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2022/03/lebron-james-ankle-injury-feels-horrible.html%7Ctitle=LeBron James: Ankle Injury Feels 'Horrible'|website=Hoops Rumors|access-date=April 10, 2022|archive-date=April 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403202454/https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2022/03/lebron-james-ankle-injury-feels-horrible.html%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> On April 5, the Lakers were eliminated from both playoff and play-in contention for the first time since 2019 (James' first season with the Lakers) after a 121–110 loss to the Phoenix Suns.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=McMenamin|first=Dave|date=April 6, 2022|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33680640/los-angeles-lakers-eliminated-playoff-contention-loss-phoenix-suns-win-san-antonio-spurs%7Ctitle=Los Angeles Lakers eliminated from playoff contention after 7th straight loss|website=ESPN.com|access-date=April 6, 2022|archive-date=April 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220406051504/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33680640/los-angeles-lakers-eliminated-playoff-contention-loss-phoenix-suns-win-san-antonio-spurs%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> It marked the fourth time in James' career that he missed the playoffs.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> James was ruled out the rest of the season due to soreness in his left ankle.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|date=April 8, 2022 |title=Lakers' LeBron James to miss rest of season |url=https://theathletic.com/news/lakers-lebron-james-out-ankle-injury/k6ezPp8Gd4kx/ |access-date=April 10, 2022 |website=The Athletic}}</ref> On May 24, James was named to the All-NBA Third Team for the second time; it was his 18th consecutive All-NBA Team selection, extending the record for most selections in NBA history.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://www.nba.com/news/antetokounmpo-jokic-doncic-2021-22-kia-all-nba-first-team%7Ctitle=Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic lead 2021–22 Kia All-NBA 1st Team|website=NBA.com|date=May 24, 2022|access-date=May 24, 2022}}</ref>
2022–2023: All-time scoring record
On August 18, 2022, James signed a two-year, $97.1 million contract extension with the Lakers, which had a player option in the second year.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|date=August 18, 2022 |title=Lakers Sign LeBron James to Contract Extension |url=https://www.nba.com/lakers/news/lakers-sign-lebron-james-to-contract-extension-220818 |access-date=August 20, 2022 |website=NBA.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Wojnarowski |first=Adrian |date=August 17, 2022 |title=LeBron lands 2-year, $97.1M deal with Lakers |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34413561/lebron-james-los-angeles-lakers-agree-2-year-971-million-extension-includes-3rd-year-player-option |access-date=August 20, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> The contract extension made him the highest-paid athlete in NBA history at $529 million, surpassing Kevin Durant in all-time earnings.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Winters |first=Mike |title=Already a billionaire, LeBron James' 2-year contract extension makes him the NBA's all-time highest-paid player |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/08/18/lebron-james-becomes-highest-paid-player-in-nba-history.html |access-date=August 20, 2022 |website=CNBC |date=August 18, 2022 |language=en}}</ref> On October 20, James made his 2,144th three-pointer in a game against the Los Angeles Clippers, surpassing Paul Pierce for tenth in all-time three-pointers made.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-lebron-james-eclipses-paul-pierce-for-nba-history-to-pile-more-on-goat-resume/%7Ctitle=LeBron James eclipses Paul Pierce for NBA history to pile more on GOAT resume|website=ClutchPoints|last=Villas|first=Rexwell|date=October 20, 2022|access-date=October 20, 2022}}</ref> On October 28, James posted 28 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and four steals in an 111–102 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. He recorded his 1,135th career 20-point game, passing Karl Malone for the most such games in NBA history.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Gobert, Wolves extend Lakers' winless start with 111–102 win |url=https://africa.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401468231 |date=October 28, 2022|access-date=October 29, 2022|website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> On December 2, in a 133–129 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, James recorded 28 points and 11 assists. He recorded his 10,142nd assist, surpassing Johnson for sixth place on the NBA all-time career assists list.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-lebron-james-surpasses-magic-johnson-with-latest-all-time-nba-milestone%7Ctitle=Lakers star LeBron James surpasses Magic Johnson with latest all-time NBA milestone|website=ClutchPoints|last=Songco|first=Paolo|date=December 2, 2022|access-date=December 2, 2022}}</ref> On December 13, James scored 33 points in a 122–118 overtime loss to the Celtics, surpassing Wilt Chamberlain for the second-most 30-point games in NBA history. James recorded 516 30-point games in 1,386 career appearances.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=LeBron James passes Wilt Chamberlain for 2nd-most 30-point games in NBA history |url=https://www.nba.com/news/lebron-james-passes-wilt-chamberlain-for-2nd-most-30-point-games-in-nba-history |access-date=December 14, 2022 |website=NBA.com |language=en}}</ref> On December 28, he played in his 1,393rd game, breaking a tie with Tim Duncan for 10th-most in NBA history.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Heat get past Lakers 112–98, climb over .500 at 18–17|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401468673 |date=December 28, 2022|access-date=December 30, 2022|website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> The next game, on his 38th birthday, James had a then season-high 47 points on 18-for-27 shooting from the field, along with 10 rebounds and nine assists in a 130–121 come-from-behind victory over the Atlanta Hawks.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Lakers laud 'amazing' LeBron James after 47-point birthday outing|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/35351037/lebron-james-season-high-47-38th-birthday-lakers-beat-hawks |date=December 30, 2022|access-date=December 31, 2022|website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref>
On January 9, 2023, James received his 66th Player of the Week award, doubling the career total of runner-up Bryant.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=LeBron James, Donovan Mitchell named NBA Players of the Week |url=https://www.nba.com/news/nba-players-week-lebron-james-donovan-mitchell |access-date=January 9, 2023|website=nba.com}}</ref> Four days later, he became the second player in NBA history to reach 38,000 points.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=LeBron James becomes second player in NBA history to score 38,000 career points as Lakers star eyes record |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lebron-james-becomes-second-player-in-nba-history-to-score-38000-career-points-as-lakers-star-eyes-record/ |access-date=January 16, 2023 |website=NBA.com |date=January 16, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> On January 16, James had a season high 48 points, eight rebounds and nine assists in a 140–132 victory over the Houston Rockets. It was his 100th career game with 40 or more points – including the postseason.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=LeBron drops 48, Lakers beat Rockets 140–132 to snap skid|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401468819 |date=January 16, 2023|access-date=January 18, 2023|website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> On January 23, James scored 46 points, including a career-high nine 3-pointers, in a 133–115 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, becoming the first player in NBA history to score at least 40 points in a game against all NBA franchises.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|date=January 24, 2023 |title=LeBron scores 46 points with 9 3s, but Clippers rout Lakers |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401468874 |access-date=January 25, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Camras |first=Noah |title=Lakers News: LeBron James Makes Scoring History Tuesday Against Clippers |url=https://www.si.com/nba/lakers/news/lakers-news-lebron-james-makes-scoring-history-tuesday-against-clippers-nc2000 |access-date=January 25, 2023 |website=All Lakers | News, Rumors, Videos, Schedule, Roster, Salaries And More |date=January 25, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> On January 19, James was named as a starter at the 2023 NBA All-Star Game, tying Abdul-Jabbar's record for the most All-Star selections (19). It was also James' 19th consecutive All-Star appearance, surpassing Bryant's previous mark.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-lebron-james-surpasses-kobe-bryant-in-history-amid-nba-all-star-starter-not%7Ctitle=LeBron James surpasses Kobe Bryant in history amid NBA All-Star starter nod|website=ClutchPoints|last=Yapkowitz|first=David|date=January 26, 2023|access-date=January 26, 2023}}</ref> On January 31, James put up a triple-double with 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 129–123 overtime victory over the New York Knicks, becoming the first player in NBA history to put up a triple-double in his 20th season. He also surpassed Mark Jackson and Steve Nash for fourth on the NBA all-time career assists list.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-lebron-james-epic-performance-vs-knicks-reaches-heights-never-seen-nba-history%7Ctitle=LeBron James' epic performance for Lakers vs. Knicks reaches heights never seen in NBA history|website=ClutchPoints|last=Guinhawa|first=Angelo|date=January 31, 2023|access-date=January 23, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-lebron-james-drops-steve-nash-from-top-4-of-assist-list-amid-scoring-chase%7Ctitle=Lakers star LeBron James drops Steve Nash from Top 4 of assist list amid scoring chase|website=ClutchPoints|last=Guinhawa|first=Angelo|date=January 31, 2023|access-date=January 31, 2023}}</ref>
On February 7, 2023, James passed Abdul-Jabbar as the all-time leading scorer in NBA history.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Abdul-Jabbar had previously set the record on April 5, 1984, eight months before James was born.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Top Moments: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar sets career scoring record |url=https://www.nba.com/news/history-top-moments-kareem-record |access-date=February 26, 2023 |website=NBA.com |language=en}}</ref> After James broke the record, the NBA stopped the game with 10.9 seconds left in the third quarter for an on-court ceremony. During the ceremony, he received the game ball from Abdul-Jabbar.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Watch: Kareem passes basketball to LeBron after breaking record |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/bulls/watch-kareem-abdul-jabbar-passes-basketball-lebron-james-after-breaking-record |access-date=February 21, 2023 |website=RSN |date=February 8, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> James also gave a speech and then embraced Abdul-Jabbar, as well as his family.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://www.npr.org/2023/02/07/1152839238/lebron-james-nba-scoring-record-kareem-abdul-jabbar%7Ctitle=LeBron James breaks the NBA career scoring record, passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar|work=NPR|date=February 7, 2023|accessdate=February 7, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|web| url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/35611846/lakers-lebron-james-passes-kareem-abdul-jabbar-become-nba-all-scoring-leader%7C title=LeBron James breaks Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's NBA scoring record| work=ESPN| date=February 7, 2023| accessdate=February 8, 2023}}</ref> James missed the following three games due to left ankle soreness.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|first=Dave |last=McMenamin|title=Sources: LeBron James feared out several weeks with foot injury |date=February 27, 2023|work=ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/35749430/sources-lebron-james-feared-several-weeks-foot-injury%7Caccess-date=February 28, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|first=Broderick|last=Turner|title=LeBron James is out tonight at Portland, expected back Wednesday|date=February 12, 2023|work=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2023-02-12/lebron-james-questionable-lakers-at-trail-blazers%7Caccess-date=February 28, 2023}}</ref> On February 19, Team LeBron lost the 2023 NBA All-Star Game 184–175 to Team Giannis, marking the first time that James lost an All-Star game as a captain.Template:Efn Prior to the game, he had been undefeated (5–0) as a captain, and since the format was changed in 2018.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=2023 NBA All-Star Game score: Jayson Tatum breaks scoring record, wins MVP; LeBron James' streak ends |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2023-nba-all-star-game-score-jayson-tatum-breaks-scoring-record-wins-mvp-lebron-james-streak-ends/live/ |access-date=February 21, 2023 |website=www.cbssports.com |date=February 20, 2023 }}</ref> During the game, James suffered a right hand contusion and was ruled out for the entire 2nd half.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.si.com/fannation/nba/fastbreak/injuries/los-angeles-lakers-lebron-james-hand-injury-in-2023-nba-all-star-game-video%7Ctitle=VIDEO: LeBron James Appeared To Get Injured During NBA All-Star Game On This Play|first=Brett|last=Siegel|newspaper=Fastbreak on Fannation |date=February 19, 2023|access-date=April 12, 2023}}</ref>
On February 26, James sustained a right foot injury during a game against the Dallas Mavericks. Despite the injury, he was able to finish the game and helped the Lakers pull off the biggest comeback victory of the season at the time after trailing by 27 points late in the first half. He scored 26 points on 10-for-23 shooting, eight rebounds, and three assists in 37 minutes.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last1=McMenamin |first1=Dave |title=LeBron James to monitor right foot after injury against Mavs |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/35743907/lebron-james-monitor-right-foot-injury-mavs |website=ESPN |date=February 27, 2023 |access-date=March 26, 2023}}</ref> However, following an examination by team medical staff on March 2, James was diagnosed with a tendon injury in his right foot and would be reevaluated in three weeks.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last1=McMenamin |first1=Dave |title=LeBron James to have foot tendon injury reevaluated in 3 weeks |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/35769531/lebron-james-foot-tendon-injury-reevaluated-3-weeks |website=ESPN |date=March 2, 2023 |access-date=March 26, 2023}}</ref> After missing the next 13 games, James made his return on March 26 against the Chicago Bulls. He came off the bench for just the second time in his career; the other being in 2007.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last1=Greenawalt |first1=Tyler |title=LeBron James to return today vs. Bulls after 13-game absence |date=March 26, 2023 |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/lebron-james-to-return-today-vs-bulls-after-13-game-absence-185657919.html |publisher=Yahoo Sports |access-date=March 26, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Lakers' LeBron James: Will come off the bench Sunday |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/basketball/news/lakers-lebron-james-will-come-off-the-bench-sunday/ |work=CBS Sports |date=March 26, 2023 |access-date=March 26, 2023}}</ref> On April 2, James put up a triple-double with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 134–109 victory over the Houston Rockets. He also tied Jason Kidd for fourth place on the all-time career triple-doubles list.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-lebron-james-notches-historic-milestone-vs-rockets%7Ctitle=Lakers star LeBron James notches another historic milestone in Rockets demolition job|website=ClutchPoints|last=Songco|first=Paolo|date=April 2, 2023|access-date=April 2, 2023}}</ref> Two days later, James put up 37 points, five rebounds, six assists, a steal, a block, and a game-winning layup in a 135–133 overtime victory over the Utah Jazz.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-lebron-james-ties-kobe-bryant-with-epic-clutch-gene-stat-thatll-leave-haters-in-the-wind%7Ctitle=Lakers star LeBron James ties Kobe Bryant with epic clutch gene stat that'll leave haters in the wind|website=ClutchPoints|last=Guinhawa|first=Angelo|date=April 4, 2023|access-date=April 4, 2023}}</ref> On April 9, in the final game of the 2022–23 season, James posted 36 points, six rebounds, and six assists to lead the Lakers to a 128–117 victory over the Jazz, earning the seventh seed in the Western Conference play-in tournament.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Lakers hold off Jazz 128–117, earn play-in date with Wolves |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401469383 |website=ESPN |access-date=April 10, 2023 |date=April 9, 2023}}</ref> James finished the regular season with averages of 28.9 points per game, 8.3 rebounds per game, 6.8 assists per game, becoming the oldest player in NBA history to average at least 25 points, five rebounds, and five assists in a season.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-lebron-james-completes-historic-feat-never-seen-before-as-year-20-comes-to-an-end%7Ctitle=LeBron James completes historic feat never seen before as year 20 comes to an end|website=ClutchPoints|last=Yapkowitz|first=David|date=May 23, 2023|access-date=May 23, 2023}}</ref> In Game 4 of the Lakers' first-round series against the Memphis Grizzlies, James had 22 points, a playoff career-high 20 rebounds, and seven assists in a 117–111 overtime victory, marking his first 20–20 game of his career.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=LeBron leads Lakers past Grizzlies 117–111 in OT for 3–1 lead |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401541184 |website=ESPN |access-date=April 25, 2023 |date=April 24, 2023}}</ref> He became the first Lakers player with a 20–20 game in the postseason since Shaquille O'Neal in Game 4 of the 2004 NBA Finals and also the oldest player in league history with at least 20 points and 20 rebounds in a playoff game.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Lakers' LeBron James on 1st Career 20–20 Game: 'That's Pretty Cool, I Guess' |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10073708-lakers-lebron-james-on-1st-career-20-20-game-thats-pretty-cool-i-guess |website=Bleacher Report |last=Wells |first=Adam |access-date=April 27, 2023 |date=April 25, 2023}}</ref> In Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals, James put up 30 points, nine rebounds, nine assists, two steals, and a block in a 122–101 victory over the defending champion Golden State Warriors to lead the Lakers to the 2023 Western Conference finals, their second Conference finals appearance in five seasons. He also won his 41st playoff series, surpassing Derek Fisher for the most all-time playoff series wins in NBA history.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-lebron-anthony-davis-share-emotional-moment-warriors-win%7Ctitle=WATCH: Lakers stars LeBron James, Anthony Davis share emotional moment after beating Warriors|website=ClutchPoints|last=Songco|first=Paolo|date=May 12, 2023|access-date=May 12, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-lebron-james-passes-la-icon-for-playoff-record-and-it-isnt-kobe-bryant-or-kareem-abdul-jabbar%7Ctitle=LeBron James passes Lakers icon for playoff record, and it isn't Kobe Bryant or Kareem Abdul-Jabbar|website=ClutchPoints|last=Guinhawa|first=Angelo|date=May 12, 2023|access-date=May 12, 2023}}</ref> In the Western Conference finals, the Lakers were swept by the eventual NBA champion Denver Nuggets; James set his personal playoff record with 31 points in the first half.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401547684%7Ctitle=Jokic leads Denver Nuggets past LeBron's Lakers 113–111, into their first NBA Finals|website=ESPN.com.|date=May 22, 2023|accessdate=May 24, 2023}}</ref>
2023–2024: NBA Cup MVP and 40K points
Entering the 2023–24 season, James was the oldest player in the league, following the retirements of Udonis Haslem and Andre Iguodala.<ref name="NBAOldestPlayer">Template:Cite web</ref> James switched back to jersey No. 23 from No. 6 in honor of Bill Russell, who had died the previous year and whose No. 6 jersey had been retired league-wide.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In the season opener against the defending champion Nuggets, James put up 21 points, eight rebounds and five assists in a 119–107 loss.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On November 1, James put up 35 points in a 130–125 overtime victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. His 35 points were his 81st 30-point game since turning 35, surpassing Karl Malone for the most 30-point games by any player since turning 35 in NBA history.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On November 15, James logged 28 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists in a 125–110 loss to the Sacramento Kings, becoming the second-oldest player to have recorded a triple-double. He also moved up to the fifth and eighth places (passing Jason Kidd and Jason Terry, respectively) in the all-time triple-doubles and three-pointers lists, respectively.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> Four days later, James scored a season-high 37 points in a narrow 105–104 win over the Houston Rockets. He also tied Vince Carter for seventh on the all-time three-pointers made list with 2,290, and moved past Clyde Drexler for eighth on the all-time steals list at 2,208.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In November, James became the first player in NBA history to reach 5,000 career turnovers.<ref name="e060">Template:Cite web</ref>
On November 21, in a 131–99 blowout victory over the Utah Jazz, he became the first player in league history to reach 39,000 career points.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Six days later, in a 138–94 blowout loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, James surpassed Abdul-Jabbar's record of 66,300 minutes to become the player with the most minutes played in NBA games during the regular season and playoffs.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Lakers' 44-point loss was also the worst loss of James' career.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On December 9, James and the Lakers won the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament with a 123–109 victory over the Pacers, with James receiving the Tournament MVP award and being selected to the All-Tournament team.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On January 25, 2024, James was named an All-Star starter for the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, marking his 20th NBA All-Star selection, surpassing Abdul-Jabbar for the most All-Star selections in NBA history.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Two days later, James put up a triple-double with 36 points, a career-high 20 rebounds, and 12 assists, including a pair of game-winning free throws, in a narrow 145–144 double overtime victory over the Golden State Warriors,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> becoming the first player in Lakers franchise history since Abdul-Jabbar in 1976 to put up at least 30 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists in a game.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On February 28, James spearheaded a 21-point fourth-quarter comeback by the Lakers to beat the Los Angeles Clippers 116–112, marking the largest fourth-quarter comeback of James' career and the Lakers' biggest comeback since 2003.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He outscored the Clippers by himself 19–16 in the final quarter, going 5-for-8 from three-point range and dishing out four assists.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Three days later, James became the first player in NBA history to reach 40,000 career points.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On March 16, he scored a season-high 40 points on 15-of-23 shooting with eight rebounds and nine assists in a 128–121 loss to the Warriors.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On March 31, James put up 40 points on a career-high nine three-pointers made along with seven rebounds and five assists in a 116–104 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. He also surpassed Jordan for the most 30-point games (across the regular season and playoffs) in NBA history with 672.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On April 2, James passed Oscar Schmidt to become the world's all-time scoring leader in basketball history.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In the season finale on April 14 against the Pelicans, James scored 28 points, brought down 11 rebounds, and his 17 assists pushed his career total over the 11k mark.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
James finished his 21st season in the NBA averaging 25.7 points, 8.3 assists and 7.3 rebounds a game. He also shot 54% from the field and a career-high 41.0% from 3-point range, making him the first player to average over 25 points and eight assists while shooting at least 50% overall and 40% from beyond the arc for an entire season.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the road against the Pelicans in the play-in game, James had 23 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists to win 110–106 and clinch his 17th career playoff appearance.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> After the Lakers fell into a 3–0 series deficit in the first round against the Denver Nuggets, James scored 14 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter in Game 4 as the Lakers won 119–108 to stave off elimination.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In the process, James recorded his 19th career 30-point game when facing elimination and improved to 15–12 in 27 career elimination games.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Lakers lost the series in five games, despite James' 30-point and 11-rebound outing in a 108–106 closeout loss in Game 5.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2024–2025: First father-son duo
On July 6, 2024, James re-signed with the Lakers on a two-year, $104 million contract which carried a no-trade clause and had a player option in the second year.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Two weeks prior, James' son Bronny had been drafted 55th overall by the Lakers. This marked the first father-son duo in NBA history.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On October 22, in a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, James and Bronny became the first father-son duo to appear in an NBA game together in NBA history.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> During his 2024–25 season debut, he tied Carter for the record for the most NBA seasons played.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On November 13, he logged a triple-double of 35 points, 12 rebounds, and 14 assists, in a 128–123 victory against the Memphis Grizzlies. At age 39 years and 319 days, he broke his own record previously set in November 2019 for the oldest player to record a triple-double in three consecutive games.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Two days later, he recorded his fourth consecutive triple-double of the season with 15 points, 16 rebounds, and 12 assists, in a 120–115 victory against the San Antonio Spurs, breaking his personal record for the most consecutive triple-doubles made. He also tied the Lakers franchise record for the most consecutive triple-doubles, joining Magic Johnson (1981, 1987) and Russell Westbrook (2021).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On December 1, he reached 15,000 career field goals in a 105–104 victory against the Utah Jazz, joining Abdul-Jabbar as the only players to reach said milestone.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On December 19 against the Sacramento Kings, he passed Abdul-Jabbar for the most career regular season minutes played.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On January 3, 2025, James put up 30 points and eight assists in a 119–102 win over the Atlanta Hawks. He surpassed Jordan (562) for the most 30-point games in NBA history. James also passed Dirk Nowitzki (1,522) for the fourth-most games played in the regular season in NBA history.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On January 21, James posted a triple-double with 21 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists in a 111–88 win over the Washington Wizards. He became the second NBA player to post a triple-double at age 40 or older. Karl Malone is the only other NBA player to record a triple-double in his 40s. James also passed Scottie Pippen for 7th place on the all-time steals list.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On February 1, James registered a triple-double of 33 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists in a 128–112 win over the New York Knicks. He also became the seventh player to reach 2,500 career three-pointers.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On February 6, James recorded season-highs 42 points and 17 rebounds along with eight assists in a 120–112 win over the Golden State Warriors. He joined Jordan (43 pts) as the only players to record 40+ points in a game at 40 years or older. At 40 years and 38 days, James became the oldest player to score 40+ points in a game. He is also the youngest, at 19 years, 88 days old. He became the first player older than 30 to record 30+ pts, 15+ reb, 5+ ast and 5+ triples in a game.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> James was selected for his 21st NBA All-Star Game, but missed the 2025 contest due to foot and ankle soreness, ending his streak of consecutive All-Star starts at 20.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
On March 4, 2025, James surpassed 50,000 career points across the regular season and playoffs during a 136–115 win against the New Orleans Pelicans.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On March 8, James injured his groin in the second half of a 111–101 loss to the Boston Celtics, sidelining him for multiple weeks.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> After a seven-game absence, James returned on March 22 in a 146–115 loss to the Chicago Bulls.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On March 26, James scored 13 points and a game-winning, buzzer-beating tip-in in a 120–119 victory against the Indiana Pacers.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> It marked James' eight career game-winning buzzer-beater and his first as a Laker.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On April 9, he played his 1,561st regular season game, passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for second on the league's games played list.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On April 27, he logged his 144th career playoff double-double with 27 points and 12 rebounds along with eight assists, three steals and three blocks, in a 116–113 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4 of the first round. He passed Wilt Chamberlain for third in the career playoff double-doubles list.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Lakers lost Game 5 and were eliminated in the first round for the second straight year.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In the game, James sprained the medial collateral ligament in his left knee and focused on being ready by training camp.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
2025–2026: Delayed start amid injury
On October 9, 2025, the Lakers announced that James would be sidelined for the start of the 2025–26 season due to sciatica on his right side.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He missed the Lakers' first game of the season, a 119–109 loss to the Golden State Warriors, marking the first time in his career he missed a season opener.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On November 18, James made his season debut with the Lakers in a 140–125 win over the Utah Jazz after missing the first 14 games due to injury, becoming the first player in league history to appear in 23 seasons. In his return, he posted 11 points and 12 assists. Additionally, with his 2 three-pointers in this game, he passed Reggie Miller for 6th place on the NBA’s all-time three‑pointers made list. <ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
National team career
As a 19-year-old rookie, James made his debut for the United States national team at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece.<ref name=USA>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=LeBron James Bio|url=http://www.usabasketball.com/bios/james_lebron.html%7Cpublisher=USA Basketball|access-date=February 26, 2013|archive-date=July 10, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130710085235/http://www.usabasketball.com/bios/james_lebron.html%7Curl-status=dead}}</ref> He spent the Games mostly on the bench,<ref name="Bench">{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Thamel|first=Pete|author-link=Pete Thamel |title=After Sitting in 2004, Ready to Stand and Deliver|date=July 28, 2008|newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/28/sports/olympics/28hoops.html%7Caccess-date=February 26, 2013}}</ref> averaging 14.6 minutes per game with 5.8 points, and 2.6 rebounds per game in eight games.<ref name=USA/> Team USA finished the competition with a bronze medal, becoming the first U.S. basketball team to return home without a gold medal since adding active NBA players to their lineup.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|agency=Associated Press|title=U.S.: 3-for-24 from 3-point range|url=https://www.espn.com/olympics/summer04/basketball/news/story?id=1859825%7Cwebsite=ESPN%7Cdate=August 15, 2004 |access-date=December 22, 2021}}</ref> James felt that his limited playing time was a "lowlight" and believed he was not given "a fair opportunity to play".<ref name="Bench"/>
At the 2006 FIBA World Championship in Japan, James took on a greater role for Team USA, averaging 13.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game as co-captain.<ref name="usabbb">{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://www.usabasketball.com/seniormen/2006/06_mwc_cumulative_stats.html%7Ctitle=2006 USA Men's World Championship Team (8–1)|publisher=USA Basketball|access-date=May 1, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070513145308/http://www.usabasketball.com/seniormen/2006/06_mwc_cumulative_stats.html%7Carchive-date=May 13, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|website=NBA.com|url=http://www.nba.com/nuggets/news/anthony_usa_captain_081706.html%7Ctitle=Carmelo Anthony Named One of Three USA World Championship Team Captains|access-date=May 7, 2007|date=August 17, 2006}}</ref> The team finished the tournament with an 8–1 record, winning another bronze medal.<ref name="usabbb"/> James' behavior was again questioned, this time by teammate Bruce Bowen, who confronted James during tryouts regarding his treatment of staff members.<ref name=wojnarowski_08122012>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Wojnarowski|first=Adrian|author-link=Adrian Wojnarowski|title=Season of LeBron ends with Olympic gold medal|date=August 12, 2012|publisher=Yahoo! Sports|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--season-of-lebron-ends-with-olympic-gold-medal.html%7Carchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120815052130/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--season-of-lebron-ends-with-olympic-gold-medal.html%7Carchive-date=August 15, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Wojnarowski|first=Adrian|author-link=Adrian Wojnarowski|title=Team USA's declaration of independence|date=September 3, 2007|publisher=Yahoo! Sports|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-teamusa090307%7Carchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305224654/https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-teamusa090307%7Carchive-date=March 5, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
Before naming James to the 2008 Olympic team, Team USA managing director Jerry Colangelo and coach Mike Krzyzewski gave James an ultimatum to improve his attitude, and he heeded their advice.<ref name=wojnarowski_08122012/><ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Helin|first=Kurt|title=USA Basketball president lauds LeBron James' maturity|date=August 14, 2012|publisher=NBC Sports|url=https://nba.nbcsports.com/2012/08/14/usa-basketball-president-lauds-lebron-james-maturity/%7Caccess-date=December 22, 2021}}</ref> At the FIBA Americas Championship 2007, he averaged 18.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game, including a 31-point performance against Argentina in the championship game, the most ever by an American in an Olympic qualifier.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|website=ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/olympics/olybb/news/story?id=3002435%7Ctitle=James' record outing highlights Team USA's dominance in title game|date=September 2, 2007|access-date=December 22, 2021|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Team USA went 10–0, winning the gold medal and qualifying for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.<ref name=USA/> James credited the team's attitude and experience for their improvement, saying: "I don't think we understood what it meant to put on a USA uniform and all the people that we were representing in 2004. We definitely know that now."<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=LeBron: Now I Understand What It Means to Be an Olympian|url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=245620%7Caccess-date=February 26, 2013|date=August 8, 2008|publisher=The Sports Network|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728022140/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=245620%7Carchive-date=July 28, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> At the Olympics, Team USA went unbeaten, winning their first gold medal since 2000.<ref name=Morgan2016>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Morgan|first=Chris|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/olympics/the-olympics/that-one-time-they-lost-on-the-team-usa-mens-baske/%7Ctitle=That One Time They Lost: On the Team USA Men's Basketball Disaster in Athens|magazine=Paste|date=August 17, 2016|access-date=December 22, 2021}}</ref> In the final game, James' statistics were – 14 points, six rebounds, and three assists against Spain.<ref name=Spain>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/olympics/games/2008-08-24-USA-ESP/%7Ctitle=United States vs. Spain, August 24, 2008 – Final Round|access-date=February 20, 2018|website=Basketball Reference|publisher=Sports Reference}}</ref>
James did not play at the 2010 FIBA World Championship but rejoined Team USA for the 2012 Olympics in London, England.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|agency=Reuters|title=LeBron, Kobe return to U.S. team for London Games|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/ct-xpm-2012-07-07-sns-rt-us-teambre867000-20120707-story.html%7Cnewspaper=Chicago Tribune|access-date=December 22, 2021|date=July 7, 2012}}</ref> He became the leader of the team, with Bryant, who would soon be 34, stepping back.<ref name=ap_column>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=Column: Going out in style – 'K Boys' golden again|date=August 12, 2012|website=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|url=http://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=oly&id=8262281%7Carchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714233540/http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=oly&id=8262281%7Carchive-date=July 14, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> James facilitated the offense from the post and perimeter, called the defensive sets, and provided scoring when needed.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Freeman|first=Eric|title=The Team USA Reputations Index: How the gold medal changes our opinions of these players|date=August 13, 2012|publisher=Yahoo! Sports|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/team-usa-reputations-index-gold-medal-changes-opinions-140024134--nba.html%7Carchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120815201907/http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/team-usa-reputations-index-gold-medal-changes-opinions-140024134--nba.html%7Carchive-date=August 15, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> During a game against Australia, he recorded the first triple-double in U.S. Olympic basketball history with 11 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists.Template:Efn Team USA went on to win their second straight gold medal, again defeating Spain in the final game.<ref name="Spain2">{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Stein|first=Marc|title=Team USA as good as gold again|url=http://www.espn.com/olympics/summer/2012/basketball/story/_/id/8262102/2012-olympics-team-usa-good-gold-again%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=October 14, 2018|date=August 12, 2012}}</ref> James contributed 19 points in the victory, becoming the all-time leading scorer in U.S. men's basketball history.<ref name=USA/><ref name=Spain2/> He also joined Michael Jordan as the only players to win an NBA MVP award, NBA championship, NBA Finals MVP, and Olympic gold medal in the same year.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2012/08/12/u-s-surges-past-spain-late-claims-second-straight-olympic-gold-medal/%7Ctitle=U.S. Surges Past Spain Late, Claims Second Straight Olympic Gold Medal|first=Sekou|last=Smith|date=August 12, 2012|access-date=August 13, 2012|website=NBA.com|archive-date=November 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126163535/http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2012/08/12/u-s-surges-past-spain-late-claims-second-straight-olympic-gold-medal/%7Curl-status=dead}}</ref> Afterwards, Krzyzewski said: "[James] is the best player, he is the best leader and he is as smart as anybody playing the game right now."<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Deveney|first=Sean|title=Olympics 2012: The golden era of LeBron James|date=August 12, 2012|magazine=Sporting News|url=http://aol.sportingnews.com/olympics/story/2012-08-12/olympics-2012-lebron-james-team-usa-spain-carmelo-anthony-london-games-us-gold-m%7Carchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120812231144/http://aol.sportingnews.com/olympics/story/2012-08-12/olympics-2012-lebron-james-team-usa-spain-carmelo-anthony-london-games-us-gold-m%7Carchive-date=August 12, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>
After a 12-year gap, James rejoined the national team on the 2024 Olympic squad in Paris as Team Captain at 39 years old.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Voted by the entire 592-strong U.S. delegation, James was named as one of the two Team USA flag-bearers for the opening ceremony of the games, becoming the first male basketball player to be so honored.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> James led the team in rebounds and assists. He recorded his second Olympic triple double in a comeback win in the semi-final against Serbia with 16 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> James became the first player in Olympic history with two triple doubles.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Team USA went on to win their fifth straight gold medal, defeating France 98–87 in the final game,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> with James recording 14 points, 6 rebounds and 10 assists. At the conclusion of the tournament with averages of 14.2 points, 6.8 rebounds and 8.5 assists, James was named the FIBA Men's Olympics MVP and was selected to the FIBA Men's Olympics All-Star Five.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> James became the third male basketball player to win three gold medals at the Olympics.
Player profile
Standing Template:Convert tall and weighing Template:Convert,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://www.nba.com/stats/player/2544/career%7Curl-status=dead%7Ctitle=LeBron James Career Stats Page|website=NBA.com|date=November 14, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207094746/http://www.nba.com/playerfile/lebron_james/career_stats.html%7Carchive-date=February 7, 2015|access-date=December 22, 2021}}</ref> James has played the majority of his career at the small forward and power forward positions,<ref name=Reference>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jamesle01.html%7Ctitle=LeBron James Stats|website=Basketball Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|date=June 12, 2004|access-date=April 25, 2024}}</ref> but he has also been deployed at the other positions when necessary.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Simmons|first=Bill|title=LeBron Makes LeLeap|url=http://grantland.com/features/lebron-makes-leleap/%7Cwebsite=Grantland%7Cdate=June 22, 2012|access-date=June 22, 2012}}</ref> His playing style, which is athletic and versatile,<ref name=Goldsberry>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Goldsberry|first=Kirk|title=The Evolution of King James|url=http://grantland.com/features/how-lebron-james-transformed-game-become-highly-efficient-scoring-machine/%7Cwebsite=Grantland%7Cdate=March 29, 2013|access-date=December 22, 2021}}</ref> has drawn comparisons to Basketball Hall of Fame players Oscar Robertson; Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=DuPree|first=David|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/playoffs/2006-04-20-james-cover_x.htm%7Ctitle=King James' next conquest|work=USA Today|date=April 21, 2006|access-date=August 21, 2006}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Davis|first=Nate|title=Jalen Rose, Warren Sapp scoff at notion of LeBron in NFL|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2011/11/jalen-rose-warren-sapp-scoff-at-notion-of-lebron-james-playing-in-nfl/%7Cnewspaper=USA Today|access-date=June 23, 2012|date=November 17, 2011}}</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> Through the 2024–25 season, James' career averages are 27.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game.<ref name=Reference/> Throughout the 2010s, he was usually ranked as the best player in the NBA each season by ESPN and Sports Illustrated.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Windhorst|first=Brian|title=LeBron James is still the undefeated champ of #NBArank|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/20703687/cleveland-cavaliers-lebron-james-remains-undefeated-champ-nbarank%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=September 15, 2018|date=September 15, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=SI's Top 100 NBA Players of 2019: How Long Will LeBron James Remain on Top|url=https://www.si.com/nba/video/2018/09/13/top-100-nba-players-how-long-will-lebron-james-remain-top%7Caccess-date=September 15, 2018|date=September 13, 2018|magazine=Sports Illustrated}}</ref>
Offense
As an 18-year-old rookie, James led the Cavaliers in scoring.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=2003–04 Cleveland Cavaliers Roster and Stats|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CLE/2004.html%7Cwebsite=Basketball Reference|publisher=Sports Reference}}</ref> He holds numerous "youngest to" distinctions,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=James receives 78 of 118 first-place votes|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=1786166%7Cwebsite=ESPN%7Caccess-date=December 22, 2021|date=April 21, 2004|agency=Associated Press}}</ref><ref name="usabio">{{#invoke:cite|web|publisher=USA Basketball|url=http://www.usabasketball.com/biosmen/lebron_james_bio.html%7Ctitle=USA Basketball: LeBron James Bio|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070514045140/http://www.usabasketball.com/biosmen/lebron_james_bio.html%7Carchive-date=May 14, 2007}}</ref> including being the youngest player to score 30,000 career points.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=LeBron James' path to 30,000 career regular-season points|url=http://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/22134348/lebron-james-path-30000-career-regular-season-points%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=September 15, 2018|date=January 2018}}</ref> During his first stint in Cleveland, James was primarily used as an on-ball point forward, and although his shooting tendencies were perimeter-oriented,<ref name=Goldsberry/> he established himself as one of the best slashers and finishers in basketball.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Kim|first=Allen|date=October 8, 2010|title=NBA Power Rankings: Dwyane Wade and the Top 20 Slashers in the NBA|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/485933-nba-power-rankings-dwyane-wade-and-the-top-20-slashers-in-the-nba%7Cwebsite=Bleacher Report|access-date=May 19, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Burton|first=Roy|date=March 30, 2012|title=Power Ranking the NBA's Most Reckless Slashers|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1125089-power-ranking-the-nbas-most-reckless-slashers%7Cwebsite=Bleacher Report|access-date=May 19, 2021}}</ref> His combination of speed, quickness, and size often created matchup problems for opposing teams because James was capable of blowing by larger defenders and overpowering smaller ones.<ref name="Evolution">Template:Cite magazine</ref> These qualities became more apparent in transition, where he developed a reputation for grabbing defensive rebounds and then beating the defense downcourt for highlight reel baskets.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Simmons|first=Bill|title=50 Shades of Westbrook|date=March 9, 2017|url=https://theringer.com/the-russell-westbrook-problem-54e59db48117%7Cpublisher=The Ringer|access-date=April 8, 2017}}</ref> Around this time, James was frequently criticized for not having a reliable jump shot or post game.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Araton|first=Harvey|title=With Stars Aplenty, Heat Looks for Leader|date=March 8, 2011|page=B11|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/08/sports/basketball/08dribble.html?_r=1&scp=16&sq=miami+heat&st=nyt%7Carchive-url=https://archive.today/20120907181706/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/08/sports/basketball/08dribble.html?_r=2&scp=16&sq=miami+heat&st=nyt%7Carchive-date=September 7, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Teams would try to exploit these weaknesses by giving him space in the half court and forcing him to settle for three-pointers and long two-pointers, a strategy famously used by Spurs coach Gregg Popovich in the 2007 Finals, where James converted on only 36 percent of his field goals in four games.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Zillgitt|first=Jeff|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/playoffs/2013/06/04/lebron-james-miami-heat-vs-san-antonio-spurs-2007-finals-cleveland-cavaliers/2390097/%7Ctitle=LeBron James '50 times better' than in 2007 NBA Finals|newspaper=USA Today|access-date=April 8, 2017}}</ref>
In Miami, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra changed James' role to a more unconventional one.<ref name=Goldsberry/> James spent more time in the post and improved his shot selection and accuracy on jump shots.<ref name=Goldsberry/><ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Haberstroh|first=Tom|title=Is LeBron James an elite shooter?|date=February 25, 2013|url=http://insider.espn.com/nba/story/_/page/PerDiem-130225/nba-lebron-james-shooting-star%7Cwork=ESPN%7Caccess-date=June 17, 2013}}Template:Subscription required</ref> He also learned how to work as an off-ball cutter in the Heat's "pass-happy" offense.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Lowe|first=Zach|title=The Miami Juggernaut|url=http://grantland.com/features/how-miami-heat-went-historic-winning-streak-came-dominate-league/%7Cwebsite=Grantland%7Cdate=March 26, 2013|access-date=December 22, 2021}}</ref> Behind these improvements, James' overall scoring efficiency rose to historically great levels.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Levy|first=Ian|title=What Drives LeBron James' Scoring Efficiency?|url=http://hardwoodparoxysm.com/2014/04/29/drives-lebron-james-scoring-efficiency/%7Cpublisher=Hardwood Paroxysm|access-date=April 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409111401/http://hardwoodparoxysm.com/2014/04/29/drives-lebron-james-scoring-efficiency/%7Carchive-date=April 9, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> During this time, ESPN's Tom Haberstroh called James' free-throw shooting his biggest weakness, describing it as "average".<ref name=Haber>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Haberstroh|first=Tom|title=Miami Heat: 2013–14 roster (Subscription required)|date=September 18, 2013|url=http://insider.espn.com/nba/preview2013/story/_/page/2013-14-mia-preview/miami-heat-player-profiles%7Cwork=ESPN Insider|access-date=December 22, 2021}}</ref> Upon returning to the Cavaliers, James began to experience subtle age-related declines in productivity,<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> posting his lowest scoring averages since his rookie season in 2015 and 2016.<ref name=Reference/><ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Engelmann|first=Jeremias|title=NBA has co-MVPs this season|date=April 8, 2016|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/15160735/nba-co-mvps-season%7Cwork=ESPN Insider|access-date=December 22, 2021}}</ref> His shooting also temporarily regressed, and James briefly ranked as the NBA's worst high-volume shooter from outside the paint.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> Despite these changes, he remained an elite offensive player who beat defenses with body control, strength, and varying attacking speeds.<ref name=Evolution/>
For most of his career, James has controlled the offense as the primary ball handler on his team.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Windhorst|first=Brian|title=LeBron James takes control of the Lakers|date=November 28, 2018|website=ESPN|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/25384727/lebron-james-takes-control-lakers%7Caccess-date=November 28, 2018}}</ref> His playmaking ability is generally considered one of his premier skills, and some analysts rank him among the greatest passers in NBA history.<ref name=Lowe2>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Lowe|first=Zach|title=The Decision 2.0: OK, What's Next?|url=http://grantland.com/the-triangle/lebron-james-cleveland-cavaliers-aftermath-miami-heat/%7Cwebsite=Grantland%7Cdate=July 11, 2014}}</ref> By exploiting his size, vision, and the attention James garners from opposing defenses,<ref name=Rosenberg>Template:Cite magazine</ref> he creates easy points for his teammates with accurate assists.<ref name=Mahoney>Template:Cite magazine</ref> James executes unconventional passes, including after leaving his feet and through defensive traffic.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Windhorst|first=Brian|title=LeBron James' unprecedented season of sharing has arrived|date=November 29, 2016|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/18159427/why-lebron-james-cooking-more-dishes%7Cwork=ESPN%7Caccess-date=January 15, 2017}}</ref> His uncanny tendency to find the open man has helped force NBA teams to incorporate some elements of zone into their schemes to better cover the weak side of the court and prevent James from passing to open shooters.<ref name=Evolution/> Early in his career, James was criticized for overpassing in pressure situations, in particular for passing instead of shooting in the waning seconds of close games;<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Morre|first=Matt|title=Heat 93, Pacers 91: LeBron is clutch, then not clutch, clutch enough?|date=March 10, 2012|work=CBS Sports|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/heat-93-pacers-91-lebron-is-clutch-then-not-clutch-clutch-enough/%7Carchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130407000005/http://www.cbssports.com/nba/blog/eye-on-basketball/17717241/heat-93-pacers-91-lebron-is-clutch-then-not-clutch-clutch-enough%7Carchive-date=April 7, 2013|access-date=December 22, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Jackson|first=Scoop|title=LeBron's stomach-turning stigma|date=March 8, 2012|publisher=ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/commentary/story/_/page/jackson-120308/lebron-james-passing-last-second-shots-earns-long-lasting-stigma%7Carchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309191029/http://espn.go.com/espn/commentary/story/_/page/jackson-120308/lebron-james-passing-last-second-shots-earns-long-lasting-stigma%7Carchive-date=March 9, 2012|access-date=December 22, 2021}}</ref> however, as his career progressed, James' clutch performance was viewed more favorably.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Paine|first=Neil|title=LeBron May Be The Most Clutch Playoff Shooter Of His Generation|url=http://fivethirtyeight.com/datalab/lebron-may-be-the-most-clutch-playoff-shooter-of-his-generation/%7Cwebsite=FiveThirtyEight%7Cdate=May 11, 2015|access-date=May 22, 2015}}</ref>
Defense
.jpg)
At the beginning of his NBA career, James was considered a poor defensive player,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=LeBron against the all-time greats|date=March 2012|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/page/5-on-5-120301/nba-lebron-james-all-time-greats%7Cwork=ESPN%7Caccess-date=December 22, 2021}}</ref> but he improved steadily through the years. In 2009, James became proficient at the chase-down block, which involves coming in from behind the opposition in transition to block the shot.<ref name="Abrams">{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Abrams|first=Jonathan|title=On Defense, James Is Closer Than He Appears|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/06/sports/basketball/06cavs.html?_r=0%7Cnewspaper=The New York Times|access-date=June 11, 2013|date=May 5, 2010}}</ref> In Miami, he developed into a more versatile defensive player, and the Heat relied on him to guard all five positions.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Haberstroh|first=Tom|title='Point center' LeBron James fourth in DPOY|date=May 2, 2012|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/truehoop/miamiheat/post/_/id/13790/point-center-lebron-james-fourth-in-dpoy%7Cwork=ESPN%7Caccess-date=December 22, 2021}}</ref> From the years 2012–2016, he was ranked among the top three defenders in the NBA by general managers, earning the vote as the best perimeter defender in the league preceding the 2014–15 NBA season.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Along with Shane Battier and Dwyane Wade, Miami used James in an ultra-aggressive defensive scheme,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Lowe|first=Zach|title=Lights, Cameras, Revolution|url=http://grantland.com/features/the-toronto-raptors-sportvu-cameras-nba-analytical-revolution/%7Cwebsite=Grantland%7Cdate=March 19, 2013|access-date=December 22, 2021}}</ref> with James cheating off the ball to help out inside or get into rebounding position.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Harper|first=Zach|title=LeBron James' defensive assignment allows versatility for Miami Heat|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lebron-james-defensive-assignment-allows-versatility-for-miami-heat/%7Cwork=CBS Sports|date=May 23, 2013 |access-date=December 22, 2021}}</ref> Beginning in 2014, some analysts reported a regression in his defensive impact, stemming from a lack of effort and expected age-related declines.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Haberstroh|first=Tom|title=Who's the real plus-minus MVP?|date=April 9, 2014|url=http://insider.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/10754836/nba-does-real-plus-minus-say-league-most-valuable-player%7Cwork=ESPN Insider|access-date=December 22, 2021|url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref name="WPDecline">{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Partnow|first=Seth|title=Here's proof LeBron James is exiting the prime of his career|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fancy-stats/wp/2016/01/05/heres-proof-lebron-james-is-exiting-the-prime-of-his-career/%7Cnewspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=August 7, 2016}}</ref> During his second stint in Cleveland, James' defense progressively declined. After missed drives on offense, he often dawdled back on defense while complaining to the referees; he provided less help off the ball, and was less aggressive in switching.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Duncan|first=Nate|title=NBA No-Defense Team: Carmelo Anthony, Enes Kanter and Regular Season LeBron James get the big honors|date=June 12, 2018|work=The Athletic|url=https://theathletic.com/383038/2018/06/12/nba-no-defense-team-carmelo-anthony-enes-kanter-and-regular-season-lebron-james-get-the-big-honors/%7Curl-access=subscription%7Caccess-date=March 5, 2019|quote=His regular-season work has increasingly lagged during his Cleveland years, but even as recently as last season the overall numbers were solid.}}</ref> James himself admitted to taking plays off at times, referring to this approach as "chill mode".<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Pelton|first=Kevin|date=December 31, 2014|title=LeBron's 'chill mode' hurting Cavs|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/12102220/nba-why-lebron-james-chill-mode-hurting-cleveland-cavaliers%7Caccess-date=April 8, 2017|publisher=ESPN}}</ref> He eventually developed a reputation for raising his defensive level in the playoffs, which some analysts referred to as "Playoff LeBron".<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Alamar|first=Ben|title=It's defense that makes 'Playoff LeBron' a thing|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/23027889/playoff-impact-lebron-james-felt-mainly-defense-nba%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=September 15, 2018|date=April 6, 2018}}</ref>
Legacy
.jpg)
James left high school as one of the most hyped prospects in NBA history.Template:Efn Upon entering the NBA, he made an immediate impact and was voted Rookie of the Year in his debut season.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=NBA Rookie of the Year Award Winners|url=http://www.nba.com/history/awards/rookie-of-the-year%7Cwebsite=NBA.com%7Caccess-date=October 14, 2018}}</ref> As of 2024, James has been named to 21 All-NBA Teams, including 13 times to the First Team, which are both NBA records.<ref name="Quinn 2021"/> His four MVP awards are matched only by Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, and Bill Russell; James and Russell are the only players to win four MVP awards in a five-year span.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=LeBron takes 2013 Kia Most Valuable Player award|url=http://www.nba.com/2013/news/05/05/lebron-2013-mvp-award/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt3b%7Cwebsite=NBA.com%7Caccess-date=May 5, 2013|date=May 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130507235207/http://www.nba.com/2013/news/05/05/lebron-2013-mvp-award/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt3b%7Carchive-date=May 7, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> James has also won four Finals MVP Awards, which is the second-most all-time,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=NBA Finals MVP Award Winners|url=http://www.nba.com/history/awards/finals-mvp%7Cwebsite=NBA.com%7Caccess-date=October 14, 2018}}</ref> and earned All-Defensive honors every season from 2009 to 2014.<ref name=Reference/> While James has never won the Defensive Player of the Year Award, he has finished second in the voting twice and lists it as one of his main goals.<ref name=DPOTY09/><ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Wallace|first=Michael|title=LeBron James wins 4th MVP award|date=May 5, 2013|publisher=ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2013/story/_/id/9244504/lebron-james-miami-heat-1-vote-shy-unanimous-mvp-honor%7Carchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130505201808/http://espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2013/story/_/id/9244504/lebron-james-miami-heat-1-vote-shy-unanimous-mvp-honor%7Carchive-date=May 5, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> His teams have appeared in the Finals ten times and won four championships; his 10 Finals appearances are tied for third all-time.Template:Efn Some analysts have criticized him for not having a better Finals record, while others have countered that James usually performed well but his team was defeated by superior competition.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Paine|first=Neil|title=Where This Year's Cavs Rank Among LeBron's NBA Finals Supporting Casts|url=http://fivethirtyeight.com/datalab/where-this-years-cavs-rank-among-lebrons-nba-finals-supporting-casts/%7Cwebsite=FiveThirtyEight%7Caccess-date=August 7, 2016|date=June 1, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Haberstroh|first=Tom|title=LeBron's 2–4 Finals record is one of his greatest achievements|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/15882307/what-lebron-james-losing-nba-finals-record-really-means-nba%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=August 7, 2016|date=June 2, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Lowe|first=Zach|title=The Rematch: An NBA Finals preview|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/15888230/this-matchup-cavs-warriors-what-saw-2015%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=August 7, 2016|date=June 2, 2016}}</ref>
On the basis of his career longevity and on-court performances, sports publications have consistently included James in rankings of the best basketball players in history,Template:Efn and he was named the Associated Press Male Athlete of the Decade for the 2010s.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=LeBron James named AP top male athlete of decade|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28389041/lebron-james-named-ap-top-male-athlete-decade%7Cwebsite=ESPN%7Caccess-date=October 31, 2020|date=December 29, 2019|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> This has resulted in frequent comparisons to Jordan in debates over the sport's all-time best.Template:Efn In a 2016 interview with Sports Illustrated, James acknowledged that his motivation was surpassing Jordan as the greatest.<ref name="Quinn">{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Quinn|first=Sam|title=LeBron James' quest to catch Michael Jordan faces an obstacle both utterly unparalleled and strangely familiar|work=CBS Sports|date=March 25, 2020|access-date=April 1, 2020|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lebron-james-quest-to-catch-michael-jordan-faces-an-obstacle-both-utterly-unparalleled-and-strangely-familiar/}}</ref> In February 2018, The Ringer spent an entire week devoted to both players, with Bill Simmons ultimately concluding that Jordan was still ahead.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Jordan-LeBron Week|url=https://www.theringer.com/nba/2018/2/20/17029830/lebron-vs-jordan-week%7Cwebsite=The Ringer|access-date=October 14, 2018|date=February 19, 2018}}</ref> In polls, James has ranked second behind Jordan.<ref name="Manrique">{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Manrique|first=Bruno|title=NBA players overwhelmingly vote Michael Jordan as the GOAT over LeBron James, Kobe Bryant|work=ClutchPoints|date=April 8, 2019|access-date=April 6, 2020|url=https://clutchpoints.com/nba-news-players-overwhelmingly-vote-michael-jordan-goat-over-lebron-james-kobe-bryant/}}</ref><ref name="Parrish">{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Parrish|first=Gary|title=Candid Coaches: Who's the real GOAT – Michael Jordan or LeBron James?|work=CBS Sports|date=August 31, 2018|access-date=April 1, 2020|url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/candid-coaches-whos-the-real-goat-michael-jordan-or-lebron-james/}}</ref><ref name="Davis">{{#invoke:cite|news|last1=Davis|first1=Scott|last2=Hickey|first2=Walt|last3=Yutong|first3=Yuan|title=Most Americans think Michael Jordan is the 'GOAT' over LeBron James, and it's not even close|website=Business Insider|date=March 18, 2019|access-date=April 1, 2020|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/jordan-lebron-goat-debate-americans-jordan-2019-3}}</ref> The results strongly correlate with age, with older voters more commonly choosing Jordan.<ref name="Parrish" /><ref name="Davis" /> Davis et al. of Business Insider stated: "The data would suggest that younger, more-engaged NBA fans lean toward James, as he's still playing. Older generations who watched Jordan play and tune in less today lean toward Jordan."<ref name="Davis" /> Referring to James as the best challenger to Jordan's status as the greatest basketball player of all time, Sam Quinn of CBS Sports stated that "the margin for error where Jordan is involved is overwhelmingly slim" and that "in the rings-obsessed basketball discourse", Jordan having more titles and an "unblemished Finals record holds significant weight".<ref name="Quinn" />
Fans perceived as overenthusiastic about James have been satirically referred to as Bronsexuals, characterized as having a man crush on Lebron James.<ref name="l818">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="d692">Template:Cite web</ref> Furthermore, it is emphasized that amongst that fandom demographic, a bandwagon effect and biases towards Lebron James have obscured clarity in the legacy debate versus Jordan,<ref name="k196">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="d025">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="i160">Template:Cite web</ref> such as recency bias.<ref name="d716">Template:Cite web</ref>
In addition to praising James' on-court accomplishments, analysts have also noted his influence on player empowerment throughout the NBA, which stemmed from his willingness to change teams during free agency. Ben Golliver of The Washington Post opined that James' move to the Heat in 2010 "defined a decade of player movement", and that he "fundamentally flipped the power balance between stars and their organizations."<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Golliver|first=Ben|title=LeBron James' 'Decision' defined a decade of player movement|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/07/06/lebron-james-the-decision-impact/%7Caccess-date=October 31, 2020|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=July 6, 2020}}Template:Subscription required</ref> James' fellow players have also remarked on his influence, such as Warriors forward Draymond Green, who reflected: "We've taken control of our destiny. And I think a lot of people hate that ... I think the doors that he's opened for athletes and especially basketball players is his biggest accomplishment."<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Kaskey-Blomain|first=Michael|title=Warriors' Draymond Green credits Lakers' LeBron James for helping to empower NBA players|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/warriors-draymond-green-credits-lakers-lebron-james-for-helping-to-empower-nba-players/%7Cwork=CBS Sports|access-date=October 31, 2020|date=September 16, 2019}}</ref> Multiple current and former NBA players have suggested James' free agency decisions catalyzed the league-wide trend in "superteams" in the 21st century.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
In 2022, James voiced his desire to play into his forties, potentially alongside or against his sons Bronny and Bryce.<ref name=McDaniel>Template:Cite magazine</ref> This eventually happened when Bronny was selected by the Lakers 55th overall in the 2024 NBA draft, making them the first father-son duo in NBA history.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On October 22, 2024, in the season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves, they shared the court for the first time.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Personal life
James married his high school sweetheart, Savannah James (Template:Née; born August 27, 1986), on September 14, 2013, in San Diego, California.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Reynolds|first=Tim|date=March 21, 2015|title=Lebron Weds Girlfriend in San Diego|work=The Big Story |agency=Associated Press|url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/ap-source-lebron-weds-girlfriend-san-diego%7Carchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130918100116/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/ap-source-lebron-weds-girlfriend-san-diego%7Carchive-date=September 18, 2013|access-date=September 18, 2013}}</ref> They have two sons, Bronny and Bryce, and a daughter Zhuri.<ref name=McDaniel/><ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://people.com/parents/lebron-james-says-3-kids-greatest-things-in-his-life/%7Ctitle=LeBron James Says His 3 Kids Are the 'Greatest' Things in His Life|last=Slater|first=Georgia|website=People.com|date=July 14, 2021|access-date=August 30, 2022|language=en|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240101162144/https://people.com/parents/lebron-james-says-3-kids-greatest-things-in-his-life/%7Carchive-date=January 1, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> Bronny was a standout high school basketball player, named as a McDonald's All-American in 2023, 20 years after James' selection.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Roster announced for the 2023 McDonald's All-American Game |url=https://247sports.com/LongFormArticle/McDonalds-All-American-Game-announced-Isaiah-Collier-Aaron-Bradshaw-Justin-Edwards-DJ-Wagner-Bronny-James-Jared-McCain-and-more-203584643/#203584643_2%7Carchive-url=https://archive.today/20240101162355/https://247sports.com/longformarticle/mcdonalds-all-american-game-announced-isaiah-collier-aaron-bradshaw-justin-edwards-dj-wagner-bronny-james-jared-mccain-and-more-203584643/%232093555%7Carchive-date=January 1, 2024|url-status=live|last=Bossi|first=Eric|date=January 24, 2023|website=247Sports|access-date=January 1, 2024}}</ref> James owns a 30,000 square foot mansion in Akron, Ohio that he custom built in 2003 on his property at a cost of $2.1 million.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> During his stint with the Heat, James resided in Coconut Grove, where he bought a $9 million three-story mansion overlooking Biscayne Bay.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Carter|first=Nicole|title=Miami heat: LeBron James buys $9M mansion in Coconut Grove, Fla|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/real-estate/miami-heat-lebron-james-buys-9m-mansion-coconut-grove-fla-article-1.470576%7Cnewspaper=New York Daily News|access-date=July 4, 2012|date=December 9, 2010}}</ref> In November 2015, James bought a 9,350 square-foot (870 m2) East Coast-style mansion in Brentwood, Los Angeles, for about $21 million.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=LeBron James Snags Brentwood Mansion for $21 Million|magazine=Variety|date=November 10, 2015|url=https://variety.com/2015/dirt/real-estalker/lebron-james-buys-brentwood-manse-1201635639/%7Clast=David%7Cfirst=Mark%7Caccess-date=August 21, 2022}}</ref> He purchased another home in Brentwood in December 2017 for $23 million.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|date=July 12, 2017|title=LeBron James buys a second home in Brentwood for $23 million|url=https://www.latimes.com/business/realestate/hot-property/la-fi-hotprop-lebron-james-brentwood-20171207-story.html%7Caccess-date=August 15, 2021|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|last=Leitereg|first=Neal}}</ref> In September 2020, he purchased a third home in Los Angeles, this one in Beverly Hills for $36.75 million.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|date=September 30, 2020|title=LeBron James buys Beverly Hills mansion for $36.75 million|url=https://www.latimes.com/business/real-estate/story/2020-09-30/lebron-james-buys-beverly-hills-mansion-for-36-million |access-date=October 4, 2024|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|last=Flemming|first=Jack}}</ref>
James' best friends in the NBA are Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, and former Heat teammate Dwyane Wade. The four have been referred to as the "banana boat crew". During an excursion to the Bahamas, James rescued Anthony from the water when Anthony was carried away from the boat by the current. During an Instagram Live session, Anthony later recounted: "He saved my life". When asked about how much danger Anthony was in prior to the rescue, James responded: "I don't really know what to say, to be honest. I'm just happy he's still here, obviously."<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|date=August 18, 2020|title=LeBron recalls Melo ocean rescue ahead of series|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29683739/lebron-james-recounts-role-carmelo-anthony-ocean-rescue-ahead-lakers-blazers-series%7Caccess-date=August 19, 2020|publisher=ESPN|last=McMenamin|first=Dave}}</ref>
In September 2023, ESPN reported that a new set of client names from the Biogenesis scandal had been released; included was Ernest "Randy" Mims, a longtime friend and business manager of James, as well as David Alexander, a well-known trainer of prominent athletes who co-owned a cold-pressed juice and smoothie business with Savannah and also served as her personal trainer. The DEA determined that there "was never any indication that LeBron James did anything wrong."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Health
James invests heavily in his health, reportedly spending $1.5 million a year to pay for personal chefs, athletic trainers, and physical therapies for recovery. Kyle Korver has described James' fitness as being on "another level". However, James' routine is not perfectly clean; he drinks wine every night, believing it to be good for his heart,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Thompson |first=Jackson |date=December 14, 2021 |title=LeBron James says he drinks wine every day, and he believes it's good for his heart. Here's what the science says. |url=https://www.insider.com/lebron-james-says-he-drinks-wine-every-day-021-12 |access-date=May 16, 2022|website=Insider.com}}</ref> while Tristan Thompson has stated that James eats desserts with every meal.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> In a March 2025 interview, James denied spending that much on his health, claiming he did not know where that number came from.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In January 2009, doctors at the Cleveland Clinic discovered a growth in the right side of James' jaw. Biopsy results showed that James developed a benign jaw tumor, specifically in his parotid gland,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Windhorst|first=Brian|url=https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2009/06/lebron_james_has_surgery_to_re.html%7Ctitle=LeBron James has surgery at Cleveland Clinic to remove benign growth from jaw|website=Cleveland.com|date=June 3, 2009|access-date=June 1, 2021}}</ref> which required a five-hour surgery to remove on June 2 after the end of the Cavaliers' run in the 2009 playoffs.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Windhorst|first=Brian|url=https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2009/10/lebron_james_remembers_his_spr.html%7Ctitle=LeBron James remembers his spring surgery on jaw tumor: 'It was a nerve-racking experience'|website=Cleveland.com|date=October 19, 2009|access-date=June 1, 2021}}</ref>
Public image
James is considered by fellow NBA players, media tabloids, and popular culture to be the "face of the NBA", often alongside Warriors superstar Stephen Curry.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Vardon|first=Joe|title=LeBron James is the 'face' of the NBA, but is Stephen Curry next?|date=February 15, 2015|url=https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2015/02/lebron_james_stephen_curry_fac.html%7Cnewspaper=The Plain Dealer|access-date=December 22, 2021}}</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> His opinions have yielded significant influence on people who make important league decisions; for example, in 2014, James asked commissioner Adam Silver to increase the duration of the All-Star break, and the request was granted the following season.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Feldman|first=Dan|title=LeBron James reportedly asked Adam Silver for longer All-Star break, fewer back-to-backs|date=January 30, 2015|url=https://nba.nbcsports.com/2015/01/30/lebron-james-reportedly-asked-adam-silver-for-longer-all-star-break-fewer-back-to-backs/%7Cpublisher=NBC Sports|access-date=December 22, 2021}}</ref> On February 13, 2015, James was elected the first vice president of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA).<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Pollakoff|first=Brett|title=Report: LeBron James elected Vice President of NBA Players Association|date=February 13, 2015|url=https://nba.nbcsports.com/2015/02/13/report-lebron-james-elected-vice-resident-of-nba-players-association/%7Cpublisher=NBC Sports|access-date=December 22, 2021}}</ref>
Throughout his career, James has been ranked by Forbes as one of the world's most influential athletes,Template:Efn and has been listed by Time as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> During his first stint with the Cavaliers, James was adored by local fans, and Sherwin-Williams displayed a giant Nike-produced banner of James on its world headquarters.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Cho|first=Janet|title=Sherwin-Williams replaces LeBron poster with Cleveland skyline|date=October 27, 2010|url=https://www.cleveland.com/business/2010/10/sherwin-williams_replaces_lebr.html%7Cwebsite=Cleveland.com|access-date=December 1, 2012}}</ref> Despite their affection for James, Cleveland fans and critics were frequently annoyed when he sported a Yankees hat when he attended Cleveland Indians baseball games against the New York Yankees.<ref name="MLB.com">{{#invoke:cite|web|first=David|last=Briggs|website=MLB.com|date=October 5, 2007|title=LeBron spurns Tribe, sports Yanks cap|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/content/printer_friendly/mlb/y2007/m10/d04/c2250946.jsp%7Caccess-date=December 22, 2021}}</ref> Following his actions during the 2010 free agency period and The Decision, James was listed as one of the most disliked athletes in the United States.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> By 2013, his image had mostly recovered and he was reported by ESPN as the most popular player in the NBA for the second time in his career.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Rovell|first=Darren|title=LeBron James NBA's most popular|date=July 26, 2013|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/truehoop/miamiheat/story/_/id/9512608/poll-shows-lebron-james-passes-kobe-bryant-nba-most-popular-player%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=December 22, 2021}}</ref> In 2014, James was named the most popular male athlete in America by the Harris Poll.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Harper|first=Zach|title=LeBron James is finally the most popular male athlete in America|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lebron-james-is-finally-the-most-popular-male-athlete-in-america/%7Cwork=CBS Sports|date=July 17, 2014 |access-date=December 22, 2021}}</ref> He has led the league in jersey sales six times.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Rovell|first=Darren|title=LeBron James tops jersey sale|date=April 17, 2014|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/10795792/lebron-james-miami-heat-tops-nba-jersey-sales%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=April 27, 2014}}</ref>
Template:Anchor Template:Multiple image
Memorabilia associated with James is highly sought after; two of James' rookie cards are among the most expensive basketball cards ever sold at auction, and one of those cards also briefly held the record for the most expensive modern-day sports card when it sold for $1.8 million at auction in July 2020.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Acquavella|first=Katherine|title=LeBron James rookie card sells for modern-day record $1.8 million at auction|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lebron-james-rookie-card-sells-for-modern-day-record-1-8-million-at-auction/%7Caccess-date=August 28, 2020|work=CBS Sports|date=July 20, 2020}}</ref> A Mike Trout rookie card broke the record for a modern-day card the following month.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Beer|first=Tommy|title=Mike Trout Rookie Card Sells For $3.93 Million, Breaking The All-Time Record|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/tommybeer/2020/08/23/mike-trout-rookie-card-sells-for-393-million-breaking-the-all-time-record/#5d0f4674238b%7Caccess-date=August 28, 2020|magazine=Forbes|date=August 23, 2020}}</ref> All jerseys worn in the 2020 NBA All-Star Game were auctioned by the NBA and NBPA to raise funds for charity; James' jersey sold for $630,000, setting a record for a modern-day sports jersey.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Mueller|first=Rich|title=LeBron's 2020 All-Star Game Jersey Sets Record Price|url=https://www.sportscollectorsdaily.com/lebrons-2020-all-star-game-jersey-sets-record-price/%7Caccess-date=August 28, 2020|work=Sports Collectors Daily|date=March 8, 2020}}</ref>
In March 2008, James became the first black man, as well as the third man overall after Richard Gere and George Clooney, to appear on the cover of Vogue, when he posed with Gisele Bündchen.<ref name=BundchenVogue>{{#invoke:cite|news|date=March 14, 2008 |title=NBA: LeBron becomes third man on Vogue cover |newspaper=Houston Chronicle |agency=Chronicle News Services |url=http://www.chron.com/sports/rockets/article/NBA-LeBron-becomes-third-man-on-Vogue-cover-1785218.php |access-date=February 26, 2013}}</ref> In response, ESPN columnist Jemele Hill considered the cover offensive and "memorable for the wrong reasons", describing the demeanor of James and his holding Bündchen as a reference to classic imagery of the movie monster King Kong, a dark savage capturing his fair-skinned love interest.<ref name="npr 3/27/08"/><ref name=Lsbmcwhi>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/page2/story?page=hill/080320%7Cdate=March 21, 2008|title=LeBron should be more careful with his image|publisher=ESPN|access-date=December 22, 2021|last=Hill|first=Jemele|author-link=Jemele Hill|quote=But this cover gave you the double-bonus of having LeBron and Gisele strike poses that others in the blogosphere have noted draw a striking resemblance to the racially charged image of King Kong enveloping his very fair-skinned lady love interest.}}</ref>
In 2025, Mattel announced that it was adding James to the Barbie roster, "making him the first professional male athlete to be honoured as a Ken doll." According to the BBC, it is "an inch taller than the standard Ken doll."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> James was announced to be honorary co-chair of the 2025 Met Gala in Manhattan,<ref name=LeBronMetGala>Template:Cite web</ref> though he had to skip due to the knee injury he sustained in game 5 of the first round against the Minnesota Timberwolves.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Activism
Philanthropy
James has maintained close ties to his hometown of Akron, Ohio, which is also where his charity foundation, the LeBron James Family Foundation (LJFF), is based.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|date=May 1, 2012 |title=The LeBron James Family Foundation to Unveil its Brand New Website, LeBronJamesFamilyFoundation.org |url=http://www.nba.com/heat/community/the_lebron_james_family_founda_2012_05_01.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114011900/https://www.nba.com/heat/community/the_lebron_james_family_founda_2012_05_01.html |archive-date=January 14, 2022 |website=NBA.com}}</ref> Since 2005, the foundation has held an annual bike-a-thon to raise money for various causes.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|date=July 6, 2011 |title=LeBron's bike event stresses education |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/truehoop/miamiheat/news/story?id=6741900 |access-date=December 22, 2021 |publisher=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> In 2015, James announced a partnership with the University of Akron to provide scholarships for as many as 2,300 children beginning in 2021.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|date=August 14, 2015|agency=Associated Press |title=LeBron James, Akron to fund 4-year scholarships for I Promise students |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/13437404/lebron-james-university-akron-fund-4-year-scholarships-promise-students |access-date=December 22, 2021 |publisher=ESPN}}</ref> In 2017, he received the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award from the NBA for his "outstanding service and dedication to the community."<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|date=May 21, 2017 |title=LeBron James Wins PBWA's 2016–17 J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award |url=http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/releases/pbwa-citizenship-award-170521 |access-date=May 21, 2017 |website=NBA.com |author=clenadams}}</ref>
In November 2017, the Akron School Board approved the I Promise School, a public elementary school created in a partnership with the LJFF to help struggling elementary school students stay in school.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|date=November 28, 2017|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2017/11/28/board-oks-plan-for-lebron-james-i-promise-school-in-akron/108092894/%7Ctitle=Board OKs plan for LeBron James' 'I Promise' school in Akron|newspaper=USA Today|agency=Associated Press|access-date=January 8, 2019}}</ref> The school officially opened on July 30, 2018, with James reflecting that it was his most important professional accomplishment.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Singer |first=Michael |date=November 30, 2017 |title=LeBron James: Opening school is my most important professional accomplishment |newspaper=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2017/11/30/lebron-james-opening-school-most-important-professional-accomplishment/909374001/ |access-date=August 8, 2018}}</ref> Other noteworthy public and charitable initiatives undertaken by James in Akron include the I Promise Institute at the University of Akron,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://www.lebronjamesfamilyfoundation.org/i-promise-institute/%7Curl-status=live%7Ctitle=I Promise Institute|publisher=LeBron James Family Foundation|date=May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114011722/https://www.lebronjamesfamilyfoundation.org/i-promise-institute/%7Carchive-date=January 14, 2022|access-date=February 21, 2022}}</ref> I Promise Village (housing complex),<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://www.lebronjamesfamilyfoundation.org/news/the-i-promise-village%7Curl-status=live%7Ctitle=I Promise Village|publisher=LeBron James Family Foundation|date=August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114011707/https://www.lebronjamesfamilyfoundation.org/news/the-i-promise-village%7Carchive-date=January 14, 2022|access-date=February 21, 2022}}</ref> House Three-Thirty (community center/retail plaza),<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://www.lebronjamesfamilyfoundation.org/news/welcome-to-house-three-thirty%7Curl-status=live%7Ctitle=Welcome to House Three Thirty|publisher=LeBron James Family Foundation|date=January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114011710/https://www.lebronjamesfamilyfoundation.org/news/welcome-to-house-three-thirty%7Carchive-date=January 14, 2022|access-date=February 21, 2022}}</ref> and I Promise Health Quarters (medical center).<ref name = "LBJ MC" />
James is also an active supporter of various non-profit organizations, including After-School All-Stars, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and Children's Defense Fund.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=LeBron James Charity Work, Events and Causes|url=http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/lebron-james%7Cwebsite=Look to the Stars|access-date=July 1, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Rueckert|first=Phineas|date=March 21, 2017|title=LeBron James Just Delivered Nikes He Helped Design for Kids With Disabilities|work=Global Citizen |url=https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/lebron-james-shoes-children-with-disabilities/%7Caccess-date=December 25, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=http://www.enstarz.com/articles/127725/20151217/lebron-james-news-cleveland-cavaliers-star-pays-respect-to-a-fan-in-the-middle-of-a-game.htm%7Ctitle=Inspiring Videos: Cleveland Cavaliers Star LeBron James Pays Respect To A Fan In The Middle Of A Game|last=EnStars|date=December 17, 2015|website=Enstarz|access-date=December 25, 2017}}</ref> In 2016, he donated $2.5 million to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture to support an exhibit on Muhammad Ali.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|date=November 17, 2016 |title=LeBron James donates $2.5 million to Smithsonian's Muhammad Ali exhibit |url=http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/18070104/lebron-james-cleveland-cavaliers-donates-25-million-smithsonian-muhammad-ali-exhibit |access-date=November 17, 2016 |publisher=ESPN}}</ref>
Politics
Throughout his career, James has taken public stances on controversial issues, and has mentioned a feeling of obligation to effect change using his status.<ref name=Sterling>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Wallace|first=Michael|title=LeBron: No place for Sterling|date=April 27, 2014|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/truehoop/miamiheat/story/_/id/10845651/nba-lebron-james-scores-most-telling-point-sterling%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=December 22, 2021}}</ref> Those include the War in Darfur,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Smith|first=Shelley|date=May 16, 2008|title=LeBron speaking out on Darfur|publisher=ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3398947%7Caccess-date=January 11, 2021}}</ref> the killing of Trayvon Martin,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Hill|first=Jemele|title=The Heat's hoodies as change agent|date=March 26, 2012|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/commentary/story/_/page/hill-120326/lebron-james-other-athletes-protest-trayvon-martin-shooting-show-change-agent-power-sports%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=December 22, 2021}}</ref> the now-former NBA owner Donald Sterling's racist comments in 2014,<ref name=Sterling/> the Michael Brown verdict,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=McMenamin|first=Dave|title=LeBron James: Bigger issues at play|date=November 25, 2014|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/11938106/lebron-james-others-comment-ferguson-decision%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=December 22, 2021}}</ref> the death of Eric Garner,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=McMenamin|first=Dave|title=LeBron, Irving in 'I Can't Breathe' tees|date=December 9, 2014|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/12001456/lebron-james-kyrie-irving-cleveland-cavaliers-kevin-garnett-deron-williams-brooklyn-nets-wear-breathe-shirt-reference-eric-garner%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=December 22, 2021}}</ref> the U.S. national anthem kneeling protests,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=McMenamin|first=Dave|title=LeBron James feels that Colin Kaepernick is being blackballed by NFL|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/21474704/lebron-james-agrees-colin-kaepernick-being-blackballed%7Cpublisher=ESPN|date=November 19, 2017|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> the shooting of Breonna Taylor,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Martin |first=Jill |date=August 19, 2020 |title=Lakers wear red MAGA-like hats but the message asks for justice for Breonna Taylor |publisher=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/18/us/lakers-breonna-taylor-hats-spt-trnd/index.html |access-date=August 19, 2020}}</ref> the death of Ma'Khia Bryant,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/31306343/lebron-james-explains-why-deleted-tweet-police-shooting-makhia-bryant%7Ctitle=LeBron James explains why he deleted tweet on police shooting of Ma'Khia Bryant|date=April 21, 2021|last=McMenamin|first=Dave|publisher=ESPN|access-date=April 22, 2021|archive-date=April 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422015447/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/31306343/lebron-james-explains-why-deleted-tweet-police-shooting-makhia-bryant%7Curl-status=live}}</ref> Kyle Rittenhouse,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Axelrod|first=Ben|date=November 11, 2021|title='What tears?' LeBron James mocks Kyle Rittenhouse's courtroom breakdown|url=https://www.wkyc.com/article/sports/nba/lebron-james/lebron-james-mocks-kyle-rittenhouse/95-5e9a3c2f-2e13-478a-b92e-19f7b4abb8ba%7Caccess-date=December 25, 2021|website=WKYC}}</ref> and the ruling of Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization that overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Peterson |first=Anne M. |date=June 24, 2022 |title=American soccer star Rapinoe leads athletes reaction to U.S. Supreme Court's abortion decision |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/athletes-react-american-supreme-court-abortion-decision-1.6501291 |access-date=June 25, 2022 |publisher=CBC News |agency=Associated Press |language=en-US}}</ref>
On August 27, 2020, James and his Lakers teammates, as well as the Bucks, began boycotting the 2020 NBA playoffs to protest the shooting of Jacob Blake.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Nesbitt |first=Andy |date=August 27, 2020 |title=The Milwaukee Bucks' boycott should be celebrated forever |url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/2020/08/the-milwaukee-bucks-boycott-should-be-celebrated-forever |access-date=August 29, 2020 |newspaper=USA Today}}</ref> In response, senior White House advisor Jared Kushner stated that he was planning to reach out to James regarding the boycott. Following a players' committee to discuss the boycott, James and others reached out to former president Barack Obama, who reportedly advised them to continue playing and finish that year's NBA season.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=McMenamin|first=Dave|date=August 29, 2020|title=LeBron, CP3 advised by Obama during stalemate|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29762633/lebron-james-chris-paul-received-advice-barack-obama-stalemate%7Caccess-date=August 29, 2020|publisher=ESPN}}</ref>
During the 2019–2020 Hong Kong protests, a statement James made about a since-deleted tweet by Daryl Morey,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.vox.com/2019/10/7/20902700/daryl-morey-tweet-china-nba-hong-kong%7Ctitle=The raging controversy over the NBA, China, and the Hong Kong protests, explained|last=Yglesias|first=Matthew|date=October 7, 2019|website=Vox|access-date=October 16, 2019}}</ref> in which Morey expressed support for the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong, became the subject of controversy. James said Morey was "misinformed".<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Medina |first=Mark |date=October 14, 2019 |title=LeBron James says Rockets GM Daryl Morey 'misinformed' on China tweet, then clarifies remark |newspaper=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/lakers/2019/10/14/lebron-james-addresses-daryl-morey-china-tweet-clarifies-remark/3982048002/ |access-date=October 16, 2019}}</ref> His statement drew backlash from protesters in the movement, with many taking to social media to use racist language against him.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Bieler |first=Des |date=October 15, 2019 |title=Hong Kong protesters burn LeBron James jersey, chant profanity toward Lakers star |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/10/15/hong-kong-protesters-burn-lebron-james-jersey-chant-profanity-toward-lakers-star/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530014717/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/10/15/hong-kong-protesters-burn-lebron-james-jersey-chant-profanity-toward-lakers-star/ |archive-date=May 30, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Leicester |first=John |date=October 15, 2019 |title=LeBron James no longer King James for Hong Kong protesters |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/nation-world/story/2019-10-15/lebron-james-no-longer-king-james-for-hong-kong-protesters |newspaper=San Diego Union-Tribune |language=en}}</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In February 2022, political commentator Bill Maher called James hypocritical for not taking a critical stance towards the Chinese government's human rights abuses.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Haring |first=Bruce |date=February 18, 2022 |title=Bill Maher Attacks John Cena, LeBron James, Tom Cruise, Eileen Gu |url=https://deadline.com/2022/02/bill-maher-real-time-hbo-john-cena-eileen-gu-lebron-james-tom-cruise-china-totalitarian-favors-1234956958/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |accessdate=February 21, 2022}}</ref> James had taken various other stands on issues regarding sports, such as the Kaepernick controversy and the Houston Astros sign stealing scandal.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|date=February 18, 2020 |title=LeBron urges Manfred to 'listen to your players' |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28731746/lebron-james-calls-rob-manfred-handling-astros-scandal-fix-sake-sports |access-date=February 18, 2020 |publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/lebron-james-standing-national-anthem-nba-impact-2018-5%7Ctitle=LeBron James' early-season declaration that he would stand for the national anthem reportedly had a big impact around the NBA|last=Davis|first=Scott|date=May 27, 2018|website=Business Insider|access-date=February 18, 2020}}</ref>
In October 2023, in response to the October 7th attacks, James voiced his support for Israel on Instagram.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|date=October 12, 2023 |title=LeBron James Voices Support For Israel, Denounces Hamas Attacks |url=https://www.tmz.com/2023/10/12/lebron-james-voices-support-for-israel-denounces-hamas-attacks/ |access-date=October 18, 2023 |publisher=TMZ |language=en}}</ref> His statement drew backlash for its omission of the Palestinians affected by the crisis the attacks provoked, including from Palestinian-American leader and activist Omar Suleiman.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Battaglino |first=Mike |date=October 12, 2023 |title=LeBron James gets crucified on social media after publicly expressing thoughts on Israel-Hamas war |url=https://lakersdaily.com/lakers-lebron-james-gets-crucified-on-social-media-after-publicly-expressing-thoughts-on-israel-hamas-war/ |access-date=October 18, 2023 |website=Lakers Daily |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>Template:Cite tweet</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Iqbal |first=Zainab |date=October 12, 2023 |title=US sports stars ignore Palestinians in pro-Israel posts, face fan backlash |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israel-palestine-war-us-sports-stars-ignore-palestinians-pro-israel-backlash |access-date=October 18, 2023 |website=Middle East Eye |language=en}}</ref>
Presidential elections
In June 2008, James donated $20,000 to a committee in support of Barack Obama for the 2008 U.S. presidential election.<ref name="insidehoops">{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://www.insidehoops.com/blog/?p=1529%7Ctitle=Lebron donates cash to Obama|website=Inside Hoops|date=July 31, 2008|access-date=May 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522122453/http://www.insidehoops.com/blog/?p=1529%7Carchive-date=May 22, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> Later that year, James gathered almost 20,000 people at the then-called Quicken Loans Arena for a viewing of Obama's 30-minute American Stories, American Solutions television advertisement.<ref name="Obama">{{#invoke:cite|web|date=October 30, 2008 |title=Jay-Z, LeBron James get out vote for Obama |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/jay-z-lebron-james-get-out-vote-obama-1C9419780 |access-date=December 1, 2023 |website=Today.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> The advertisement was shown on a large screen above the stage, where Jay-Z later held a free concert.<ref name="Obama" /> In November 2016, James endorsed and campaigned for Hillary Clinton for the 2016 U.S. presidential election.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/nov/06/hillary-clinton-campaign-voter-turnout-swing-states%7Ctitle=LeBron James praises 'President Hillary Clinton' at Cleveland rally|last=Siddiqui|first=Sabrina|date=November 6, 2016|work=The Guardian|access-date=March 22, 2019}}</ref>
Following a racist incident at his Los Angeles home in 2017, James expressed that "being black in America is tough. We got a long way to go for us as a society and for us as African Americans until we feel equal in America."<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Ward-Henninger|first=Colin|title=Cavs' LeBron James responds to racist graffiti on house with powerful statement|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/cavs-lebron-james-responds-to-racist-graffiti-on-house-with-powerful-statement/%7Cwork=CBS Sports|date=May 31, 2017 |access-date=August 8, 2018}}</ref> Later on that year, in the aftermath of the Unite the Right rally, James questioned the "Make America Great Again" slogan and said: "It's sad what's going on in Charlottesville. Is this the direction our country is heading? Make America Great Again huh? Our youth deserve better!!"<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Tsuji|first=Alysha|title=LeBron James saddened by Charlottesville: 'Make America Great Again huh?!'|url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/2017/08/lebron-james-charlottesville-sad-comment-twitter-politics-nba%7Cdate=August 13, 2017|newspaper=USA Today|access-date=August 8, 2018}}</ref> James also called President Donald Trump a "bum" after the president rescinded a White House invitation to Stephen Curry.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last1=Bonesteel |first1=Matt |last2=Payne |first2=Marissa |date=September 23, 2017 |title=LeBron James sticks up for Stephen Curry, calls President Trump a 'bum' |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2017/09/23/lebron-james-sticks-up-for-stephen-curry-calls-president-trump-a-bum/ |access-date=August 8, 2018}}</ref> During a 2018 interview with CNN journalist Don Lemon, James then accused Trump of attempting to divide the country with sports, suggesting that "sports has never been something that divides people it's always been something that brings someone together." He declared that he would "never sit across from him. I'd sit across from Obama though."<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Kaskey-Blomain|first=Michael|date=July 31, 2018|title=LeBron James says he would never sit across from President Trump|url=https://247sports.com/nba/los-angeles-lakers/Article/LeBron-James-says-he-would-never-sit-across-from-President-Trump-120229451/%7Cwebsite=247 Sports|access-date=June 12, 2021}}</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> In response, Trump tweeted: "LeBron James was just interviewed by the dumbest man on television, Don Lemon. He made LeBron look smart, which isn't easy to do."<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Stewart|first=Emily|access-date=June 12, 2021|title=Trump is insulting LeBron James' intelligence – and Don Lemon's – on Twitter|url=https://www.vox.com/2018/8/4/17650982/trump-lebron-james-tweet-don-lemon%7Cdate=August 4, 2018|publisher=Vox}}</ref>
On August 19, 2020, James announced his intentions to support the Joe Biden 2020 presidential campaign and that of his running-mate Kamala Harris in advance of the 2020 U.S. presidential election.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Folley|first=Aris|date=August 19, 2020|title=LeBron James says he plans to campaign for Biden and Harris|url=https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/in-the-know/512770-lebron-james-says-he-plans-to-campaign-for-biden-and-harris%7Caccess-date=August 19, 2020|newspaper=The Hill}}</ref> James spoke in support of the More Than a Vote movement and encouraged members of the African-American community to vote,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Ramsay|first=George|date=August 18, 2020|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/08/18/sport/lebron-james-voter-suppression-nba-spt-intl/index.html%7Ctitle=LeBron James speaks out against voter suppression with 'More Than A Vote' campaign|publisher=CNN|access-date=August 19, 2020}}</ref> saying, "People in our community have been just lied to for so many years. We have people that have had convictions in the past, that've been told they cannot vote because they got a conviction. That is voter suppression."<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Joseph|first=Cameron|date=August 19, 2020|title=LeBron James Is Fighting to Make Sure Felons Know They Can Vote|url=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/5dz49z/lebron-james-is-fighting-to-make-sure-felons-know-they-can-vote%7Caccess-date=August 19, 2020|publisher=Vice Media}}</ref>
On October 31, 2024, James announced his support for the Kamala Harris 2024 presidential campaign in the 2024 U.S. presidential election in a video posted on social media.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Media figure and business interests
According to Forbes, in May 2023, James became the first active NBA player to become a billionaire,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/chasewithorn/2022/06/02/lebron-james-is-officially-a-billionaire/?sh=5981d1f1453e%7Ctitle=LeBron James Is Officially A Billionaire|date=March 23, 2023|last=Peterson-Withorn|first=chase|work=Forbes|access-date=May 3, 2023}}</ref> making him one of the richest celebrities.
James' biography LeBron was published on April 11, 2023, by Jeff Benedict. The biography is based on three years of research and more than 250 interviews.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
Endorsements
James has signed numerous endorsement contracts; some of the companies that he has done business with are AT&T,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/kurtbadenhausen/2020/03/02/att-taps-lebron-james-to-promote-its-new-streaming-service/%7Ctitle=Lebron James Adds Multiyear AT&T Deal to his Endorsement Stable|last=Badenhausen|first=Kurt|date=March 2, 2020|website=Forbes|access-date=September 24, 2023}}</ref> Audemars Piguet,<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> Beats by Dre,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Connelly |first=Tony |date=May 28, 2017 |title=Beats by Dre signs UFC star Conor McGregor to endorsement deal as it moves deeper into popular culture |work=The Drum |url=http://www.thedrum.com/news/2017/05/28/beats-dre-signs-ufc-star-conor-mcgregor-endorsement-deal-it-moves-deeper-popular |access-date=December 25, 2017}}</ref> Blaze Pizza,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/how-blaze-pizza-convinced-lebron-james-to-leave-mcdonalds-2017-7%7Ctitle=The fastest-growing pizza chain in America reveals how it lured Lebron James away from McDonald's|last=Robinson|first=Melia|date=July 25, 2017|website=Business Insider|access-date=September 24, 2023}}</ref> Coca-Cola,<ref name=Endorsements/> Dunkin' Brands,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-dunkinbrands/dunkin-aims-at-china-with-pork-donuts-lebron-james-idUSTRE8240HX20120305%7Ctitle=Dunkin' aims at China with pork donuts, LeBron James|date=March 5, 2012|access-date=July 16, 2021|work=Reuters}}</ref> Intel,<ref name="o641">Template:Cite web</ref> Kia,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://kia.co.nz/about-kia/kia-news/lebron-james-announced-as-kias-newest-brand-ambassador/%7Ctitle=Lebron James announced as Kia's newest Brand Ambassador|date=November 12, 2014|publisher=Kia Corporation|access-date=September 24, 2023}}</ref> McDonald's,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|date=January 28, 2010 |title=James to endorse for McDonald's |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4867029 |access-date=December 22, 2021 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Nike,<ref name="Endorsements">{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Highkin |first=Sean |date=May 5, 2013 |title=Magic Johnson thinks LeBron doesn't have enough endorsements |url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2013/05/magic-johnson-thinks-lebron-doesnt-have-enough-endorsements/ |access-date=June 9, 2013 |website=For The Win|publisher=USA Today}}</ref> PepsiCo,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/13/lebron-james-on-pepsi-partnership-after-17-years-with-coca-cola-.html%7Ctitle=Lebron James talks about his new Pepsi deal as he unveils first campaign with Mtn Dew Rise|last=Golden|first=Jessica|date=May 13, 2021|website=CNBC|access-date=September 24, 2023}}</ref> State Farm,<ref name="StateFarm-USAToday">Template:Cite news</ref> and Taco Bell.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Coming out of high school, James was the target of a three-way bidding war among Nike, Reebok, and Adidas,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Rovell|first=Darren|title=LeBron James Signs New Deal With Nike|date=March 31, 2010|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2010/03/31/lebron-james-signs-new-deal-with-nike.html%7Cpublisher=CNBC%7Caccess-date=December 22, 2021}}</ref> eventually signing a seven-year deal with Nike in May 2003<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> for approximately $90 million.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Berman |first=John |date=May 23, 2003 |title=Is LeBron James Worth $90 Million? |url=https://abcnews.go.com/WNT/story?id=129682&page=1#.UbT7ihw1btI |access-date=June 9, 2013 |website=ABC News}}</ref> His signature shoes have performed well for Nike.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> In 2011, Fenway Sports Group became the sole global marketer of his rights, and as part of the deal, James was granted a minority stake in the English Premier League football club Liverpool,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703280904576246640754493456%7Ctitle=LeBron James in Deal With Fenway Sports|work=The Wall Street Journal|date=April 6, 2011|access-date=April 6, 2011|last=Futterman|first=Matthew}}</ref> who he has claimed his support for.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=10 famous Liverpool fans from North America|url=http://www.lfctour.com/news/latest-news/10-famous-liverpool-fans-from-north-america%7Cpublisher=Liverpool F.C.|access-date=November 20, 2015|date=April 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202171515/http://www.lfctour.com/news/latest-news/10-famous-liverpool-fans-from-north-america%7Carchive-date=February 2, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> As a result of his endorsement money and NBA salary, James has been listed as one of the world's highest-paid athletes.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> In 2013, he surpassed Bryant as the highest paid basketball player in the world, with earnings of $56.5 million.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> In 2014, James realized a profit of more than $30 million as part of Apple's acquisition of Beats Electronics; he had originally struck a deal to get a small stake in the company at its inception in exchange for promoting its headphones.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Windhorst|first=Brian|title=Heat look to target Carmelo Anthony|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2014/story/_/id/11068709/miami-heat-discussing-options-target-carmelo-anthony-free-agency%7Cpublisher=ESPN|date=June 11, 2014|access-date=December 22, 2021}}</ref> In 2015, James was ranked the sixth highest earning sportsperson,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|date=June 30, 2015 |title=LeBron James makes highest-paid list by Forbes |url=https://www.cleveland.com/business/2015/06/highest_paid_athletes_celebrit.html |access-date=December 1, 2023 |website=cleveland.com |language=en}}</ref> and third highest in 2016 (after Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi).<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref> James has stated that he would like to own an NBA team in the future, albeit in a hands-off capacity.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Rooney |first=Kyle |date=August 17, 2016 |title=LeBron James: "My Dream Is To Actually Own An NBA Team" |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/51442-lebron-james-my-dream-is-to-actually-own-an-nba-team-news |access-date=December 1, 2023 |website=HotNewHipHop |language=en}}</ref> In 2011, James co-founded the designer retail store UNKNWN in Miami, Florida.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Green |first=Mark Anthony |date=November 11, 2011 |title=Exclusive: LeBron James to Open UNKNWN, His First Clothing Boutique |url=https://www.gq.com/story/lebron-james-new-store-unknwn |access-date=December 1, 2023 |website=GQ |language=en-US}}</ref>
During Super Bowl LVI in 2022, James appeared in a Crypto.com advertisement, where he conversed with a CGI version of his younger self, offering advice about the future. The commercial, produced by James' SpringHill Company and directed by Calmatic, did not directly promote the service, sparked social media buzz, and inspired a series of memes centered on the advice he could have offered.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Subsequently, Crypto.com launched an NFT airdrop campaign, distributing 5,550 tokens featuring the NBA champion. Participants were chosen randomly from those who scanned a QR code in the Super Bowl ad.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Also, in 2022, James' charity LeBron James Family Foundation, partnered with Crypto.com to educate underserved Akron communities with blockchain-related knowledge and Web3 tools, aiming to ensure inclusive advancement in the digital age.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Entertainment
James and comedian Jimmy Kimmel co-hosted the 2007 ESPY Awards.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|date=March 27, 2007 |title=LeBron, Kimmel to co-host ESPY Awards |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2814649 |access-date=December 22, 2021 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> In other comedic pursuits, he hosted the 33rd-season premiere of Saturday Night Live.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=SNL Transcripts: LeBron James|url=http://snltranscripts.jt.org/07/07a.phtml%7Cpublisher=SNL Transcripts|access-date=February 26, 2013}}</ref> James has also tried his hand at acting, appearing in a cameo role on the HBO series Entourage.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Lebron James Matt Damon "Entourage" Cameo October 4|url=http://www.popcrunch.com/lebron-james-matt-damon-entourage-cameo-oct-4/%7Cpublisher=Pop Crunch|access-date=July 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120703054256/http://www.popcrunch.com/lebron-james-matt-damon-entourage-cameo-oct-4/%7Carchive-date=July 3, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2015, he played himself in the Judd Apatow film Trainwreck,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Smith|first=Troy L.|title=LeBron James filming 'Trainwreck' with Amy Schumer and other movie projects|date=August 7, 2014|url=https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2014/08/lebron_james_filming_trainwrec.html%7Cpublisher=Cleveland.com%7Caccess-date=December 22, 2021}}</ref> receiving positive reviews for his performance.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> That same year, James' digital video company Uninterrupted raised $15.8 million from Warner Bros. Entertainment and Turner Sports to help expand the company's efforts to bring athlete-created content to fans. It is hosted on Bleacher Report and is used by several other athletes including Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski and cornerback Richard Sherman.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Abbruzzese |first=Jason |date=December 3, 2015 |title=LeBron James' confessional video website for athletes gets investment from Turner and Warner Bros |url=http://mashable.com/2015/12/03/lebron-james-uninterrupted/#oROYKPAwhqqV |access-date=December 3, 2015 |website=Mashable}}</ref>
James and his business partner Maverick Carter own production company SpringHill Entertainment,<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> whose first work was the Lions Gate documentary More Than a Game, which was released in 2009 and chronicled James' high school years.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> Series produced by SpringHill include the NBC game show The Wall,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Peter|first=Josh|date=October 17, 2018|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/lakers/2018/10/17/can-lebron-james-win-and-off-court-los-angeles/1659451002/%7Ctitle=Can LeBron James win on and off the court in Los Angeles?|newspaper=USA Today|access-date=January 9, 2019}}</ref> the Disney XD sports documentary show Becoming,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/12306217/disney-xd-picks-full-season-show-produced-lebron-james-company%7Ctitle=Disney XD picks up 'Becoming'|date=February 10, 2015|publisher=ESPN|last=Windhorst|first=Brian|access-date=December 22, 2021}}</ref> the Starz sitcom Survivor's Remorse,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|date=March 4, 2020 |title=King of Comedy: Trailer for LeBron's new sitcom released |url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nba/king-of-comedy-trailer-for-lebrons-new-sitcom-released |access-date=December 1, 2023 |website=Fox Sports}}</ref> and the animated web series The LeBrons.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://www.houstonpress.com/slideshow/the-lebrons-season-2-kickoff-party-with-lebron-james-6307123%7Ctitle=The LeBrons: Season 2 Kickoff Party with LeBron James|website=Houston Press|date=February 18, 2013|access-date=May 16, 2016}}</ref> In 2016, CNBC aired an unscripted series hosted by James called Cleveland Hustles, where four up-and-coming Northern Ohio entrepreneurs will be financed on the condition of revitalizing a neighborhood in Cleveland.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20160401/NEWS/160409954/lebron-james-reality-tv-show-cleveland-hustles-to-premiere-aug-24%7Ctitle=LeBron James' reality TV show 'Cleveland Hustles' to premiere Aug. 24|website=Crain's Cleveland Business|date=April 1, 2016|access-date=May 16, 2016}}</ref> In the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival, a 60-minute Vince Carter documentary entitled The Carter Effect was executive produced by James and Maverick Carter along with rapper Drake and Future the Prince.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title="The Carter Effect" Trailer|url=http://cowbellkingdom.com/the-carter-effect-trailer/%7Cwebsite=cowbellkingdom.com%7Caccess-date=August 24, 2017|archive-date=August 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825022411/http://cowbellkingdom.com/the-carter-effect-trailer/%7Curl-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Holroyd |first=Caitlyn |date=August 21, 2017 |title=Look: LeBron, business partner dine with Drake |url=https://www.thescore.com/news/1355475 |access-date=August 24, 2017 |website=theScore.com}}</ref> In February 2018, it was announced that James' production company will produce a new film in the House Party series with James expected to make a cameo.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=McMenamin |first=Dave |date=February 13, 2018 |title=LeBron James' production company to remake 1990 hit 'House Party' |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/lebron-james-production-company-remake-1990-hit-house/story?id=53053707 |access-date=February 13, 2017 |website=ABC.com}}</ref> Later that month, Fox News host Laura Ingraham told James to "shut up and dribble" as a response to his political agendas.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Sullivan|first=Emily|date=February 19, 2018|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2018/02/19/587097707/laura-ingraham-told-lebron-james-to-shutup-and-dribble-he-went-to-the-hoop%7Ctitle=Laura Ingraham Told LeBron James To Shut Up And Dribble; He Went to the Hoop|publisher=NPR|access-date=January 8, 2019}}</ref> This largely contributed to James creating a documentary film series looking at the changing role of athletes in the current political and cultural climate, aptly named, Shut Up and Dribble on Showtime.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=McMenamin |first=Dave |date=August 6, 2018 |title=LeBron doc 'Shut Up and Dribble' set to air on TV|agency=Associated Press |url=http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/24304977/lebron-james-adds-show-documentary-tv-portfolio |access-date=August 7, 2018 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> James partnered with Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2018 to found Ladder, a company that developed nutritional supplements to help athletes with severe cramps after dealing with that issue during the 2014 Finals.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Young|first=Jabari|date=December 2, 2020|title=LeBron James, Arnold Schwarzenegger's Sports Nutrition Company Sells to Fitness Platform Openfit|url=https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/business/money-report/lebron-james-arnold-schwarzeneggers-sports-nutrition-company-sells-to-fitness-platform-openfit/2475117/%7Caccess-date=February 7, 2021|website=NBC Los Angeles}}</ref>
In February 2019, it was revealed that James would executive produce rapper 2 Chainz's new album Rap or Go to the League.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|date=February 25, 2019 |title=2 Chainz Reveals "Rap Or Go To The League" Album Art |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/199720-2-chainz-reveals-rap-or-go-to-the-league-album-art-news |access-date=December 1, 2023 |website=HotNewHipHop |language=en}}</ref> A Def Jam press release said the intent of the album is "celebrating black excellence and focusing on the power of education and entrepreneurship." The press release also says the title "challenges the notion that the only way out of the inner city is either to become a rapper or a ball player."<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> As of June 2023, James is the most followed basketball player on Instagram, with over 155 million followers.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last1=Sprung |first1=Shlomo |title=The Most Popular NBA Players on Instagram |url=https://boardroom.tv/the-most-popular-nba-players-on-instagram/ |website=boardroom.tv |date=June 16, 2023 |access-date=August 17, 2023}}</ref>
In June 2022, it was announced James was launching a media company in partnership with professional tennis player Naomi Osaka and Maverick Carter. The production and content creation company will be named Hana Kuma, which means "flower" and "bear" in Japanese.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Weprin |first=Alex |date=June 21, 2022 |title=Naomi Osaka Launching Media Company With LeBron James and Maverick Carter's SpringHill |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/naomi-osaka-media-production-company-hana-kuma-springhill-1235168726/ |access-date=June 21, 2022 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref>
In March 2024, James and JJ Redick launched a podcast called Mind the Game, where the two have "pure conversations about basketball."<ref name="b461">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="y861">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="f418">Template:Cite web</ref> The podcast was suspended after Redick was hired as head coach for the Los Angeles Lakers in June 2024.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In March 2025, a second season was announced with Steve Nash replacing Redick as James' new co-host.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Investments
In 2012, James, Carter and Paul Wachter made an investment of less than $1 million in the Pasadena-based fast casual chain Blaze Pizza; their investment had grown to $25 million by 2017.<ref name=BlazePizza>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/20149593/lebron-james-stake-blaze-pizza-chain-now-worth-least-35-million%7Ctitle=LeBron's stake in Blaze Pizza chain now worth at least $35 million|date=July 24, 2017|last=Rovell|first=Darren|author-link=Darren Rovell|publisher=ESPN|access-date=March 22, 2021}}</ref> James later became a spokesman for the company and began appearing in advertisements after ending his contract with McDonald's.<ref name=BlazePizza/>
During the 2019 offseason, James filed for a trademark through a shell company on the term "Taco Tuesday" for use in downloadable audio/visual works, podcasts, social media, online marketing, and entertainment services.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Hernandez |first=Daniel |date=September 4, 2019 |title=LeBron James, a Fan of Tacos, Seeks to Trademark 'Taco Tuesday' |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/04/style/lebron-james-taco-tuesday-trademark.html |access-date=November 1, 2023}}</ref> This was related to James' use of the term on Instagram for his family's taco dinners. The request was denied by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, stating that Taco Tuesday was "a commonplace term, message or expression widely used by a variety of sources that merely conveys an ordinary, familiar, well-recognized concept or sentiment."<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/11/style/lebron-taco-tuesday-trademark.html%7Ctitle=LeBron James Tried to Trademark 'Taco Tuesday,' but Got Swatted Away|last=Zaveri|first=Mihir|date=September 11, 2019|website=The New York Times|access-date=September 13, 2019}}</ref>
In November 2020, James became an angel investor of the tequila and mezcal company Lobos 1707.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/lebron-james-is-toasting-the-tequila-market-11605713497%7Ctitle=LeBron James Is Toasting the Tequila Market|date=November 18, 2020|last=Kameir|first=Rawiya|work=The Wall Street Journal|access-date=March 22, 2021}}</ref> After personal frustration with comments on the Black Lives Matter movement made by Republican U.S. senator Kelly Loeffler, who at the time was the owner of the WNBA's Atlanta Dream, James assisted Dream player Renee Montgomery in her ultimately successful bid to buy the team in March 2021.<ref name="LeadsAGeneration">{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/22/sports/basketball/lebron-james-red-sox-owner.html%7Carchive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/22/sports/basketball/lebron-james-red-sox-owner.html%7Carchive-date=December 28, 2021|url-access=limited|title=LeBron James Leads a Generation of Athletes into Ownership|date=March 22, 2021|last=Streeter|first=Kurt|work=The New York Times|access-date=March 22, 2021}}Template:Cbignore</ref> That same year, James joined Fenway Sports Group as a partner, making him a part-owner of the Boston Red Sox, New England Sports Network, RFK Racing, and Liverpool F.C., the latter of which he already owned a two-percent share in individually.<ref name="RedSox">{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/31076745/source-lebron-james-becomes-part-owner-boston-red-sox-joins-fenway-sports-group-partner%7Ctitle=LeBron James becomes part owner of Boston Red Sox, joins Fenway Sports Group as partner|date=March 16, 2021|last=Passan|first=Jeff|author-link=Jeff Passan|publisher=ESPN|access-date=March 22, 2021}}</ref> The investment made James and Carter the company's first black partners.<ref name="RedSox"/>
James has expressed his interest in owning an NBA team once he finishes playing basketball, specifically a team located in Las Vegas, Nevada, either through expansion or relocation.<ref name=McMenamin>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34065127/los-angeles-lakers-star-lebron-james-says-wants-own-nba-team-las-vegas%7Ctitle=Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James says he wants to own NBA team in Las Vegas|last=McMenamin|first=Dave|website=ESPN.com|date=June 10, 2022|access-date=June 10, 2022|language=en}}</ref>
In August 2022, James, alongside Canadian musician Drake, became part owners of the Italian football club A.C. Milan.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Vertelney |first=Seth |date=August 31, 2022 |title=LeBron James and Drake are now investors in AC Milan |url=https://prosoccerwire.usatoday.com/2022/08/31/lebron-james-and-drake-are-now-investors-in-ac-milan/ |access-date=December 20, 2022 |website=Pro Soccer Wire|publisher=USA Today |language=en-US}}</ref>
James is also a part owner of the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL).<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Singh |first=Sanjesh |date=December 1, 2021 |title=Lakers' LeBron James now part-owner of Pittsburgh Penguins |url=https://lebronwire.usatoday.com/2021/12/01/lakers-lebron-james-part-owner-pittsburgh-penguins/ |access-date=February 21, 2023 |website=LeBron Wire|publisher=USA Today |language=en-US}}</ref>
Professional contracts
James is represented by agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sports.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> His first agent was Aaron Goodwin, whom he left in 2005 for Leon Rose. Rose joined Creative Artists Agency (CAA) in 2007, and he worked with fellow CAA agent Henry Thomas, who represented Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, to bring James to Miami in 2010. James left CAA for Paul in 2012.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Windhorst|first=Brian|title=LeBron chooses Rich Paul as agent|date=September 13, 2012|publisher=ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/truehoop/miamiheat/story/_/id/8372301/miami-heat-lebron-james-parts-caa-leon-rose-hires-friend-rich-paul-new-agent%7Carchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913154342/http://espn.go.com/nba/truehoop/miamiheat/story/_/id/8372301/miami-heat-lebron-james-parts-caa-leon-rose-hires-friend-rich-paul-new-agent%7Carchive-date=September 13, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> James, Paul, Carter, and Randy Mims—all childhood friends—formed agent and sports-marketing company LRMR after James left Goodwin. LRMR handles James' marketing, including the marketing of The Decision, for which it was criticized.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Freeman|first=Eric|title=On LeBron James' bold move to leave CAA, and the league-wide implications that could result|date=September 13, 2012|publisher=Yahoo! Sports|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/lebron-james-bold-move-leave-caa-league-wide-130137478--nba.html%7Carchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913184114/http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/lebron-james-bold-move-leave-caa-league-wide-130137478--nba.html%7Carchive-date=September 13, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|author-link=Lisa Taddeo|last=Taddeo|first=Lisa|title=LeBron James' Magnum-sized, Ultrashiny, Nike-powered Lawn Mower to the Next Century|date=July 6, 2010|magazine=Esquire|url=http://www.esquire.com/features/75-most-influential/lebron-james-1008-2%7Carchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080919202551/http://www.esquire.com/features/75-most-influential/lebron-james-1008-2%7Carchive-date=September 19, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Throughout his career, James has taken a unique approach to his NBA contracts, usually opting to sign shorter-term deals in order to maximize his earnings potential and flexibility;<ref name=HeatContract/><ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Windhorst|first=Brian|title=LeBron James transitioning from businessman to a business, man|date=December 10, 2015|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14339246/nba-lebron-james-transitioning-businessman-business-man%7Cpublisher=ESPN|access-date=December 22, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Winderman|first=Ira|url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-lebron-james-decision-070810-story.html%7Ctitle=LeBron James to join Chris Bosh, Heat's Dwyane Wade|website=SunSentinel|date=July 8, 2010|access-date=December 22, 2021|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714181611/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2010-07-08/sports/sfl-lebron-james-decision-070810_1_james-and-bosh-dwyane-wade-lebron-james}}</ref> in 2006, James and the Cavaliers negotiated a three-year, $60 million contract extension instead of the four-year maximum as it allotted him the option of seeking a new contract worth more money as an unrestricted free agent following the 2010 season.<ref name="contract">{{#invoke:cite|web|date=July 19, 2006 |title=LeBron officially signs contract extension with Cavs |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2523410 |access-date=December 22, 2021 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> This move ultimately allowed James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh to sign together with the Heat.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Megdal|first=Howard|title=LeBron James, decisions, and how Carmelo Anthony squandered all his leverage|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lebron-james-decisions-and-how-carmelo-anthony-squandered-all-his-leverage/%7Cwork=CBS Sports|date=February 8, 2017 |access-date=February 20, 2017}}</ref> During the 2011 NBA lockout, James received contract offers to play professional football from the Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|date=September 28, 2021|title=LeBron James says offers from Cowboys and Seahawks had his 'blood flowing'|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/sep/28/lebron-james-says-offers-from-cowboys-and-seahawks-had-his-blood-flowing%7Caccess-date=January 10, 2022|work=The Guardian}}</ref> which he gave serious consideration to and even began training with it in mind.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Lenix|first=Matthew|date=May 19, 2020|title=LeBron James was offered a Cowboys contract by Jerry Jones in 2011|url=https://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/2020/05/19/dallas-cowboys-lebron-james-contract-2011-season-tony-romo/%7Caccess-date=October 1, 2021|website=Cowboys Wire}}</ref> During his second stint in Cleveland, based on a negotiation strategy devised by NBA agent Mark Termini, who worked with Paul and specialized in contract negotiation and construction,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Pluto|first=Terry|date=August 13, 2016|title=Cleveland Cavaliers have Terry Talkin' about why LeBron James felt comfortable to sign new deal – Terry Pluto (photos, video)|url=https://www.cleveland.com/pluto/2016/08/cleveland_cavaliers_have_terry_62.html%7Caccess-date=June 22, 2021|website=Cleveland.com}}</ref> James began re-signing<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/releases/james-signing-150710%7Ctitle=Cavaliers Re-sign Forward LeBron James|website=NBA.com|date=July 10, 2015|access-date=July 11, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Amick|first=Sam|date=July 9, 2015|title=LeBron James gets two-year contract with Cavaliers|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/cavaliers/2015/07/09/lebron-james-two-year-contract--cavaliers/29916673/%7Cnewspaper=USA Today|access-date=May 8, 2016}}</ref> on new contracts after each season in order to take advantage of higher salaries resulting from the NBA's rising salary cap.<ref name="LeBron deal has eye on future cap"/> In 2016, he signed with the Cavaliers on a three-year deal,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Cavaliers And LeBron James Sign Multi-Year Contract|url=http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/releases/james-signing-2016%7Cwebsite=NBA.com%7Cdate=August 12, 2016|access-date=August 12, 2016}}</ref> becoming the highest-paid player in the league for the first time in his career.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Bradley|first=Pat|title=NBA Scoreboard Stats Standings Teams Players Odds LeBron James Just Became NBA's Highest-Paid Player For First Time Ever|date=August 11, 2016|url=http://nesn.com/2016/08/lebron-james-just-became-the-nbas-highest-paid-player-for-the-first-time-ever/%7Cpublisher=NESN%7Caccess-date=September 2, 2016}}</ref>
NBA career statistics
Template:NBA player statistics legend
Regular season
Template:NBA player statistics start |- |style="text-align:left;"|Template:Nbay |style="text-align:left;"|Cleveland |79||79||39.5||.417||.290||.754||5.5||5.9||1.6||.7||20.9 |- |style="text-align:left;"|Template:Nbay |style="text-align:left;"|Cleveland |80||80||style="background:#cfecec;"|42.3*||.472||.351||.750||7.4||7.2||2.2||.7||27.2 |- |style="text-align:left;"|Template:Nbay |style="text-align:left;"|Cleveland |79||79||42.5||.480||.335||.738||7.0||6.6||1.6||.8||31.4 |- |style="text-align:left;"|Template:Nbay |style="text-align:left;"|Cleveland |78||78||40.9||.476||.319||.698||6.7||6.0||1.6||.7||27.3 |- |style="text-align:left;"|Template:Nbay |style="text-align:left;"|Cleveland |75||74||40.4||.484||.315||.712||7.9||7.2||1.8||1.1||style="background:#cfecec;"|30.0* |- |style="text-align:left;"|Template:Nbay |style="text-align:left;"|Cleveland |81||81||37.7||.489||.344||.780||7.6||7.2||1.7||1.1||28.4 |- |style="text-align:left;"|Template:Nbay |style="text-align:left;"|Cleveland |76||76||39.0||.503||.333||.767||7.3||8.6||1.6||1.0||29.7 |- |style="text-align:left;"|Template:Nbay |style="text-align:left;"|Miami |79||79||38.8||.510||.330||.759||7.5||7.0||1.6||.6||26.7 |- |style="text-align:left;background:#afe6ba;"|Template:Nbay† |style="text-align:left;"|Miami |62||62||37.5||.531||.362||.771||7.9||6.2||1.9||.8||27.1 |- |style="text-align:left;background:#afe6ba;"|Template:Nbay† |style="text-align:left;"|Miami |76||76||37.9||.565||.406||.753||8.0||7.3||1.7||.9||26.8 |- |style="text-align:left;"|Template:Nbay |style="text-align:left;"|Miami |77||77||37.7||.567||.379||.750||6.9||6.4||1.6||.3||27.1 |- |style="text-align:left;"|Template:Nbay |style="text-align:left;"|Cleveland |69||69||36.1||.488||.354||.710||6.0||7.4||1.6||.7||25.3 |- |style="text-align:left;background:#afe6ba;"|Template:Nbay† |style="text-align:left;"|Cleveland |76||76||35.6||.520||.309||.731||7.4||6.8||1.4||.6||25.3 |- |style="text-align:left;"|Template:Nbay |style="text-align:left;"|Cleveland |74||74||style="background:#cfecec;"|37.8*||.548||.363||.674||8.6||8.7||1.2||.6||26.4 |- |style="text-align:left;"|Template:Nbay |style="text-align:left;"|Cleveland |style="background:#cfecec;"|82*||style="background:#cfecec;"|82*||style="background:#cfecec;"|36.9*||.542||.367||.731||8.6||9.1||1.4||.9||27.5 |- |style="text-align:left;"|Template:Nbay |style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers |55||55||35.2||.510||.339||.665||8.5||8.3||1.3||.6||27.4 |- |style="text-align:left;background:#afe6ba;"|Template:Nbay† |style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers | 67 || 67 || 34.6 || .493 || .348 || .693 || 7.8 || style="background:#cfecec;"|10.2* || 1.2 || .5 || 25.3 |- |style="text-align:left;"|Template:Nbay |style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers | 45 || 45 || 33.4 || .513 || .365 || .698 || 7.7 || 7.8 || 1.1 || .6 || 25.0 |- |style="text-align:left;"|Template:Nbay |style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers | 56 || 56 || 37.2 || .524 || .359 || .756 || 8.2 || 6.2 || 1.3 || 1.1 || 30.3 |- |style="text-align:left;"|Template:Nbay |style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers | 55 || 54 || 35.5 || .500 || .321 || .768 || 8.3 || 6.8 || .9 || .6 || 28.9 |- |style="text-align:left;"|Template:Nbay |style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers | 71 || 71 || 35.3 || .540 || .410 || .750 || 7.3 || 8.3 || 1.3 || .5 || 25.7 |- |style="text-align:left;"|Template:Nbay |style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers | 70 || 70 || 34.9 || .513 || .376 || .782 || 7.8 || 8.2 || 1.0 || .6 || 24.4 |- class="sortbottom" |style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career<ref name=Reference/> |1,562||bgcolor="EOCEF2"|1,560Template:Double-dagger||37.8||.506||.349||.737||7.5||7.4||1.5||.7||27.0 |- class="sortbottom" |style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|All-Star<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=NBA All-Star Career Stats|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/NBA-allstar-career-stats.html%7Cwebsite=Basketball-Reference.com%7Caccess-date=February 22, 2022}}</ref> |bgcolor="EOCEF2"|20Template:Double-dagger||bgcolor="EOCEF2"|20Template:Double-dagger||26.8||.513||.297||.725||5.7||5.7||1.1||.4||21.7 |}
Playoffs
Template:NBA player statistics start |- |style="text-align:left;"|2006 |style="text-align:left;"|Cleveland |13||13||46.5||.476||.333||.737||8.1||5.8||1.4||.7||30.8 |- |style="text-align:left;"|2007 |style="text-align:left;"|Cleveland |style="background:#cfecec;"|20*||style="background:#cfecec;"|20*||44.6||.416||.280||.755||8.1||8.0||1.7||.5||25.1 |- |style="text-align:left;"|2008 |style="text-align:left;"|Cleveland |13||13||42.5||.411||.257||.731||7.8||7.6||1.8||1.3||28.2 |- |style="text-align:left;"|2009 |style="text-align:left;"|Cleveland |14||14||41.4||.510||.333||.749||9.1||7.3||1.6||.9||35.3 |- |style="text-align:left;"|2010 |style="text-align:left;"|Cleveland |11||11||41.8||.502||.400||.733||9.3||7.6||1.7||1.8||29.1 |- |style="text-align:left;"|2011 |style="text-align:left;"|Miami |style="background:#cfecec;"|21*||style="background:#cfecec;"|21*||43.9||.466||.353||.763||8.4||5.9||1.7||1.2||23.7 |- |style="text-align:left;background:#afe6ba;"|2012† |style="text-align:left;"|Miami |style="background:#cfecec;"|23*||style="background:#cfecec;"|23*||42.8||.500||.259||.739||9.7||5.6||1.9||.7||30.3 |- |style="text-align:left;background:#afe6ba;"|2013† |style="text-align:left;"|Miami |style="background:#cfecec;"|23*||style="background:#cfecec;"|23*||41.8||.491||.375||.777||8.4||6.6||1.8||.8||25.9 |- |style="text-align:left;"|2014 |style="text-align:left;"|Miami |20||20||38.2||.565||.407||.806||7.1||4.8||1.9||.6||27.4 |- |style="text-align:left;"|2015 |style="text-align:left;"|Cleveland |20||20||42.2||.417||.227||.731||11.3||8.5||1.7||1.1||30.1 |- |style="text-align:left;background:#afe6ba;"|2016† |style="text-align:left;"|Cleveland |21||21||39.1||.525||.340||.661||9.5||7.6||2.3||1.3||26.3 |- |style="text-align:left;"|2017 |style="text-align:left;"|Cleveland |style="background:#cfecec;"|18*||style="background:#cfecec;"|18*||41.3||.565||.411||.698||9.1||7.8||1.9||1.3||32.8 |- |style="text-align:left;"|2018 |style="text-align:left;"|Cleveland |style="background:#cfecec;"|22*||style="background:#cfecec;"|22*||41.9||.539||.342||.746||9.1||9.0||1.4||1.0||34.0 |- |style="text-align:left;background:#afe6ba;"|2020† |style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers |style="background:#cfecec;"|21*||style="background:#cfecec;"|21*||36.3||.560||.370||.720||10.8||8.8||1.2||.9||27.6 |- |style="text-align:left"|2021 |style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers |6||6||37.3||.474||.375||.609||7.2||8.0||1.5||.3||23.3 |- |style="text-align:left"|2023 |style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers |16||16||38.7||.498||.264||.761||9.9||6.5||1.1||1.1||24.5 |- |style="text-align:left"|2024 |style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers |5||5||40.8||.566||.385||.739||6.8||8.8||2.4||1.0||27.8 |- |style="text-align:left"|2025 |style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers |5||5||40.8||.489||.357||.775||9.0||5.6||2.0||1.8||25.4 |- class="sortbottom" |style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career<ref name=Reference/> |bgcolor="EOCEF2"|292Template:Double-dagger||bgcolor="EOCEF2"|292Template:Double-dagger||41.3||.496||.333||.741||9.0||7.2||1.7||1.0||28.4 |}
Awards and honors
.jpg)
- NBA<ref name=Reference/>
- 4× NBA champion: Template:Nbay, Template:Nbay, Template:Nbay, Template:Nbay
- 4× NBA Finals Most Valuable Player: Template:Nbay, Template:Nbay, Template:Nbay, Template:Nbay
- 4× NBA Most Valuable Player: Template:Nbay, Template:Nbay, Template:Nbay, Template:Nbay
- 21× NBA All-Star: Template:Nasg, Template:Nasg, Template:Nasg, Template:Nasg, Template:Nasg, Template:Nasg, Template:Nasg, Template:Nasg, Template:Nasg, Template:Nasg, Template:Nasg, Template:Nasg, Template:Nasg, Template:Nasg, Template:Nasg, Template:Nasg, Template:Nasg, Template:Nasg, Template:Nasg, Template:Nasg, Template:Nasg
- 3× NBA All-Star Game MVP: Template:Nasg, Template:Nasg, Template:Nasg
- 21× All-NBA selection:
- 13× First team: Template:Nbay, Template:Nbay, Template:Nbay, Template:Nbay, Template:Nbay, Template:Nbay, Template:Nbay, Template:Nbay, Template:Nbay, Template:Nbay, Template:Nbay, Template:Nbay, Template:Nbay
- 4× Second team: Template:Nbay, Template:Nbay, Template:Nbay, Template:Nbay
- 4× Third team: Template:Nbay, Template:Nbay, Template:Nbay, Template:Nbay
- 6× NBA All-Defensive selection:
- 5× First Team: Template:Nbay, Template:Nbay, Template:Nbay, Template:Nbay, Template:Nbay
- Second Team: Template:Nbay
- NBA Rookie of the Year: Template:Nbay
- NBA All-Rookie First Team: Template:Nbay
- NBA scoring leader: Template:Nbay
- NBA assists leader: Template:Nbay
- 3× NBA minutes leader: Template:Nbay, Template:Nbay, Template:Nbay
- J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award: Template:Nbay
- NBA 75th Anniversary Team
- NBA Cup winner: 2023
- NBA Cup Most Valuable Player: 2023
- 41× NBA Player of the Month<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- 69× NBA Player of the Week<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- USA Basketball<ref>{{#invoke
- cite|web|title=LeBron James|url=http://www.usabasketball.com/bios/james_lebron.html%7Cpublisher=USA Basketball Official Website|access-date=June 22, 2013|archive-date=July 10, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130710085235/http://www.usabasketball.com/bios/james_lebron.html%7Curl-status=dead}}</ref>
- 3× Olympic Gold Medal winner: 2008, 2012, 2024
- 2004 Olympic Bronze Medal winner
- FIBA Men's Olympics Most Valuable Player: 2024
- FIBA Men's Olympics All-Star Five: 2024
- 2006 FIBA World Championship Bronze Medal winner
- 2007 FIBA Americas Championship Gold Medal winner
- 2012 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year
- Commemorative banner in Miami's American Airlines Arena (for his 2012 gold medal won as a member of the Miami Heat)
- High school<ref name=Prospect/>
- 2003 National Champion
- 3× OHSAA Champion: 2000, 2001, 2003
- 2003 Naismith Prep Player of the Year<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Andrew Wiggins Named Naismith Player of the Year; Quincy Lewis Named Coach of the Year|date=February 25, 2013|url=http://www.slamonline.com/online/college-hs/high-school/2013/02/andrew-wiggins-named-naismith-player-of-the-year-quincy-lewis-named-coach-of-the-year/%7Cpublisher=SLAM Online|access-date=July 4, 2013}}</ref>
- 2× Mr. Basketball USA: 2002, 2003
- 2× Gatorade National Player of the Year 2002, 2003
- 2× USA Today High School Player of the Year 2002, 2003
- 3× Ohio Mr. Basketball: 2001, 2002, 2003
- 3× USA Today All-USA First Team: 2001, 2002, 2003
- 2× PARADE High School Player of the Year: 2002, 2003
- 2003 McDonald's National Player of the Year<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Grimala|first=Michael|title=Shabazz Muhammad is McDonald's POY|date=March 13, 2012|url=https://www.espn.com/high-school/boys-basketball/story/_/id/7681234/shabazz-muhammad-2012-mcdonald-boys-player-year%7Cwork=ESPN%7Caccess-date=July 4, 2013}}</ref>
- 2003 McDonald's High School All-American<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=McDonald's High School Basketball All American Teams|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/mcdonalds.html%7Cwebsite=Basketball Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=July 4, 2013}}</ref>
- 2003 McDonald's All-American Game MVP
- 2003 EA Sports Roundball Classic MVP<ref name=Cleveland />
- 2003 Jordan Brand Classic MVP<ref name=Cleveland>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Cleveland Cavaliers choose LeBron James with No. 1 pick in 2003: NBA Draft rewind|date=June 27, 2013|url=https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2013/06/cleveland_cavaliers_choose_leb.html%7Cpublisher=Cleveland.com%7Caccess-date=December 22, 2021}}</ref>
- No. 23 retired by St. Vincent–St. Mary<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://www2.cincinnati.com/preps/2003/02/20/wwwlebron.html%7Ctitle=James' Number Retired|publisher=Associated Press via cincinnati.com|access-date=February 20, 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030223200824/http://cincinnati.com/preps/2003/02/20/wwwlebron.html%7Carchive-date=February 23, 2003|url-status=dead}}</ref>
- St. Vincent–St. Mary home basketball court named The LeBron James Arena<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://www.stvm.com/athletics/lebron_james_arena.php%7Ctitle=LeBron James Arena|publisher=St. Vincent St. Mary|access-date=June 26, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160706085332/http://www.stvm.com/athletics/lebron_james_arena.php%7Carchive-date=July 6, 2016}}</ref>
- Media
- AP Athlete of the Decade (2010s)
- 4× AP Athlete of the Year (2013, 2016, 2018, 2020)<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Negley|first=Cassandra|title=LeBron James selected AP Male Athlete of 2018 after 'most significant' year|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/lebron-james-selected-ap-male-athlete-year-significant-year-183819356.html%7Cwork=Yahoo Sports|access-date=January 21, 2019|date=December 27, 2018}}</ref>
- 3× Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year (2012, 2016, 2020)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
- 2012 Sporting News Athlete of the Year<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
- 3× Sporting News NBA MVP (2006, 2009, 2010)<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|date=May 12, 2006|title=James, Nash share Sporting News MVP award|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2443137%7Caccess-date=December 22, 2021|website=ESPN|agency=Associated Press}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=NBA & ABA Sporting News MVP Award Winners|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/tsn_mvp.html%7Cpublisher=Basketball Reference|access-date=August 5, 2019}}</ref>
- 2004 Sporting News Rookie of the Year<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=NBA & ABA Sporting News Rookie of the Year Award Winners|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/tsn_roy.html%7Cwebsite=Basketball Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=June 22, 2013}}</ref>
- Sports Illustrated NBA All-Decade First Team (2000s)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
- 2× Hickok Belt winner: 2012, 2013
- 20× ESPY Award winner in various categories (16 individually, four as part of a team)<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://www.espn.com/espys/2016/story/_/id/17061236/2016-espy-awards%7Ctitle=2016 ESPY Awards|date=July 14, 2016|publisher=ESPN|access-date=July 14, 2016}}</ref>
- 9× BET Sportsman of the Year Award winner
- 2020 Time Athlete of the Year
- Co-flag bearer for the United States at the 2024 Summer Olympics' opening ceremony with Coco Gauff
- 2017 Jackie Robinson Award
- 2021 President's Award
- 2020 Outstanding Long Sports Documentary (as executive producer of What's My Name? – Muhammed Ali Part 1)<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://theemmys.tv/sports-41st-winners/%7Ctitle=Winners Announced for the 41st Annual Sports Emmy® Awards|work=The Emmys - The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences |publisher=National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences|date=August 11, 2021|access-date=January 11, 2022}}</ref>
- 2021 Outstanding Edited Sports Series (as executive producer of The Shop: Uninterrupted)<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://theemmys.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/sports-42nd-winners-release-full-v3.pdf%7Ctitle=2021 Sports Emmy Award Winners|publisher=National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences|date=June 8, 2021|access-date=January 11, 2022}}</ref>
- 2023 Outstanding Long Documentary (as executive producer of The Redeem Team)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Halls of Fame
- Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame – Class of 2025 as a member of the 2008 United States men's Olympic basketball team ("Redeem Team")<ref name = "HOF">Template:Cite web</ref>
- St. Vincent–St. Mary Hall of Fame – Class of 2011<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://www.stvm.com/athletics/lebron_james_arena.php%7Ctitle=LeBron James Arena|publisher=St. Vincent–St. Mary High School|access-date=April 25, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150428014638/http://www.stvm.com/athletics/lebron_james_arena.php%7Carchive-date=April 28, 2015}}</ref>
- First black man to appear on the cover of Vogue, posing with supermodel Gisele Bündchen on the March 2008 edition<ref name=BundchenVogue/>
- Honorary chair of the 2025 Met Gala in Manhattan<ref name=LeBronMetGala/>
- State/Local
- 6× Cleveland Sports Awards Professional Athlete of the Year: 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2015, 2016<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://www.clevelandsportsawards.com/Events/Sports-Awards-15/SA-15-Details/Finalists%7Ctitle=Finalists & Past Winners|publisher=Cleveland Sports Awards|access-date=January 28, 2016|archive-date=January 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125164048/http://www.clevelandsportsawards.com/Events/Sports-Awards-15/SA-15-Details/Finalists%7Curl-status=dead}}</ref>
- South Main Street in downtown Akron renamed King James Way<ref name="Akron">{{#invoke:cite|web|last1=Warsmith |first1=Stephanie |last2=Armon |first2=Rick |date=June 23, 2016 |title=Akron designates downtown street "King James Way" |url=http://www.ohio.com/news/local/akron-designates-downtown-street-king-james-way-1.692548 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624035440/http://www.ohio.com/news/local/akron-renames-downtown-street-king-james-way-mayor-announces-during-lebron-james-celebration-30-000-people-attend-event-1.692548 |archive-date=June 24, 2016 |access-date=June 23, 2016 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal}}</ref>
- Six-story commemorative banner in downtown Akron<ref name="Akron" />
- Featured on Space Jam inspired mural in Akron near his alma mater (St. Vincent St. Mary) and his I Promise school<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Webb|first=Craig|date=July 27, 2021|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/07/27/lebron-james-space-jam-mural-vandalized-hometown-akron/5383471001/%7Ctitle=LeBron James 'Space Jam' mural vandalized in his hometown of Akron|work=USA Today|access-date=January 11, 2022}}</ref>
- Featured on "Cleveland is the Reason" mural in downtown Cleveland (with other notable Cleveland area figures)<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Polsal|first=Anthony|date=April 22, 2021|title=Myles Garrett expresses 'love of Cleveland' by unveiling downtown mural|url=https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/myles-garrett-expresses-love-of-cleveland-by-unveiling-downtown-mural%7Caccess-date=July 31, 2021|website=Cleveland Browns}}</ref>
- Honorary lockers at Ohio State's football and basketball facilities<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Seeman|first=Jeff|date=September 3, 2013|title=LeBron James has honorary locker at OSU|url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/other/lebron-james-now-has-honorary-locker-at-ohio-state%7Caccess-date=September 3, 2013|work=Fox Sports}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=James|first=Jordan|date=August 8, 2016|title=LeBron James has football locker at OSU|url=http://cavaliers.247sports.com/Bolt/LOOK-LeBron-James-has-football-locker-at-Ohio-State-46662092%7Caccess-date=August 16, 2016|website=Cavaliers 24/7}}</ref>
- LeBron James Home Court Museum in Akron, Ohio<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|date=November 9, 2023 |title=LeBron James' Home Court museum to open in Akron hometown |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/38856060/lebron-james-home-court-museum-open-akron-hometown |access-date=November 9, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref>
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | More than a Game | Himself | |
| 2009 | Square Roots: The Story of SpongeBob SquarePants | — | |
| 2015 | Trainwreck | ||
| 2018 | Smallfoot | Gwangi | Voice role |
| 2021 | Space Jam: A New Legacy | Himself | Also co-producer |
| 2022 | Black Ice<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Hayes|first=Dade|date=July 29, 2021|url=https://deadline.com/2021/07/springhill-dreamcrew-uninterrupted-canada-lebron-james-drake-hockey-documentary-black-ice-1234801537/%7Ctitle=SpringHill, DreamCrew And Uninterrupted Canada Team For Hockey Doc 'Black Ice', With Drake And LeBron James Exec Producing|publisher=Deadline.com|access-date=July 29, 2021}}</ref> | — | Executive producer |
| 2023 | House Party | Himself | Also co-producer |
| TBA | Weekend Warriors | — | Producer |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | My Wife and Kids | Himself | Episode: "Outbreak Monkey" |
| 2005 | The Simpsons | Episode: "Homer and Ned's Hail Mary Pass" | |
| 2007 | Saturday Night Live | Episode: "LeBron James/Kanye West" | |
| 2009 | Entourage | Episode: "Give a Little Bit" | |
| SpongeBob SquarePants | Episode: "SpongeBob's Truth or Square" | ||
| 2011 | The Cleveland Show | Episode: "A Short Story and a Tall Tale" | |
| 2011–2014 | The LeBrons | Lead role | |
| 2014; 2020 | Becoming | Pilot; also executive producer | |
| 2015 | Survivor's Remorse | Episode: "Guts"<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Zillgitt|first=Jeff|title=LeBron James' show 'Survivor's Remorse' begins second season|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2015/08/22/lebron-james-tv-show-survivors-remorse-begins-second-season/32199521/%7Cwebsite=USA Today|date=June 30, 2018|access-date=June 30, 2018}}</ref> | |
| 2016 | Teen Titans Go! | Episode: "The Cruel Giggling Ghoul" | |
| 2017–present | The Wall | — | Executive producer |
| 2018–present | The Shop | Host | |
| 2020 | Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Class of 2020<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last1=Hayes|first1=Mike|last2=Vera|first2=Amir|date=May 16, 2020|title=Graduate Together: LeBron James and Obama honor the class of 2020|url=https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/graduate-together-2020/index.html%7Caccess-date=July 29, 2021|publisher=CNN}}</ref> | ||
| Self Made | — | ||
| 2022 | Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers | Himself | Documentary series |
| 2024 | Starting 5 |
See also
- Cleveland Cavaliers draft history
- List of career achievements by LeBron James
- List of first overall NBA draft picks
- List of most-followed Instagram accounts
- List of NBA career scoring leaders
- List of NBA career rebounding leaders
- List of NBA career assists leaders
- List of NBA career steals leaders
- List of NBA career turnovers leaders
- List of NBA career 3-point scoring leaders
- List of NBA career free throw scoring leaders
- List of NBA seasons played leaders
- List of NBA career games played leaders
- List of NBA career minutes played leaders
- List of NBA career triple-double leaders
- List of NBA career playoff scoring leaders
- List of NBA career playoff assists leaders
- List of NBA career playoff rebounding leaders
- List of NBA career playoff steals leaders
- List of NBA career playoff blocks leaders
- List of NBA career playoff triple-double leaders
- List of NBA career playoff turnovers leaders
- List of NBA career playoff 3-point scoring leaders
- List of NBA career playoff free throw scoring leaders
- List of NBA career playoff minutes leaders
- List of NBA franchise career scoring leaders
- List of NBA annual minutes leaders
- List of NBA single-game scoring leaders
- List of NBA single-game playoff scoring leaders
- List of basketball players with most career points
- List of Olympic medalists in basketball
- NBA All-Star Game records
- NBA post-season records
- NBA regular season records
Notes
References
Further reading
- Coombs, D. S., & Cassilo, D. (2017). Athletes and/or Activists: LeBron James and Black Lives Matter. Journal of Sport & Social Issues, 41(5), 425–444.
- {{#invoke:cite|book|last=Freedman|first=Lew|author-link=Lew Freedman|year=2008|title=LeBron James: A Biography|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qXkq1n1VpHgC%7Clocation=Westport, Connecticut|publisher=Greenwood Press|isbn=978-0-313-34361-2|ref=none}}
- {{#invoke:cite|book|last=Morgan|first=David Lee|year=2003|title=LeBron James: The Rise of a Star|location=Cleveland|publisher=Gray & Co.|isbn=978-1-886228-74-0|url=https://archive.org/details/lebronjamesriseo00morg%7Cref=none}}
- {{#invoke:cite|book|last1=Windhorst|first1=Brian|last2=Pluto|first2=Terry|year=2007|title=The Franchise: Lebron James and the Remaking of the Cleveland Cavaliers|url=https://archive.org/details/franchiselebronj0000plut%7Curl-access=registration%7Clocation=Cleveland%7Cpublisher=Gray & Co|isbn=978-1-59851-028-7|ref=none}}
External links
{{#invoke:Sister project links|main|n=Category:LeBron James|commons=Category:LeBron James|wikt=no|v=no|b=no|s=no}}
- Template:Official website
- Template:Basketballstats
- Template:FIBA
- LeBron James at USA Basketball
- Template:Team USA
- Template:IMDb name
- Template:NYTtopic
Template:Los Angeles Lakers current roster Template:LeBron James {{#invoke:navboxes|top|state = collapsed}} Template:S-start Template:S-sports Template:Succession box Template:S-end Template:Mr. Basketball USA Template:Naismith Prep Player of the Year Award Template:USA Today National Basketball Player of the Year Template:Gatorade National Basketball Player of the Year Template:Gatorade National Athlete of the Year Template:Morgan Wootten Player of the Year Template:McDonald's All-American Game Boys MVP Template:Jordan Brand Classic All-American Boys Game MVP Template:2003 NBA draft Template:NBA NumberOne Draft Picks Template:NBA Rookies of the Year Template:NBA All-Star Game MVP Award Template:NBA scoring leaders Template:NBA assists leaders Template:NBA Cup MVPs Template:NBA MVPs Template:NBA Finals MVPs Template:FIBA Olympics MVP Award Template:J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award Template:Miami Heat 2011–12 NBA champions Template:Miami Heat 2012–13 NBA champions Template:Cleveland Cavaliers 2015–16 NBA champions Template:Los Angeles Lakers 2019–20 NBA champions Template:Los Angeles Lakers 2023 NBA Cup champions Template:United States Men Basketball Squad 2004 Summer Olympics Template:USA Squad 2006 FIBA World Championship Template:United States squad 2007 FIBA Americas Championship Template:United States Men Basketball Squad 2008 Summer Olympics Template:United States Men Basketball Squad 2012 Summer Olympics Template:United States Men Basketball Squad 2024 Summer Olympics Template:USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year Template:SI Sportsman of the Year Template:SN Sportsman of the Year Template:Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year navbox Template:ESPY Male Athlete Template:Hickok Belt Template:BET Award for Sportsman of the Year Template:NAACP Image Award – Jackie Robinson Sports Award Template:Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actor Template:Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Screen Combo Template:Best NBA Player ESPY Award Template:Space Jam {{#invoke:navboxes|bottom}} {{#invoke:Portal bar|main|Basketball|Biography|Sports}} {{#invoke:Authority control|authorityControl}}
- Pages with broken file links
- LeBron James
- 1984 births
- 21st-century American sportsmen
- 21st-century American businesspeople
- 21st-century American male actors
- 21st-century African-American businesspeople
- 21st-century African-American male actors
- 21st-century African-American sportsmen
- 2006 FIBA World Championship players
- AC Milan chairmen and investors
- American billionaires
- American investors
- American male film actors
- American male television actors
- American male voice actors
- American mass media company founders
- American men's basketball players
- American soccer chairmen and investors
- American sports podcasters
- African-American billionaires
- African-American company founders
- African-American film producers
- African-American investors
- African-American media personalities
- African-American sports executives and administrators
- African-American television producers
- Basketball players at the 2004 Summer Olympics
- Basketball players at the 2008 Summer Olympics
- Basketball players at the 2012 Summer Olympics
- Basketball players at the 2024 Summer Olympics
- Basketball players from Akron, Ohio
- Basketball players from Los Angeles
- Boston Red Sox owners
- Businesspeople from Akron, Ohio
- Businesspeople from Los Angeles
- California Democrats
- Cleveland Cavaliers draft picks
- Cleveland Cavaliers players
- Fenway Sports Group people
- Film producers from Los Angeles
- Film producers from Ohio
- First overall NBA draft picks
- Illeists
- Liverpool F.C. chairmen and investors
- Living people
- Los Angeles Lakers players
- Male actors from Akron, Ohio
- Male actors from California
- Male actors from Los Angeles
- McDonald's High School All-Americans
- Medalists at the 2004 Summer Olympics
- Medalists at the 2008 Summer Olympics
- Medalists at the 2012 Summer Olympics
- Medalists at the 2024 Summer Olympics
- Miami Heat players
- NBA All-Stars
- NBA high school draftees
- NBA Most Valuable Player Award winners
- Nike, Inc. people
- Ohio Democrats
- Olympic bronze medalists for the United States in basketball
- Olympic gold medalists for the United States in basketball
- Parade High School All-Americans (boys' basketball)
- People from Brentwood, Los Angeles
- Philanthropists from California
- Philanthropists from Ohio
- Pittsburgh Penguins owners
- Power forwards
- Small forwards
- Sports world record holders
- St. Vincent–St. Mary High School alumni
- Television producers from California
- Television producers from Ohio
- United States men's national basketball team players