The biggest moments of LeBron James’ career so far
We can’t summarize LeBron James’ career using stats. It would be wrong. The best way to define King James’ legacy is by breaking down his legendary moments and milestones. Few players have made a more significant impact on the culture and history of basketball, and he’s not done yet. Let’s look at the biggest moments (so far) from the career of one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
His highlight reel had NBA teams drooling at the chance to draft him. He was named the McDonald’s All-American Game MVP in 2003 and led St. Mary-St. Vincent to three division titles in four years.
Cleveland Cavaliers drafted their hometown hero with the first overall pick. Hailed as The Chosen One who’d bring the Cavaliers to glory, expectations were to the moon for LeBron.
Entering the NBA as the most-hyped high school draft prospect of all time, LeBron joined a draft class featuring Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and Carmelo Anthony.
NBA debut against the Sacramento Kings. The Chosen One averaged 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game in his rookie year. He improved the Cavaliers’ win total from 17 the previous year to 35. When it was all said and done, LeBron won Rookie of the Year.
a triple-double in his playoff debut against the Washington Wizards. For much of his early playoff career, James owned the Wizards, beating them in the first round of the playoffs three years in a row. While the Cavs were sent home in the second round by the powerhouse Detroit Pistons, the future was bright.
San Antonio Spurs. LeBron carried the team with 22 points, seven rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game in the Finals.
Leading a team of glue guys like Eric Snow, Larry Hughes, and Shannon Brown to the Finals earned LeBron praise for being the superstar everyone thought he was. Along with the Allen Iverson-led 76ers, the 2007 Cavs are considered one of the worst teams to go to the finals in the history of the NBA.
Boston Celtics.
Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, and Jason Kidd for the 2008 Summer Olympics. Known as “The Redeem Team,” they went undefeated and won the gold medal. They were the best basketball team assembled since the 1992 “Dream Team.”
Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant. It was the first of four league MVPs for LeBron, who won the honor again in 2010, 2012, and ’13.
When it comes to team success, the Cavs lost to the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference Finals in six games.
Dwight Howard and the stacked Orlando Magic, a dream Finals matchup never happened: Kobe vs. LeBron.
LeBron and Bryant were undoubtedly the best players in the league during the late 2000s. This was the Finals matchup everyone wanted to see, and it would’ve been a legacy-defining moment for the two greats. And the 2009 Finals were the closest shot we had. While they never met in the NBA Finals, LeBron came out on top more often than not in this iconic rivalry, going 16-6 record against Kobe, per Statmuse.
As for the 2009 NBA Finals, the Lakers handily defeated the Magic in five games.
Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen, the Celtics eliminated LeBron’s Cavs in the playoffs in 2008 and ’10.
With zero help besides an aging Shaq, LeBron was tasked with carrying the Cavs and delivering the city of Cleveland a championship. The Celtics lockdown defense made life difficult for LeBron. After losing to the Celtics in six games in 2010, LeBron’s future with the Cavs was in doubt.
Chicago Bulls? No one knew what was going through LeBron’s head — until the biggest press conference of his life.
LeBron made “The Decision” in front of a live audience, stating he was “taking his talents to South Beach” to play for the Miami Heat to form a super team with fellow 2003 draft class stars Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. ” The Decision” shocked the basketball world and left his hometown team in ruin. This unforgettable moment changed the course of NBA history.
Dallas Mavericks. Ironically, Nowitzki beat the “Big Three” after waiting 13 long, painful years to win a championship with the only team he ever played for.
Russell Westbrook, and James Harden-led Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs dynasty, respectively. LeBron dominated the Thunder all series long. Against the Spurs, LeBron was bailed out by Ray Allen’s clutch three-pointer in Game 6 and put the team on his back in Game 7.
In the same span, LeBron won back-to-back NBA MVPs and Finals MVPs. In one of the most dominant two-year runs in NBA history, LeBron averaged 26.9 points, eight boards, and 6.8 assists per game. He was unstoppable in the early ‘10s.
Kevin Love. Before he even played in a game for the Cavs, he already had more talent on the roster than in his first seven years in the Land.
The Return is one of the best feel-good moments in the sport’s history.
J.R. Smith. They went 53-29 in the regular season and swept the Celtics and Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference Playoffs, earning the Cavs their first trip to the Finals since LeBron carried them there in 2007. When they got there, they lost to the Golden State Warriors in six games. Still, LeBron dominated with two triple-doubles.
Andre Iguodala was about to score a go-ahead layup when LeBron came out of nowhere and blocked the shot into the stands. The Cavs won the game minutes later. “The Block” made up for past heartbreaking defeats and broke the Cleveland Curse. ” The Block” exemplified his will to win for Cleveland, and it became the defining moment of his career.
Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Durant.
The best small forwards of their era, LeBron and Durant, met in several big games with legacies on the line. In total, they faced each other in three Finals (2012, ’17, ’18). LeBron handily defeated Durant’s Thunder in the 2012 Finals. Later on, Durant returned the favor by beating LeBron in back-to-back years. Both will be in the Hall of Fame someday.
Bill Russell and his ’60s teams that won 11 championships in 13 years.
Over the course of his entire career, LeBron has a 4-6 record in the NBA Finals. LeBron proved he was clutch on basketball’s biggest stage and showed up when it mattered most. Statistically speaking, he is the best Finals performer of all time.
Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat in six games in the 2020 NBA Finals. He won Finals MVP, averaging 29.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game. The victory gave the Lakers their 15th championship. In a season forever changed because of COVID-19 and the death of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, LeBron delivered.
a great passer. His court vision is unmatched. The premier point forward in basketball, LeBron is a selfless player who wants to get his teammates involved.
per 24/7 Sports, though nobody in the James camp has confirmed that. LeBron has made it very clear that when Bronny’s college career is over, he will team up with whatever team drafts his son. Rest assured, teams will tank for a chance at drafting Bronny.
per The Guardian. Imagine LeBron as a red zone threat and a field goal-blocking specialist.
per NBA.com.
He gave back to his hometown of Akron by building the I Promise School and loves donating to charitable causes. He won the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award in 2017, the NBA’s service award.
David J. Hunt is a freelance writer based out of Philadelphia. He ran cross country at Penn State, became a volunteer firefighter during COVID-19, and is a self taught journalist. He’s a diehard Philly sports fan. When he isn’t watching sports, he enjoys working out, fishing, and traveling. You can find more of his writing at The Chestnut Hill Local and The Temple News. You can follow him on Twitter at @dave_hunt44.
