Lebron james draft biography timeline

American basketball player (born 1984)

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

LeBron Raymone James Sr. (;^[1]lə-BRON; born December 30, 1984) is an American professional basketball player read the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Sport Association (NBA). Nicknamed "King James", he is extensively regarded as one of the greatest basketball company of all time, and is frequently at blue blood the gentry center of debates regarding the sport's all-time decent, often being compared to Michael Jordan.^[a] James has won four NBA championships from 10 NBA Finals appearances, having made eight consecutive appearances between 2011 and 2018.^[2] He also won the inaugural NBA Cup in 2023 with the Lakers, three Athletics gold medals as a member of the U.S. national team, and the Olympics MVP in dignity 2024 Summer Olympics.

In addition to being rendering NBA's all-time leading scorer and ranking fourth minute NBA career assists and eighth in NBA vocation steals, James holds several individual honors: four NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards, four NBA Finals MVP Awards, the NBA Rookie of the Yr Award, three NBA All-Star Game MVP Awards, crucial the inaugural NBA Cup MVP award. He has been named an NBA All-Star a record 20 times, selected to the All-NBA Team a under wraps 20 times (including a record 13 First Cast selections)^[3][4] and the All-Defensive Team six times (including five First Team selections), and was a runner-up for the NBA Defensive Player of the Assemblage Award twice in his career.^[5][6] The oldest bolshie player in the NBA, he is tied glossed Vince Carter for the record for the domineering seasons played in NBA history, with 22, post holds the record for the most minutes bogus in NBA history. ^[7]

James grew up playing sport for St. Vincent–St. Mary High School in emperor hometown of Akron, Ohio. He was heavily touted by the national media as a future NBA superstar for his all-around scoring, passing, athleticism allow playmaking abilities.^[8] A prep-to-pro, James was selected emergency the Cleveland Cavaliers with the first overall contest of the 2003 NBA draft. Named the 2004 NBA Rookie of the Year,^[9] he soon accepted himself as one of the league's premier drive out, leading the Cavaliers to their first NBA Finals appearance in 2007 and winning the NBA Player award in 2009 and 2010.^[5] James left contact 2010 as a free agent to join prestige Miami Heat;^[10] this was announced in a national televised special titled The Decision and is in the midst the most controversial free agency moves in exercises history.

James won his first two NBA championships while playing for the Heat in 2012 skull 2013; in both of these years, he besides earned the league's MVP and Finals MVP commendation. After his fourth season with the Heat hamper 2014, James opted out of his contract stall returned to the Cavaliers. In 2016, he to one side the Cavaliers to victory over the Golden On the trot Warriors in the Finals by coming back pass up a 3–1 deficit, delivering the team's first backing, ending the Cleveland sports curse, and winning top third Finals MVP.^[11] In 2018, James exercised coronet contract option to leave the Cavaliers and initialled with the Lakers, where he won the 2020 NBA championship and his fourth Finals MVP.^[12] Discern February 7, 2023, James surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar know become the leading scorer in league history, pivotal the following year, he became part of grandeur first father-son teammate duo in NBA history, engagement alongside his son Bronny with the Lakers.

Off the court, James has earned further wealth advocate fame from numerous endorsement contracts. He is goodness first player in NBA history to accumulate $1 billion in earnings as an active player.^[13] James has been featured in books, documentaries (including winning link Sports Emmy Awards as an executive producer), pointer television commercials. He was among Time's 100 height influential people in the world in 2005, 2013, 2017, and 2019 – the most selections connote a professional athlete. James has won 20 Discern Awards, hosted Saturday Night Live, and starred name the sports film Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021). He has been a part-owner of City F.C. since 2011 and leads the LeBron Saint Family Foundation, which has opened an elementary secondary, housing complex, retail plaza, and medical center fake Akron, Ohio.^[14][15]

Early life

James was born on December 30, 1984, in Akron, Ohio, to Gloria Marie Outlaw, who was only 16 at the time grounding his birth.^[16]: 22 His father, Anthony McClelland, has emblematic extensive criminal record and was not involved current his life.^[17][18][19] When James was growing up, continuance was often a struggle for the family, importance they moved from apartment to apartment in rendering seedier neighborhoods of Akron while Gloria struggled meet find steady work.^[20] Realizing that her son would be better off in a more stable descendants environment, Gloria allowed him to move in stay the family of Frank Walker, a local prepubescence football coach who introduced James to basketball like that which he was nine years old.^[16]: 23

James began playing uninhibited basketball in the fifth grade.^[21] He later hurt Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball for the Ne Ohio Shooting Stars.^[20] The team enjoyed success print a local and national level, led by Crook and his friends Sian Cotton, Dru Joyce Threesome, and Willie McGee.^[16]: 24 The group dubbed themselves honourableness "Fab Four" and promised each other that they would attend high school together.^[16]: 27 In a incorporate that stirred local controversy, they chose to tend St. Vincent–St. Mary High School, a private Comprehensive school with predominantly white students.^[22]

High school

Basketball

As a 6-foot-2-inch (1.88 m) tall freshman, James averaged 18 points soar 6.2 rebounds per game for the St. Vincent–St. Mary varsity basketball team.^[23] The Fighting Irish went 27–0 en route to the Division III set down title, making them the only boys high educational institution team in Ohio to finish the season undefeated.^[24] As a sophomore, James averaged 25.3 points famous 7.4 rebounds, along with 5.5 assists and 3.7 steals per game.^[25] For some home games on the season, St. Vincent–St. Mary played at loftiness University of Akron's 5,492-seat Rhodes Arena to load ticket demand from alumni, fans, as well in that college and NBA scouts who wanted to eclipse James play.^[26] The Fighting Irish finished the edible 26–1 and repeated as state champions.^[23] For circlet outstanding play, James was named Ohio Mr. Hoops and selected to the USA Today All-USA Foremost Team, becoming the first sophomore to do either.^[23]

In 2001, during the summer before his junior period, James was the subject of a feature entity in Slam magazine in which writer Ryan Golfer lauded the 16-year-old James, who had grown bump into 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m), as "[possibly] the best elevated school basketball player in America right now".^[27] Close to the season, James also appeared on the incorporate of Sports Illustrated, becoming the first high grammar basketball underclassman to do so.^[16]: 104 With averages grounding 28 points, 8.9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals per game, he was again named River Mr. Basketball and selected to the USA Today All-USA First Team,^[23] and became the first subordinate to be named male basketball Gatorade National Entertainer of the Year.^[16]: 117 St. Vincent–St. Mary finished decency year with a 23–4 record, ending their course with a loss in the Division II backup game.^[16]: 114 Following the loss, James unsuccessfully petitioned realize a change to the NBA's draft eligibility list in an attempt to enter the 2002 NBA draft.^[28][29] During this time, he used marijuana, which he said was to help cope with primacy stress that resulted from the constant media motivation he was receiving.^[30]

Throughout his senior year, James become peaceful the Fighting Irish traveled across the country correspond with play several nationally ranked teams, including a business on December 12, 2002, against Oak Hill Faculty that was nationally televised on ESPN2.^[16]: 142Time Warner Strand, looking to capitalize on James's popularity, offered Trial. Vincent–St. Mary's games to Ohio-based subscribers for $7.95 per game on a pay-per-view basis throughout glory season, but ended up not being profitable.^{[16]: 143 [31]} Transfer the year, James averaged 30.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 2.9 steals per game,^[23] was named Ohio Mr. Basketball and selected to excellence USA Today All-USA First Team for an unparalleled third consecutive year,^[16]: 178 and was named Gatorade Not public Player of the Year for the second conservative year.^[23] He participated in three year-end high faculty basketball all-star games—the EA SportsRoundball Classic, the River Brand Capital Classic, and the McDonald's All-American Game—losing his National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) eligibility ahead making it official that he would enter prestige 2003 NBA draft.^[32]

Also during his senior year, Criminal was the centerpiece of several controversies. For jurisdiction 18th birthday, James skirted state amateur bylaws wishy-washy accepting a Hummer H2 as a gift shun his mother, who had secured a loan protect the vehicle by utilizing James's future earning bidding as an NBA player.^[33] This prompted an exhume by the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) because its guidelines stated that no amateur possibly will accept any gift valued over $100 as shipshape and bristol fashion reward for athletic performance. James was cleared chastisement any wrongdoing because he had accepted the grandeur vehicle from a family member and not overexert an agent or any outside source.^[32] Later engross the season, James accepted two throwback jerseys valuation $845 from an urban clothing store in change for posing for pictures, officially violating OHSAA ticket and resulting in his being stripped of wreath high school sports eligibility.^[32] James appealed the condemn and his penalty was eventually dropped to trim two-game suspension, allowing him to play the excess of the year. The Irish were also nominal to forfeit one of their wins, their one official loss that season.^[34] In his first operation back after the suspension, James scored a career-high 52 points.^[35] St. Vincent–St. Mary went on look after win the Division II championship, marking their gear division title in four years.^[36]

As an underclassman, Outlaw played wide receiver for St. Vincent–St. Mary's sport team.^[16]: 51 He was recruited by some Division Uproarious programs, including Notre Dame.^[37] At the end exert a pull on his second year, James was named first gang all-state, and as a junior, he helped shrink the Fighting Irish to the state semifinals.^[25] Saint did not play during his senior year owing to of a wrist injury that he sustained hoax an AAU basketball game.^[38] Some sports analysts, battlefield critics, high school coaches, as well as erstwhile and current professional players have speculated that Felon could have played in the National Football Coalition (NFL).^[b]

Professional career

Cleveland Cavaliers (2003–2010)

2003–2004: Rookie of the Year

James was selected by his hometown team, the City Cavaliers, as the first overall pick of say publicly 2003 NBA draft.^[43] In his first regular spell 1 game, James scored 25 points in a 106–92 loss to the Sacramento Kings, setting an NBA record for the most points scored by unadorned prep-to-pro player in his debut performance.^[44] At greatness conclusion of the 2003–2004 season, James became loftiness first Cavalier to receive the NBA Rookie cut into the Year Award.^[9] With final averages of 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game,^[45] he also became the third player in association history to average at least 20 points, cinque rebounds, and five assists per game as top-hole rookie.^[46] Cleveland ultimately finished the season 35–47, dedicated to make the playoffs despite an 18-game rim over the previous year.^[47]

2004–2008: Rise to superstardom

In description 2004–2005 season, James earned his first NBA All-Star Game selection, contributing 13 points, 8 rebounds, significant 6 assists in a winning effort for rendering Eastern Conference.^[48] Around the league, teams took period of his rapid development, and Denver Nuggets guru George Karl told Sports Illustrated: "It's weird unadulterated about a 20-year-old kid being a great artiste, but he is a great player ... He's the exception to almost every rule."^[49] On Stride 20, James scored 56 points against the Toronto Raptors, setting Cleveland's new single-game points record.^[50] Surrender final averages of 27.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 2.2 steals per game, he was named to his first All-NBA Team.^[25] Despite precise 30–20 record to start the year,^[50] the Cavaliers again failed to make the playoffs, finishing nobleness season 42–40.^[51]

At the 2006 All-Star Game, James quieten the East to victory with 29 points station was named the NBA All-Star Game Most Precious Player.^[52] Behind final season averages of 31.4 figures, 7.0 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game,^[5] explicit also finished second in overall NBA Most Leading Player Award voting to Steve Nash.^[53] Under James' leadership, the Cavaliers qualified for the playoffs confirm the first time since 1998.^[54] In his postseason debut, James recorded a triple-double in a attractive effort over the Washington Wizards.^[55] In Game 3 of the series, he made the first game-winning shot of his career, and made another hem in Game 5.^[56] Cleveland would go on to best the Wizards before being ousted by the City Pistons in the second round.^[57]

In the 2006–2007 opportunity ripe, James finished the regular season averaging 27.3 record, 6.7 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 1.6 steals give proof game.^[25] With a starting five featuring James, Larry Hughes, Drew Gooden, Aleksandar Pavlović, and Zydrunas Ilgauskas, the Cavaliers finished the season with 50 golds star for the second consecutive year and entered high-mindedness playoffs as the #2-seed in the Eastern Conference.^[60] In the first two rounds of the playoffs, LeBron led the team to wins over honourableness Washington Wizards and New Jersey Nets. The Cavaliers then faced the Detroit Pistons in the Adjust Conference Finals. In Game 5 of the Acclimate Conference Finals, he logged 48 points with figure rebounds and seven assists. His performance is deemed one of the greatest playoff performances of be at war with time as he scored 29 of Cleveland's given name 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.^[61] Astern the game, play-by-play announcer Marv Albert called distinction performance "one of the greatest moments in postseason history" and color commentator Steve Kerr described criterion as "Jordan-esque".^[62] In 2012, ESPN ranked the highest achievement the fourth greatest in modern NBA playoff history.^[63] The Cavaliers went on to win Game 6 and claim their first-ever Eastern Conference championship, request them a matchup with the San Antonio Spurs in the Finals.^[64] The Spurs at the put on ice were coached by Gregg Popovich and featured a-ok prime Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginóbili, unacceptable Bruce Bowen. With no other significant scoring threats, the Spurs built its defense around stopping Crook from getting into the paint. As James blunt not have a reliable jump shot yet blurry another offensive weapon on his team, he struggled against the Spurs' zone defense.^[65] He averaged 22 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per business on just 35.6 percent shooting,^[66] as Cleveland was eliminated in a four-game sweep.^[67]

In February of say publicly 2007–2008 season, James was named All-Star Game Player for the second time behind a 27-point, eight-rebound, and nine-assist performance.^[68] On March 21, he acted upon past Brad Daugherty as the Cavaliers' all-time respected scorer in a game against the Toronto Raptors, doing so in over 100 fewer games best Daugherty.^[69] James' 30 points per game were along with the highest in the league, marking his chief scoring title.^[70] Despite his individual accomplishments, Cleveland's put on video fell from the year before to 45–37.^[71] Stone fourth in the East entering the playoffs, grandeur Cavaliers defeated the Wizards in the first preserve for the third consecutive season before being debarred in seven games by the eventual-champion Boston Celtics in the next round.^[72] During the decisive one-seventh game in Boston, James scored 45 points playing field Paul Pierce scored 41 in a game justness Associated Press described as a "shootout".^[73]

2008–2010: MVP seasons

At the end of the 2008–2009 season, James over second in NBA Defensive Player of the Vintage Award voting and made his first NBA All-Defensive Team,^[74] posting 23 chase-down blocks and a career-high 93 total blocks.^[75] James also became only distinction fourth postmerger player to lead his team shut in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks in fastidious single season.^[76] Behind his play and the feat of All-Star guard Mo Williams, Cleveland went trig franchise record 66–16 and fell just one amusement short of matching the best home record coerce league history.^[77] With final averages of 28.4 outcome, 7.6 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game, James became the first Knight to win the MVP Award.^[78] Reflecting on James' performance for ESPN, John Hollinger later wrote: "He's having what is arguably the greatest individual ready in history, and it's time we gave him his due for it."^[79]

In the playoffs, Cleveland quietness the Detroit Pistons and the Atlanta Hawks expect earn a matchup with the Orlando Magic enclosure the Eastern Conference Finals.^[80] In Game 1 reminiscent of the series, James scored 49 points on 66 percent shooting in a losing effort for position Cavaliers.^[63] In Game 2, he hit a game-winner to tie the series at 1–1.^[81] Cleveland would lose the series in six games, and next the loss in Game 6, James immediately not done the floor without shaking hands with his opponents, which was an act that many media men and women viewed as unsportsmanlike.^[82][83] For the series, James averaged 38.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 8.0 assists go mad game,^[84] finishing the postseason with a career playoff-high 35.3 points per game.^[5]

In February of the 2009–10 season, James was forced into a temporary ration guard role following a series of injuries come to get players in the Cavaliers' backcourt.^[85] Behind his hold, Cleveland lost no momentum, finishing the year recognize the best record in the league for description second consecutive 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 pct shooting en route to another MVP Award.^[87] Maneuver open the playoffs, Cleveland advanced past the Port Bulls to earn a matchup with the Beantown Celtics in the second round.^[88] James was clumsily criticized for not playing well in Game 5 of the series, shooting only 20 percent favouritism 14 shots and scoring 15 points.^[89] The body suffered its worst loss in franchise history, final at the conclusion of the game, James walked off the court to a smattering of boos from Cleveland's home crowd.^[90] The Cavaliers were professedly eliminated from the postseason in Game 6, tighten James posting 27 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists in the losing effort.^[88]

Miami Heat (2010–2014)

The Decision

Main article: The Decision (TV program)

James became an ad nauseam free agent at 12:01 a.m. EDT on July 1, 2010.^[92] During this time, he was contacted from one side to the ot several teams, including the Bulls, Los Angeles Shears, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, New Jersey Nets, and Cavaliers.^[93] On July 8, James announced memorize a live ESPN special titled The Decision ensure he would sign with the Heat.^[94] The broadcast was broadcast from the Boys & Girls Truncheon of Greenwich, Connecticut and raised $2.5 million for prestige charity. An additional $3.5 million was raised from press revenue, which was donated to other charities.^[95] Say publicly day before the special, fellow free agents Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade also announced that they would sign with Miami;^[96] reports later arose cruise back in 2006 the trio had discussed in the middle of themselves their upcoming 2010 free agencies.^[97] James pronounced to join with Bosh and Wade in range so that he could shoulder less of honourableness offensive load; James thought that his improved teammates would give him a better chance of prepossessing an NBA championship than had he stayed perceive Cleveland.^[98] Heat president Pat Riley played a important role in selling James on the idea fall foul of playing with Bosh and Wade.^[99] James would keep going relieved of the burden of scoring, and bankruptcy thought he could be the first player owing to Oscar Robertson to average a triple-double in clever season.^[98]

Upon leaving the Cavaliers, James drew intense condemnation from sports analysts, executives, fans, and current endure former players. The Decision itself was also scrutinized and viewed as unnecessary. Many thought that magnanimity prolonged wait for James' choice was unprofessional primate not even the teams courting him were be conscious of of his decision until moments before the show.^[100] Upon learning that James would not be frequent to Cleveland, Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert published create open letter to fans in which he passionate denounced James' actions.^[101] Some angry fans of righteousness team recorded videos of themselves burning his jersey.^[102] Former NBA players, including Michael Jordan and Occultism Johnson, were also critical of James, condemning him for forming a superteam with Bosh and Paddle in Miami and not trying to win neat as a pin championship in Cleveland, though Jordan did acknowledge renounce the options players had at the time were much more expansive than those he and bareness had in the 1980s and 1990s.^{[103][104][105]} Some take in one\'s arms did defend James' decision to join the Algonquin Heat by noting the Cavaliers' inability to make a strong supporting cast around him. They argued that other NBA greats had benefitted from brilliant teammates: Magic Johnson had Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Outlaw Worthy, Larry Bird had Kevin McHale (basketball) point of view Robert Parish on the Celtics, and Michael River had Scottie Pippen with the Bulls.^[106] James actor further criticism in a September interview with CNN when he claimed that race might have anachronistic a factor in the fallout from The Decision.^[107][108] As a result of his actions during illustriousness 2010 free agency period, James quickly gained ingenious reputation as one of America's most disliked athletes, which marked a radical change from prior years.^[109][110] The phrase "taking my talents to South Beach" became a punch line for critics.^[111][112] In hindsight, James has expressed some regret over his management of The Decision.^{[110][113][114]}

2010–2011: Year of media and enthusiast scrutiny

James officially signed a 6-year, $110 million transmit with the Heat on July 10, 2010, chomp through a sign-and-trade deal which sent two second- current two first-round draft picks to the Cavaliers station gave the team the option to swap good cheer round picks with the Heat in 2012.^[115][116] Laugh part of the first player-created NBA superteam^[117] fair enough became only the third reigning MVP to small house teams and the first since Moses Malone require 1982.^[118] That evening, the Heat threw a enjoyable party for their new "Big Three" at illustriousness American Airlines Arena, an event that took delimit a rock concert atmosphere.^[119] During the gathering, Apostle predicted a dynasty for the Heat and alluded to multiple championships.^[120][121] Outside of Miami, the outlook was not well-received, furthering the negative public comprehension of James.^[122]

Throughout the 2010–11 season, the media lecturer opposing fanbases treated James and the Heat brand villains.^[123] To begin the year, they struggled contract adjust to these new circumstances, going only 9–8 after 17 games.^[124] James later admitted that leadership constant negativity surrounding the team made him perform with an angrier demeanor than in years past.^[123] On December 2, James faced the Cleveland Cavaliers in Cleveland for the first time since withdrawing approachabl as a free agent.^[125] He scored 38 admission and led Miami to a victory while train booed every time he touched the ball.^[126] Picture Heat eventually turned their season around and over as the East's second seed,^[127] with James averaging 26.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.0 assists fortified game on 51 percent shooting.^[5]

In the Eastern Congress Semifinals, James and his teammates found themselves matching up with the Boston Celtics for the shortly consecutive year.^[128] In Game 5, he scored Miami's last 10 points to help seal a series-clinching win.^[129] After the final buzzer, James famously knelt on the court in an emotional moment, late telling reporters that it was an extremely characteristic victory for him and the team.^[130] The Enthusiasm eventually advanced to the Finals, where they missing to the Dallas Mavericks in six games.^[128] Saint received the brunt of the criticism for glory loss, averaging only three points in fourth dell in the series and scored just eight doorway in Game 4, a game Miami lost surpass just three points.^[131] His Finals scoring average hint 17.8 points per game signified an 8.9-point fly from the regular season, the largest point discharge in league history.^[132]

2011–2013: Back-to-back championships

The 2011–2012 season was delayed by a lockout, and during that spread out summer, James worked with Hakeem Olajuwon in groom to improve his post up game.^{[133][124][134]} Humbled by means of the Heat's loss to the Mavericks, the participation inspired James to leave behind the villain acquit yourself that he had been embracing, which helped Crook regain a sense of joy on the court.^[123] Behind his expanded skillset,^[134] Miami began the best with a franchise-best 18–6 record.^[135] James was one of these days named MVP for the third time, finishing carry averages of 27.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.9 steals per game on 53 proportion shooting.^[136]

In the second round of the playoffs, City temporarily lost Bosh to an abdominal injury cope with found themselves trailing the Indiana Pacers 2–1.^[138] Saint responded with a 40-point, 18-rebound, and nine-assist visit in Game 4 to help even the series.^[139] To compensate for Bosh's absence, the Heat embraced a small-ball lineup with James at power exceed, which they retained even after Bosh's return household the conference finals against the Boston Celtics.^[140][141] Corresponding elimination in Game 6, James recorded 45 admission and 15 rebounds to lead the Heat assessment victory in what The New York Times hailed a "career-defining performance".^[142] Miami won Game 7 without delay advance to the Finals, earning them a coincide with the Oklahoma City Thunder and James' likely rival Kevin Durant.^[143] Late in Game 4 show consideration for the series, James hit a three-pointer to be the source of the Heat a lead, helping them win high-mindedness game despite missing time with leg cramps.^[144] Mend Game 5, he registered a triple-double as City defeated Oklahoma City for their second-ever championship take James' first championship.^[145] James was unanimously voted character Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player extra averages of 28.6 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game.^[146] His full postseason run, down which James averaged 30.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, paramount 5.6 assists per game, was later ranked ethics second best in modern NBA history by ESPN.^[147]

In February of the 2012–13 season, James averaged 29.7 points and 7.8 assists per game while ponder multiple shooting efficiency records.^[148][149] That same month, interpretation Heat also began a 27-game winning streak, which is the third longest in NBA history.^[150] Homeproduced on these accomplishments, James' performance was described importation a "month for the ages" by Sports Illustrated.^[151] Miami eventually finished the year with a poll and league best 66–16 record,^[152] and James was named MVP for the fourth time, falling reasonable one vote shy of becoming the first sportswoman in NBA history to win the award unanimously.^[153] His final season averages were 26.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 1.7 steals per distraction on 56.5 percent shooting.^[5]

In Game 1 of significance Eastern Conference Finals, James scored a buzzer-beating layup to give Miami a one-point victory against rectitude Pacers.^[154] Throughout the series, his supporting cast struggled significantly, and his added scoring load prompted Book to compare his responsibilities to those of circlet "Cleveland days".^[155] Despite these struggles, the Heat virgin to the Finals for a meeting with high-mindedness San Antonio Spurs,^[156] signifying a rematch for Book from his first Finals six years earlier.^[157] Even the beginning of the series, he was criticized for his lack of aggressiveness and poor projectile selection as Miami fell behind 2–3.^{[84][156][158]} In Endeavour 6, James recorded his second triple-double of description series, including 16 fourth quarter points, to plus the Heat to a comeback victory.^[159] In Operation 7, he tied the Finals record for governing points scored in a Game 7 victory, convincing Miami over San Antonio with 37 points.^[160] Book was named Finals MVP for the second conscientious season, averaging 25.3 points, 10.9 rebounds, 7.0 assists, and 2.3 steals per game for the promotion round.^[161]

2013–2014: Final season in Miami

On March 3 hold the 2013–14 season, James scored a career-high service franchise-record 61 points in a game against loftiness Charlotte Bobcats.^[162] He converted on his first pile three-point field goal attempts through three quarters, ponder a new record for the most three-point interest goals made in a 60-point game. James extremely set the record for most points in uncomplicated single game while wearing a mask. Throughout rectitude year, he was one of the few produce for a Heat roster that used 20 ridiculous starting lineups due to injuries,^[163] finishing with averages of 27.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game on 56.7 percent shooting.^[5] In leadership second round of the playoffs, James tied out career postseason-high by scoring 49 points in Business 4 against the Brooklyn Nets.^[164] In the uproot round, Miami defeated the Pacers to earn their fourth consecutive Finals berth, becoming one of exclusive four teams in NBA history to do so.^[165] In Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Criminal missed most of the fourth quarter because cut into leg cramps, helping the San Antonio Spurs side an early series lead.^[166] In Game 2, prohibited led the Heat to a series-tying victory pick 35 points on a 64 percent shooting rate.^[167] San Antonio eventually eliminated the Heat in quintuplet games, ending Miami's quest for a three-peat.^[168] Tutor 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 out of diadem contract with the Heat, and on July 1, he officially became an unrestricted free agent.^[170] Coerce July 11, James revealed via a first-person thesis in Sports Illustrated that he intended to reappear to the Cavaliers.^[171] In contrast to The Decision, his announcement to return to Cleveland was all right received.^{[172][173][174]} The next day, James officially signed touch the team,^[175] who had compiled a league-worst 97–215 record in the four seasons following his departure.^[176] A month after James' signing, the Cavaliers derivative Kevin Love from the Minnesota Timberwolves, forming unmixed new star trio along with Kyrie Irving.^[177]

2014–2016: Drain Cleveland's championship drought

In January of the 2014–2015 period, James missed two weeks due to left edge and lower back strains, which at the disgust represented the longest stretch of missed games slip in his career.^[180] In total, James played a redouble career-low 69 games and his final averages were 25.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 7.4 assists suitable game.^[5] In the second round of the playoffs, he hit a baseline jumper at the doorbell to give Cleveland a 2–2 series tie crash the Chicago Bulls.^[181] In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Cavaliers defeated the Atlanta Hawks to get behind to the NBA Finals, making James the chief player since the 1960s to play in fivesome consecutive Finals.^[182] For most of the Finals demolish the Golden State Warriors, Irving and Love were sidelined due to injury, giving James more robbery responsibilities.^[182] Behind his leadership, the Cavaliers opened position series with a 2–1 lead before losing boring six games.^[183] Despite the loss, he received hilarious consideration for the Finals MVP Award,^[184] averaging 35.8 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game.^[183]

During the 2015–16 season, James was criticized for top role in several off-court controversies, including the midseason firing of Cavaliers' coach David Blatt.^[185][186] Despite these distractions, Cleveland finished the year with 57 conquests and the best record in the East.^[187] James' final averages were 25.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, squeeze 6.8 assists per game on 52 percent shooting.^[5] In the playoffs, the Cavaliers advanced comfortably kind the NBA Finals, losing only two games farreaching route to a rematch with the Golden Remark Warriors,