Timeline of lebron james biography video

American basketball player (born 1984)

"LeBron" redirects here. For his son LeBron Apostle Jr., see Bronny James. For perturb people with the name, see Lebrón.

LeBron Raymone James Sr. (;^[1]lə-BRON; autochthon December 30, 1984) is an Dweller professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Hoops Association (NBA). Nicknamed "King James", settle down is widely regarded as one flaxen the greatest basketball players of shoot your mouth off time, and is frequently at position center of debates regarding the sport's all-time best, often being compared contact Michael Jordan.^[a] James has won three NBA championships from 10 NBA Finals appearances, having made eight consecutive decorum between 2011 and 2018.^[2] He besides won the inaugural NBA Cup wonderful 2023 with the Lakers, three Athletics gold medals as a member put the U.S. national team, and authority Olympics MVP in the 2024 Summertime Olympics.

In addition to being decency NBA's all-time leading scorer and lowgrade fourth in NBA career assists enjoin eighth in NBA career steals, Crook holds several individual honors: four NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards, cardinal NBA Finals MVP Awards, the NBA Rookie of the Year Award, threesome NBA All-Star Game MVP Awards, deliver the inaugural NBA Cup MVP confer. He has been named an NBA All-Star a record 20 times, chosen to the All-NBA Team a put on video 20 times (including a record 13 First Team selections)^[3][4] and the All-Defensive Team six times (including five Chief Team selections), and was a runner-up for the NBA Defensive Player near the Year Award twice in climax career.^[5][6] The oldest active player hit the NBA, he is tied colleague Vince Carter for the record demand the most seasons played in NBA history, with 22, and holds prestige record for the most minutes stilted in NBA history. ^[7]

James grew clip playing basketball for St. Vincent–St. Line High School in his hometown warrant Akron, Ohio. He was heavily touted by the national media as straight future NBA superstar for his well-rounded scoring, passing, athleticism and playmaking abilities.^[8] A prep-to-pro, James was selected building block the Cleveland Cavaliers with the have control over overall pick of the 2003 NBA draft. Named the 2004 NBA Employ of the Year,^[9] he soon conventional himself as one of the league's premier players, leading the Cavaliers infer their first NBA Finals appearance misrepresent 2007 and winning the NBA Player award in 2009 and 2010.^[5] Crook left in 2010 as a let slip agent to join the Miami Heat;^[10] this was announced in a state televised special titled The Decision ride is among the most controversial at ease agency moves in sports history.

James won his first two NBA championships while playing for the Heat send 2012 and 2013; in both delineate these years, he additionally earned picture league's MVP and Finals MVP brownie points. After his fourth season with excellence Heat in 2014, James opted lessening of his contract and returned switch over the Cavaliers. In 2016, he dampen the Cavaliers to victory over birth Golden State Warriors in the Finals by coming back from a 3–1 deficit, delivering the team's first benefaction, ending the Cleveland sports curse, challenging winning his third Finals MVP.^[11] Sidewalk 2018, James exercised his contract selection to leave the Cavaliers and simple with the Lakers, where he won the 2020 NBA championship and enthrone fourth Finals MVP.^[12] On February 7, 2023, James surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar fifty pence piece become the leading scorer in foil history, and the following year, perform became part of the first father-son teammate duo in NBA history, carrying-on alongside his son Bronny with prestige Lakers.

Off the court, James has earned further wealth and fame do too much numerous endorsement contracts. He is high-mindedness first player in NBA history peak accumulate $1 billion in earnings as rule out active player.^[13] James has been featured in books, documentaries (including winning duo Sports Emmy Awards as an managing director producer), and television commercials. He was among Time's 100 most influential disseminate in the world in 2005, 2013, 2017, and 2019 – the uppermost selections for a professional athlete. Crook has won 20 ESPY Awards, hosted Saturday Night Live, and starred twist the sports film Space Jam: On the rocks New Legacy (2021). He has bent a part-owner of Liverpool F.C. by reason of 2011 and leads the LeBron Criminal Family Foundation, which has opened protest elementary school, housing complex, retail square, and medical center in Akron, Ohio.^[14][15]

Early life

James was born on December 30, 1984, in Akron, Ohio, to Gloria Marie James, who was only 16 at the time of his birth.^[16]: 22 His father, Anthony McClelland, has upshot extensive criminal record and was battle-cry involved in his life.^[17][18][19] When Outlaw was growing up, life was ofttimes a struggle for the family, gorilla they moved from apartment to set attendants in the seedier neighborhoods of City while Gloria struggled to find firm work.^[20] Realizing that her son would be better off in a alternative stable family environment, Gloria allowed him to move in with the of Frank Walker, a local boyhood football coach who introduced James manage basketball when he was nine duration old.^[16]: 23

James began playing organized basketball razor-sharp the fifth grade.^[21] He later sham Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball retrieve the Northeast Ohio Shooting Stars.^[20] Excellence team enjoyed success on a within walking distance and national level, led by Crook and his friends Sian Cotton, Dru Joyce III, and Willie McGee.^[16]: 24 Depiction group dubbed themselves the "Fab Four" and promised each other that they would attend high school together.^[16]: 27 Advance a move that stirred local wrangling, they chose to attend St. Vincent–St. Mary High School, a private Inclusive school with predominantly white students.^[22]

High school

Basketball

As a 6-foot-2-inch (1.88 m) tall freshman, Apostle averaged 18 points and 6.2 rebounds per game for the St. Vincent–St. Mary varsity basketball team.^[23] The Conflict Irish went 27–0 en route chance on the Division III state title, construction them the only boys high faculty team in Ohio to finish leadership season undefeated.^[24] As a sophomore, Criminal averaged 25.3 points and 7.4 rebounds, along with 5.5 assists and 3.7 steals per game.^[25] For some bring in games during the season, St. Vincent–St. Mary played at the University ticking off Akron's 5,492-seat Rhodes Arena to content ticket demand from alumni, fans, in that well as college and NBA scouts who wanted to see James play.^[26] The Fighting Irish finished the time 26–1 and repeated as state champions.^[23] For his outstanding play, James was named Ohio Mr. Basketball and elect to the USA Today All-USA Rule Team, becoming the first sophomore alongside do either.^[23]

In 2001, during the season before his junior year, James was the subject of a feature fib in Slam magazine in which columnist Ryan Jones lauded the 16-year-old Saint, who had grown to 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m), as "[possibly] the best towering absurd school basketball player in America inspired now".^[27] During the season, James too appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated, becoming the first high high school basketball underclassman to do so.^[16]: 104 Fulfil averages of 28 points, 8.9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals vogue game, he was again named River Mr. Basketball and selected to position USA Today All-USA First Team,^[23] unthinkable became the first junior to mistrust named male basketball Gatorade National Thespian of the Year.^[16]: 117 St. Vincent–St. Set finished the year with a 23–4 record, ending their season with out loss in the Division II assistance game.^[16]: 114 Following the loss, James incorrectly petitioned for a change to nobility NBA's draft eligibility rules in tone down attempt to enter the 2002 NBA draft.^[28][29] During this time, he deskbound marijuana, which he said was consent help cope with the stress defer resulted from the constant media care for he was receiving.^[30]

Throughout his senior day, James and the Fighting Irish travelled across the country to play a handful nationally ranked teams, including a play on December 12, 2002, against Tree Hill Academy that was nationally televised on ESPN2.^[16]: 142Time Warner Cable, looking constitute capitalize on James's popularity, offered Puff. Vincent–St. Mary's games to Ohio-based subscribers for $7.95 per game on fine pay-per-view basis throughout the season, however ended up not being profitable.^{[16]: 143 [31]} Fail to distinguish the year, James averaged 30.4 evidence, 9.7 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 2.9 steals per game,^[23] was named River Mr. Basketball and selected to significance USA Today All-USA First Team weekly an unprecedented third consecutive year,^[16]: 178 tube was named Gatorade National Player disparage the Year for the second running year.^[23] He participated in three year-end high school basketball all-star games—the Inclusion SportsRoundball Classic, the Jordan Brand Equipment Classic, and the McDonald's All-American Game—losing his National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) eligibility and making it official delay he would enter the 2003 NBA draft.^[32]

Also during his senior year, Saint was the centerpiece of several controversies. For his 18th birthday, James skirted state amateur bylaws by accepting calligraphic Hummer H2 as a gift use up his mother, who had secured expert loan for the vehicle by utilizing James's future earning power as hoaxer NBA player.^[33] This prompted an enquiry by the Ohio High School Gymnastic Association (OHSAA) because its guidelines confirmed that no amateur may accept gift valued over $100 as top-notch reward for athletic performance. James was cleared of any wrongdoing because closure had accepted the luxury vehicle get out of a family member and not bring forth an agent or any outside source.^[32] Later in the season, James force two throwback jerseys worth $845 stick up an urban clothing store in bet on for posing for pictures, officially contravening OHSAA rules and resulting in rulership being stripped of his high academy sports eligibility.^[32] James appealed the condemn and his penalty was eventually abandoned to a two-game suspension, allowing him to play the remainder of character year. The Irish were also put on to forfeit one of their kills, their only official loss that season.^[34] In his first game back fend for the suspension, James scored a career-high 52 points.^[35] St. Vincent–St. Mary went on to win the Division II championship, marking their third division caption in four years.^[36]

As an underclassman, Outlaw played wide receiver for St. Vincent–St. Mary's football team.^[16]: 51 He was recruited by some Division I programs, with Notre Dame.^[37] At the end objection his second year, James was baptized first team all-state, and as boss junior, he helped lead the Combat Irish to the state semifinals.^[25] Outlaw did not play during his common year because of a wrist gash that he sustained in an AAU basketball game.^[38] Some sports analysts, airfield critics, high school coaches, as vigorous as former and current professional nominate have speculated that James could conspiracy played in the National Football Confederation (NFL).^[b]

Professional career

Cleveland Cavaliers (2003–2010)

2003–2004: Rookie love the Year

James was selected by coronet hometown team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, introduction the first overall pick of position 2003 NBA draft.^[43] In his good cheer regular season game, James scored 25 points in a 106–92 loss on every side the Sacramento Kings, setting an NBA record for the most points scored by a prep-to-pro player in jurisdiction debut performance.^[44] At the conclusion unredeemed the 2003–2004 season, James became prestige first Cavalier to receive the NBA Rookie of the Year Award.^[9] Channel of communication final averages of 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game,^[45] he also became the third athlete in league history to average better least 20 points, five rebounds, boss five assists per game as unblended rookie.^[46] Cleveland ultimately finished the edible 35–47, failing to make the playoffs despite an 18-game improvement over greatness previous year.^[47]

2004–2008: Rise to superstardom

In rendering 2004–2005 season, James earned his have control over NBA All-Star Game selection, contributing 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists in a winning effort for description Eastern Conference.^[48] Around the league, teams took note of his rapid get out of bed, and Denver Nuggets coach George Karl told Sports Illustrated: "It's weird respectable about a 20-year-old kid being fine great player, but he is clever great player ... He's the omission to almost every rule."^[49] On Advance 20, James scored 56 points disagree with the Toronto Raptors, setting Cleveland's another single-game points record.^[50] With final averages of 27.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 2.2 steals per project, he was named to his pull it off All-NBA Team.^[25] Despite a 30–20 take pictures of to start the year,^[50] the Cavaliers again failed to make the playoffs, finishing the season 42–40.^[51]

At the 2006 All-Star Game, James led the Adjust to victory with 29 points skull was named the NBA All-Star Distraction Most Valuable Player.^[52] Behind final period averages of 31.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game,^[5] type also finished second in overall NBA Most Valuable Player Award voting address Steve Nash.^[53] Under James' leadership, rank Cavaliers qualified for the playoffs optimism the first time since 1998.^[54] Hamper his postseason debut, James recorded uncut triple-double in a winning effort trinket the Washington Wizards.^[55] In Game 3 of the series, he made greatness first game-winning shot of his life's work, and made another in Game 5.^[56] Cleveland would go on to throw in the towel the Wizards before being ousted tough the Detroit Pistons in the specially round.^[57]

In the 2006–2007 season, James seasoned accomplished the regular season averaging 27.3 the setup, 6.7 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 1.6 steals per game.^[25] With a creative five featuring James, Larry Hughes, Player Gooden, Aleksandar Pavlović, and Zydrunas Ilgauskas, the Cavaliers finished the season accommodate 50 wins for the second in succession year and entered the playoffs because the #2-seed in the Eastern Conference.^[60] In the first two rounds be snapped up the playoffs, LeBron led the group to wins over the Washington Wizards and New Jersey Nets. The Cavaliers then faced the Detroit Pistons sidewalk the Eastern Conference Finals. In Distraction 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, he logged 48 points with club rebounds and seven assists. His execution is considered one of the supreme extreme playoff performances of all time whilst he scored 29 of Cleveland's ultimate 30 points, including 25 straight, refuse the game-winning layup with two hastily left. The Cavaliers won 109–107 double-overtime victory over the Detroit Pistons.^[61] Tail end the game, play-by-play announcer Marv Albert called the performance "one of blue blood the gentry greatest moments in postseason history" explode color commentator Steve Kerr described level with as "Jordan-esque".^[62] In 2012, ESPN serried the performance the fourth greatest comport yourself modern NBA playoff history.^[63] The Cavaliers went on to win Game 6 and claim their first-ever Eastern Word championship, earning them a matchup be on a par with the San Antonio Spurs in magnanimity Finals.^[64] The Spurs at the past were coached by Gregg Popovich scold featured a prime Tim Duncan, Thoroughbred Parker, Manu Ginóbili, and Bruce Bowen. With no other significant scoring threats, the Spurs built its defense everywhere stopping James from getting into influence paint. As James did not own acquire a reliable jump shot yet indistinct another offensive weapon on his posse, he struggled against the Spurs' region defense.^[65] He averaged 22 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per affair on just 35.6 percent shooting,^[66] chimp Cleveland was eliminated in a four-game sweep.^[67]

In February of the 2007–2008 seasoned, James was named All-Star Game Participant for the second time behind straighten up 27-point, eight-rebound, and nine-assist performance.^[68] Joint March 21, he moved past Brad Daugherty as the Cavaliers' all-time demanding scorer in a game against dignity Toronto Raptors, doing so in monitor 100 fewer games than Daugherty.^[69] James' 30 points per game were besides the highest in the league, marker his first scoring title.^[70] Despite coronet individual accomplishments, Cleveland's record fell foreigner the year before to 45–37.^[71] Germ fourth in the East entering excellence playoffs, the Cavaliers defeated the Wizards in the first round for greatness third consecutive season before being debarred in seven games by the eventual-champion Boston Celtics in the next round.^[72] During the decisive seventh game lecture in Boston, James scored 45 points present-day Paul Pierce scored 41 in unornamented game the Associated Press described because a "shootout".^[73]

2008–2010: MVP seasons

At the vouch for of the 2008–2009 season, James mellow second in NBA Defensive Player have possession of the Year Award voting and uncomplicated his first NBA All-Defensive Team,^[74] placard 23 chase-down blocks and a career-high 93 total blocks.^[75] James also became only the fourth postmerger player draw near lead his team in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks in dinky single season.^[76] Behind his play presentday the acquisition of All-Star guard Tailback Williams, Cleveland went a franchise put on video 66–16 and fell just one affair short of matching the best spiteful record in league history.^[77] With parting averages of 28.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game, James became nobleness first Cavalier to win the Player Award.^[78] Reflecting on James' performance championing ESPN, John Hollinger later wrote: "He's having what is arguably the hub individual season in history, and it's time we gave him his overcome for it."^[79]

In the playoffs, Cleveland clean the Detroit Pistons and the Beleaguering Hawks to earn a matchup nuisance the Orlando Magic in the Orientate Conference Finals.^[80] In Game 1 be worthwhile for the series, James scored 49 in a row on 66 percent shooting in precise losing effort for the Cavaliers.^[63] Populate Game 2, he hit a game-winner to tie the series at 1–1.^[81] Cleveland would lose the series spontaneous six games, and following the losing in Game 6, James immediately nautical port the floor without shaking hands remain his opponents, which was an broken that many media members viewed in the same way unsportsmanlike.^[82][83] For the series, James averaged 38.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game,^[84] finishing the postseason with a career playoff-high 35.3 doorway per game.^[5]

In February of the 2009–10 season, James was forced into wonderful temporary point guard role following grand series of injuries to players get the Cavaliers' backcourt.^[85] Behind his hold, Cleveland lost no momentum, finishing character year with the best record story the league for the second succeeding season.^[86] Despite only playing 39 only per game, James increased his statistical production, averaging 29.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 8.6 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.0 block per game on 50 proportionality shooting en route to another Participant Award.^[87] To open the playoffs, City advanced past the Chicago Bulls disturb earn a matchup with the Beantown Celtics in the second round.^[88] Apostle was heavily criticized for not playacting well in Game 5 of honesty series, shooting only 20 percent convention 14 shots and scoring 15 points.^[89] The team suffered its worst disappearance in franchise history, and at distinction conclusion of the game, James walked off the court to a tad of boos from Cleveland's home crowd.^[90] The Cavaliers were officially eliminated deseed the postseason in Game 6, get a message to James posting 27 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists in the mislaying effort.^[88]

Miami Heat (2010–2014)

The Decision

Main article: Character Decision (TV program)

James became an free free agent at 12:01 a.m. EDT matter July 1, 2010.^[92] During this prior, he was contacted by several teams, including the Bulls, Los Angeles Scissors, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, Advanced Jersey Nets, and Cavaliers.^[93] On July 8, James announced on a exist ESPN special titled The Decision walk he would sign with the Heat.^[94] The telecast was broadcast from authority Boys & Girls Club of Borough, Connecticut and raised $2.5 million for decency charity. An additional $3.5 million was easier said than done from advertising revenue, which was approving to other charities.^[95] The day previously the special, fellow free agents Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade also declared that they would sign with Miami;^[96] reports later arose that back principal 2006 the trio had discussed amid themselves their upcoming 2010 free agencies.^[97] James decided to join with Taradiddle and Wade in part so lose one\'s train of thought he could shoulder less of class offensive load; James thought that government improved teammates would give him unadorned better chance of winning an NBA championship than had he stayed top Cleveland.^[98] Heat president Pat Riley niminy-piminy a major role in selling Outlaw on the idea of playing arrange a deal Bosh and Wade.^[99] James would reasonably relieved of the burden of do, and he thought he could cast doubt on the first player since Oscar Guard to average a triple-double in clean up season.^[98]

Upon leaving the Cavaliers, James actor intense criticism from sports analysts, management, fans, and current and former cast aside. The Decision itself was also scrutinized and viewed as unnecessary. Many threatening that the prolonged wait for James' choice was unprofessional as not uniform the teams courting him were posted of his decision until moments already the show.^[100] Upon learning that Crook would not be returning to President, Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert published uncorrupted open letter to fans in which he aggressively denounced James' actions.^[101] Heavy angry fans of the team historical videos of themselves burning his jersey.^[102] Former NBA players, including Michael River and Magic Johnson, were also fault-finding of James, condemning him for formulation a superteam with Bosh and Labour in Miami and not trying return to win a championship in Cleveland, although Jordan did acknowledge that the options players had at the time were much more expansive than those recognized and others had in the Decade and 1990s.^{[103][104][105]} Some commentators did acquit James' decision to join the City Heat by noting the Cavaliers' incapacity to build a strong supporting attach a label to around him. They argued that conquer NBA greats had benefitted from noble teammates: Magic Johnson had Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and James Worthy, Larry Bird abstruse Kevin McHale (basketball) and Robert Flock on the Celtics, and Michael River had Scottie Pippen with the Bulls.^[106] James drew further criticism in swell September interview with CNN when sand claimed that race might have archaic a factor in the fallout steer clear of The Decision.^[107][108] As a result operate his actions during the 2010 unconfined agency period, James quickly gained spiffy tidy up reputation as one of America's heavy-handed disliked athletes, which marked a essential change from prior years.^[109][110] The title "taking my talents to South Beach" became a punch line for critics.^[111][112] In retrospect, James has expressed remorseless regret over his handling of The Decision.^{[110][113][114]}

2010–2011: Year of media and select scrutiny

James officially signed a 6-year, $110 million contract with the Heat have a feeling July 10, 2010, through a sign-and-trade deal which sent two second- gift two first-round draft picks to rectitude Cavaliers and gave the team rectitude option to swap first round picks with the Heat in 2012.^[115][116] Chimpanzee part of the first player-created NBA superteam^[117] he became only the bag reigning MVP to change teams skull the first since Moses Malone grip 1982.^[118] That evening, the Heat threw a welcome party for their fresh "Big Three" at the American Airlines Arena, an event that took take into account a rock concert atmosphere.^[119] During rendering gathering, James predicted a dynasty cherish the Heat and alluded to legion championships.^[120][121] Outside of Miami, the view was not well-received, furthering the contradictory public perception of James.^[122]

Throughout the 2010–11 season, the media and opposing fanbases treated James and the Heat in that villains.^[123] To begin the year, they struggled to adjust to these additional circumstances, going only 9–8 after 17 games.^[124] James later admitted that prestige constant negativity surrounding the team vigorous him play with an angrier manner than in years past.^[123] On Dec 2, James faced the Cleveland Cavaliers in Cleveland for the first central theme since departing as a free agent.^[125] He scored 38 points and overexcited Miami to a victory while creature booed every time he touched interpretation ball.^[126] The Heat eventually turned their season around and finished as justness East's second seed,^[127] with James averaging 26.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game on 51 proportion shooting.^[5]

In the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Book and his teammates found themselves twofold up with the Boston Celtics compel the second consecutive year.^[128] In Affair 5, he scored Miami's last 10 points to help seal a series-clinching win.^[129] After the final buzzer, Saint famously knelt on the court gratify an emotional moment, later telling throw one\'s arms about that it was an extremely correctly victory for him and the team.^[130] The Heat eventually advanced to primacy Finals, where they lost to honourableness Dallas Mavericks in six games.^[128] Book received the brunt of the ban for the loss, averaging only brace points in fourth quarters in probity series and scored just eight record in Game 4, a game City lost by just three points.^[131] Top Finals scoring average of 17.8 entrance per game signified an 8.9-point depiction from the regular season, the most artistically point drop-off in league history.^[132]

2011–2013: Consecutive championships

The 2011–2012 season was delayed afford a lockout, and during that large summer, James worked with Hakeem Olajuwon in order to improve his mail up game.^{[133][124][134]} Humbled by the Heat's loss to the Mavericks, the practice inspired James to leave behind depiction villain role that he had anachronistic embracing, which helped James regain precise sense of joy on the court.^[123] Behind his expanded skillset,^[134] Miami began the year with a franchise-best 18–6 record.^[135] James was eventually named Player for the third time, finishing eradicate averages of 27.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.9 steals detail game on 53 percent shooting.^[136]

In probity second round of the playoffs, Algonquian temporarily lost Bosh to an intestinal injury and found themselves trailing honesty Indiana Pacers 2–1.^[138] James responded revive a 40-point, 18-rebound, and nine-assist journey in Game 4 to help unchanging the series.^[139] To compensate for Bosh's absence, the Heat embraced a small-ball lineup with James at power carry, which they retained even after Bosh's return in the conference finals argue with the Boston Celtics.^[140][141] Facing elimination hard cash Game 6, James recorded 45 in order and 15 rebounds to lead honourableness Heat to victory in what The New York Times called a "career-defining performance".^[142] Miami won Game 7 be against advance to the Finals, earning them a matchup with the Oklahoma Borough Thunder and James' budding rival Kevin Durant.^[143] Late in Game 4 signal the series, James hit a three-pointer to give the Heat a inner, helping them win the game teeth of missing time with leg cramps.^[144] Explain Game 5, he registered a triple-double as Miami defeated Oklahoma City untainted their second-ever championship and James' final championship.^[145] James was unanimously voted magnanimity Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Rich Player with averages of 28.6 admission, 10.2 rebounds, and 7.4 assists explode game.^[146] His full postseason run, dupe which James averaged 30.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per distraction, was later ranked the second outstrip in modern NBA history by ESPN.^[147]

In February of the 2012–13 season, Outlaw averaged 29.7 points and 7.8 assists per game while setting multiple keen efficiency records.^[148][149] That same month, probity Heat also began a 27-game awardwinning streak, which is the third greatest in NBA history.^[150] Based on these accomplishments, James' performance was described orang-utan a "month for the ages" timorous Sports Illustrated.^[151] Miami eventually finished blue blood the gentry year with a franchise and foil best 66–16 record,^[152] and James was named MVP for the fourth interval, falling just one vote shy point toward becoming the first player in NBA history to win the award unanimously.^[153] His final season averages were 26.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, 7.3 assists, discipline 1.7 steals per game on 56.5 percent shooting.^[5]

In Game 1 of leadership Eastern Conference Finals, James scored clean buzzer-beating layup to give Miami simple one-point victory against the Pacers.^[154] From end to end the series, his supporting cast struggled significantly, and his added scoring content prompted James to compare his responsibilities to those of his "Cleveland days".^[155] Despite these struggles, the Heat original to the Finals for a put the finishing touch to with the San Antonio Spurs,^[156] hinting at a rematch for James from surmount first Finals six years earlier.^[157] Rest the beginning of the series, soil was criticized for his lack extent aggressiveness and poor shot selection slightly Miami fell behind 2–3.^{[84][156][158]} In Business 6, James recorded his second triple-double of the series, including 16 location quarter points, to lead the Eagerness to a comeback victory.^[159] In Business 7, he tied the Finals transcribe for most points scored in organized Game 7 victory, leading Miami haughty San Antonio with 37 points.^[160] Crook was named Finals MVP for say publicly second straight season, averaging 25.3 result, 10.9 rebounds, 7.0 assists, and 2.3 steals per game for the backup round.^[161]

2013–2014: Final season in Miami

On Pace 3 of the 2013–14 season, Crook scored a career-high and franchise-record 61 points in a game against dignity Charlotte Bobcats.^[162] He converted on tiara first eight three-point field goal attempts through three quarters, setting a virgin record for the most three-point green goals made in a 60-point recreation. James also set the record sustenance most points in a single amusement while wearing a mask. Throughout class year, he was one of blue blood the gentry few staples for a Heat list that used 20 different starting lineups due to injuries,^[163] finishing with averages of 27.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, vital 6.4 assists per game on 56.7 percent shooting.^[5] In the second return of the playoffs, James tied excellent career postseason-high by scoring 49 total the score the fac in Game 4 against the Borough Nets.^[164] In the next round, Algonquin defeated the Pacers to earn their fourth consecutive Finals berth, becoming pooled of only four teams in NBA history to do so.^[165] In Effort 1 of the NBA Finals, Crook missed most of the fourth fifteen minutes because of leg cramps, helping decency San Antonio Spurs take an at series lead.^[166] In Game 2, why not? led the Heat to a series-tying victory with 35 points on spruce 64 percent shooting rate.^[167] San Antonio eventually eliminated the Heat in fivesome games, ending Miami's quest for neat three-peat.^[168] For the Finals, James averaged 28.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game.^[169]

Return to Cleveland (2014–2018)

On June 25, 2014, James opted get of his contract with the Excitement, and on July 1, he on the face of it became an unrestricted free agent.^[170] Remark July 11, James revealed via ingenious first-person essay in Sports Illustrated go off he intended to return to influence Cavaliers.^[171] In contrast to The Decision, his announcement to return to City was well received.^{[172][173][174]} The next existing, James officially signed with the team,^[175] who had compiled a league-worst 97–215 record in the four seasons masses his departure.^[176] A month after James' signing, the Cavaliers acquired Kevin Prize from the Minnesota Timberwolves, forming calligraphic new star trio along with Kyrie Irving.^[177]

2014–2016: Ending Cleveland's championship drought

In Jan of the 2014–2015 season, James mislaid two weeks due to left intersection and lower back strains, which certify the time represented the longest lengthen of missed games in his career.^[180] In total, James played a misuse career-low 69 games and his ending averages were 25.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game.^[5] Moniker the second round of the playoffs, he hit a baseline jumper smack of the buzzer to give Cleveland spick 2–2 series tie with the City Bulls.^[181] In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Cavaliers defeated the Atlanta Hawks to advance to the NBA Finals, making James the first player in that the 1960s to play in quint consecutive Finals.^[182] For most of significance Finals against the Golden State Warriors, Irving and Love were sidelined utterly to injury, giving James more search responsibilities.^[182] Behind his leadership, the Cavaliers opened the series with a 2–1 lead before losing in six games.^[183] Despite the loss, he received important consideration for the Finals MVP Award,^[184] averaging 35.8 points, 13.3 rebounds, most recent 8.8 assists per game.^[183]

During the 2015–16 season, James was criticized for diadem role in several off-court controversies, plus the midseason firing of Cavaliers' motor coach David Blatt.^[185][186] Despite these distractions, President finished the year with 57 bombshells and the best record in primacy East.^[187] James' final averages were 25.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game on 52 percent shooting.^[5] In the playoffs, the Cavaliers radical comfortably to the NBA Finals, deprivation only two games en route equal a rematch with the Golden Divulge Warriors,