Born and raised inAkron, Ohio, James gained national attention atSt. Vincent–St. Mary High School and was heavily touted as a future NBA superstar for his all-around scoring, passing, athleticism and playmaking abilities.[5] Aprep-to-pro, theCleveland Cavaliers selected James with thefirst overall pick of the2003 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 in2007 and winning thescoring title in 2008. After winning back-to-backMVPs in 2009 and 2010, he joined theMiami Heat as afree agent in 2010, a controversial move announced in the television specialThe Decision.[6]
With the Heat, James won his first two NBA championships in2012 and2013, 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 in2016, ending theCleveland sports curse. He signed with the Lakers in 2018, winning another title in2020 and becoming the first player to win Finals MVP with three different teams. In 2023, he surpassedKareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA's all-time leading scorer, and in 2024, he and his sonBronny became the first father-son teammates in league history. In 2025, James was inducted into theNaismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a member of the2008 U.S. Olympic team (also known as the "Redeem Team"). He andChris Paul became the first NBA players inducted into the Hall of Fame while still active.[7]
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.[8] James has been featured in books, documentaries (including winning threeSports Emmy Awards as an executive producer), and television commercials. He was amongTime's100 most influential people in the world in 2005, 2013, 2017, and 2019 — the most selections for a professional athlete. James has won 20ESPY Awards, hostedSaturday Night Live, and starred in the sports filmSpace Jam: A New Legacy (2021). He has been a part-owner ofLiverpool F.C. since 2011 and leads the LeBron James Family Foundation, which has opened anelementary school, a housing complex, a retail plaza, and a medical center in Akron.[9][10]
Early life
LeBron Raymone James was born on December 30, 1984,[a] atCleveland Clinic Akron General[b] inAkron, Ohio,[12] to 16-year-old Gloria Marie James.[13]: 22 His father, Anthony McClelland, has an extensive criminal record that includes arson and theft, and was not involved in James' life.[c] 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.[18] 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.[13]: 23
James began playing organized basketball in the fifth grade.[19] He later playedAmateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball for the Northeast Ohio Shooting Stars.[18] The team enjoyed success on a local and national level, led by James and his friends Sian Cotton,Dru Joyce III, and Willie McGee.[13]: 24 The group dubbed themselves the "Fab Four" and promised each other that they would attend high school together.[13]: 27 In a move that stirred local controversy, they chose to attendSt. Vincent–St. Mary High School, a privateCatholic school with predominantly white students.[20]
High school
Basketball
James playing for the St. Vincent–St. Mary Fighting Irish on January 20, 2003
As a 6-foot-2-inch (1.88 m) tall freshman, James averaged 18points and 6rebounds per game for the St. Vincent–St. Maryvarsity basketball team.[21] The team, known as The Fighting Irish, went27–0 en route to the Division III state title, making them the only boys high school team in Ohio to finish the season undefeated.[22] As a sophomore, James averaged 25.2 points and 7.2 rebounds, along with 5.8assists and 3.8steals per game.[21] For some home games during the season,St. Vincent–St. Mary played at theUniversity of Akron's 5,492-seat Rhodes Arena to satisfy ticket demand from alumni and fans, as well as college and NBA scouts who wanted to see James play.[23] The Fighting Irish finished the season 26–1 and repeated as state champions.[21] For his outstanding play, James was namedOhio Mr. Basketball and selected to theUSA Today All-USA First Team, becoming the first sophomore to achieve either.[21]
In 2001, during the summer before his junior year, James was the subject of a feature article inSlam magazine. Writer Ryan Jones lauded the 16-year-old James, who had grown to 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m), as "[possibly] the best high school basketball player in America right now".[24] During the season, James also appeared on the cover ofSports Illustrated, becoming the first high school basketball underclassman to do so.[13]: 104 With averages of 29 points, 8.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 3.3 steals per game, he was again named Ohio Mr. Basketball and selected to theUSA Today All-USA First Team,[21] and became the first junior to be named male basketballGatorade National Player of the Year.[13]: 117 St. Vincent–St. Mary finished the year with a 23–4 record, ending their season with a loss in the Division II championship game.[13]: 114 Following the loss, James unsuccessfully petitioned for a change to the NBA's draft eligibility rules in an attempt to enter the2002 NBA draft.[25][26] During this time, he usedmarijuana, which he said was to help cope with the stress that resulted from the constant media attention he was receiving.[27]
During his senior year, James and the Fighting Irish played against several nationally ranked teams, includingOak Hill Academy on December 12, 2002. The game was nationally televised onESPN2.[13]: 142 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 apay-per-view basis throughout the season, but this ended up not being profitable.[13]: 143 [28] For the year, James averaged 31.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 3.4 steals per game,[21] was named Ohio Mr. Basketball and selected to theUSA Today All-USA First Team for an unprecedented third consecutive year,[13]: 178 and was named Gatorade National Player of the Year for the second consecutive year.[21] He participated in three year-end high school basketball all-star games—theEA SportsRoundball Classic, theJordan Brand Capital Classic, and theMcDonald's All-American Game—losing hisNational Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) eligibility and making it official that he would enter the2003 NBA draft.[29]
James was at the center of several controversies during his senior year. For his 18th birthday, James skirted state amateur bylaws by accepting aHummer 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.[30] This prompted an investigation by theOhio 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 vehicle from a family member and not from an agent or any outside source.[29] Later in the season, James accepted two throwback jerseys worth $845 from an urban clothing store in exchange for posing for pictures, violating OHSAA rules and resulting in his being stripped of his high school sports eligibility.[29] 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.[31] In his first game back after the suspension, James scored a career-high 52 points.[32] St. Vincent–St. Mary won the Division II championship, marking their third division title in four years.[33]
Football
As an underclassman, James playedwide receiver for St. Vincent–St. Mary's football team.[13]: 51 He was recruited by someDivision I programs, includingNotre Dame.[34] 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.[35] James did not play during his senior year because of a wrist injury that he sustained in an AAU basketball game.[36] Some sports analysts, football critics, high school coaches, as well as former and current professional players have speculated that James could have played in theNational Football League (NFL).[d]
Professional career
Cleveland Cavaliers (2003–2010)
2003–2004: Rookie of the Year
TheCleveland Cavaliers selected James as the first overall pick of the2003 NBA draft.[41] James chose jersey number 23 in honor ofMichael Jordan.[42] In his first regular season game, James scored 25 points in a 106–92 loss to theSacramento Kings, setting an NBA record for the most points scored by aprep-to-pro player in his debut performance.[43] At the conclusion ofthe 2003–04 season, James became the first Cavalier to receive theNBA Rookie of the Year Award.[44] and only the third player in league history to average at least 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists per game as a rookie.[45]
2004–2008: Rise to superstardom
In the2004–05 season, James earned his firstNBA All-Star Game selection, contributing 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists in a winning effort for theEastern Conference.[46] Teams took note of his rapid development, andDenver Nuggets coachGeorge Karl toldSports 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."[47] On March 20, James scored 56 points against theToronto Raptors, setting Cleveland's new single-game points record.[48] At the end of the season, James was named to his firstAll-NBA Team.[35][48] The Cavaliers again failed to make the playoffs, finishing the season 42–40.[49] During the 2006 offseason, James signed a three-year, $60 million contract extension with the Cavaliers, with the option for a fourth year.[50]
James engages in a pre-game ritual of tossing crushed chalk into the air in March 2008.[57][58]
The Cavaliers finished the2006–07 season with 50 wins and enteredthe playoffs as the second seed in the Eastern Conference.[59] In the first two rounds, James led the team to wins over the Washington Wizards andNew Jersey Nets, earning them a matchup with theDetroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference finals. In Game 5, James logged 48 points with nine rebounds and seven assists in a 109–107 double-overtime win. He scored the last 25 points for the Cavaliers, and performed a game-winninglayup with 2.2 seconds left.[60] In 2012,ESPN ranked James' performance as the fourth greatest in modern NBA playoff history.[61] The Cavaliers won the series in six games, granting them their firstNBA Finals appearance, which pitted them against theSan Antonio Spurs.[62][63] The Spurs defeated the Cavaliers in a four-gamesweep.[64]
On December 11, 2007, James came off the bench for the first time in his career.[e] He chose to enter the game at the same time as his teammateAnderson Varejão—who had been involved in a pay dispute with Cavaliers management—to prevent fans from booing Varejão.[65] In February of the2007–08 season, James was named All-Star Game MVP for the second time after a 27-point, eight-rebound, and nine-assist performance.[66] On March 21, he surpassedBrad Daugherty as the Cavaliers' all-time leading scorer.[67] James' 30 points per game were the highest in the league, marking his first scoring title.[68][69] Seeded fourth in the East enteringthe playoffs, the Cavaliers defeated the Wizards, before being eliminated by theBoston Celtics in the next round.[70][71]
Inthe 2009 playoffs, Cleveland swept theDetroit Pistons and theAtlanta Hawks to earn a matchup with theOrlando Magic in the Eastern Conference Finals.[78] The Cavaliers lost Game 1, despite James scoring 49 points on 66 percent shooting.[61] In Game 2, James hit a game-winner to tie the series 1–1.[79] Cleveland lost the series in six games; following the loss, James left the court without shaking hands with his opponents, which was viewed asunsportsmanlike by some.[80][81][82] James averaged 35.3 points per game during the playoffs.[83]
In February of the2009–10 season, James was forced into a temporarypoint guard role following injuries to players in the Cavaliers' backcourt.[84] With James' leadership, Cleveland finished the year with the best record in the league.[85] Despite only playing 39 minutes per game, James received his second NBA MVP Award.[86] To openthe playoffs, Cleveland advanced past theChicago Bulls to earn a matchup with theBoston Celtics in the second round.[87] James was criticized for not playing well in Game 5, shooting only 20 percent on 14 shots and scoring 15 points.[88] The Cavaliers suffered their worst loss in franchise history; at the conclusion, James walked off the court to boos from Cleveland's crowd.[89] The Cavaliers were eliminated from the postseason in Game 6.[87]
James became an unrestrictedfree agent on July 1, 2010.[91] He was contacted by several teams, including the Bulls,Los Angeles Clippers,Miami Heat,New York Knicks,New Jersey Nets, and Cavaliers.[92] On July 8, James announced on a live ESPN special titledThe Decision that he would sign with the Heat.[93] The special was broadcast from theBoys & Girls Club ofGreenwich, Connecticut and raised $2.5 million for the organization. An additional $3.5 million was raised from advertising revenue, and was donated to other charities.[94] The day before the special aired, fellow free agentsChris Bosh andDwyane Wade announced they would sign with Miami.[95][96] James joined with Bosh and Wade in part so he could shoulder less of the offensive load, and he thought he would have a better chance of winning anNBA championship with the Heat.[97] Heat presidentPat Riley played a major role in convincing James to play on the team with Bosh and Wade.[98] James would be relieved of the burden of scoring, and thought he could be the first player sinceOscar Robertson to average a triple-double in a season.[97] James, Bosh and Wade were referred to as anNBA superteam.[99]
Upon leaving the Cavaliers, James drew criticism from executives, fans, and current and former players.[100]The Decision was viewed as unnecessary. Many thought 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.[101] Upon learning that James would not be returning to Cleveland, Cavaliers ownerDan Gilbert published a letter to fans in which he denounced James' actions.[102] Some angry fans of the team recorded videos of themselves burning his jersey.[103] Former NBA players, including Michael Jordan andMagic Johnson, were critical of James, condemning him for forming a superteam with Bosh and Wade in Miami and not trying to win a championship in Cleveland.[104][105][106] Some commentators defended James' decision to join Miami by noting the Cavaliers' inability to build strong support around him. They argued other NBA greats had benefitted from talented teammates.[107] James drew further criticism in an interview with CNN when he claimed race might have been a factor in the fallout fromThe Decision.[108][109] The phrase "taking my talents to South Beach" became a punch line for critics.[110][111] James later expressed regret over his handling ofThe Decision.[f]
2010–2011: Year of media and fan scrutiny
James goes in for aslam dunk as a member of the Heat in March 2011.
James signed a 6-year, $110 million contract with the Heat on July 10, 2010.[g] He changed his jersey number to 6, as the number 23 was retired in Miami forMichael Jordan.[119][120] The Heat threw a welcome party for the "Big Three" at theAmerican Airlines Arena, during which James declared that the Heat would win multiple championships.[h] Outside Miami, the spectacle was badly received, furthering negative perception of James.[124]
Throughout the2010–11 season, the media and opposing fans treated James as a villain.[125] The Heat struggled to adjust to these new circumstances, going only 9–8 after 17 games.[126] James later admitted the negativity made him play with an angrier demeanor.[125] On December 2, James faced theCavaliers in Cleveland for the first time since departing.[127] He scored 38 points and led Miami to victory while being booed every time he touched the ball.[128] The Heat turned their season around and finished as the East's second seed.[129]
In theEastern Conference Semifinals, the Heat was matched with theBoston Celtics.[130] In Game 5, James scored Miami's last 10 points to seal a series-clinching win.[131] After the buzzer, James knelt in an emotional moment, later telling reporters it was an extremely personal victory for him and the team.[132] The Heat advanced tothe Finals, where they lost to theDallas Mavericks.[133] James' Finals average of 17.8 points per game was a 9-point drop from the regular season, the largest drop-off in league history.[134][135]
2011–2013: Back-to-back championships
The2011–12 season was delayed by alockout. During that summer, James worked withHakeem Olajuwon to improve hispost up game.[i] As the start of the season approached, James set a goal for himself to leave behind the "villain role" that he had embraced, and said he was hoping to regain a sense of joy on the court.[125] Miami began the year with a franchise-best 18–6 record, and James was named MVP for the third time.[j]
In the second round ofthe playoffs, Miami lost Bosh to an abdominal injury and found themselves trailing theIndiana Pacers two games to one.[140] James responded with a 40-point, 18-rebound, and nine-assist outing in Game 4 to even the series.[141] To compensate for Bosh's absence, the Heat embraced asmall-ball lineup with James atpower forward, which they retained after Bosh's return in the conference finals against theBoston Celtics.[142][143] Facing elimination in Game 6, James recorded 45 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Heat to victory in a "career-defining performance".[144] Miami won Game 7 to advance tothe Finals, earning them a matchup with theOklahoma City Thunder.[145][146] In Game 5, James registered atriple-double as Miami defeated Oklahoma for their second-ever championship and James' first.[147] James was votedFinals MVP with averages of 28.6 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 7.4 assists.[148] His full postseason run was ranked the second best in modern NBA history.[149]
During January of the2012–13 season, James became the youngest player in NBA history to score 20,000 career points.[150] In February, he averaged 29.7 points and 7.8 assists while setting shooting efficiency records.[151][152] The Heat began a 27-game winning streak, which is thethird longest in NBA history, and James' performance was described as a "month for the ages".[153][154] Miami finished with a franchise and league best 66–16 record,[155] and James was named MVP for the fourth time, falling one vote shy of becoming the first player to win unanimously.[156]
The Heat won theEastern Conference Finals against thePacers, then faced theSpurs inthe Finals.[157] James was criticized for his lack of aggressiveness and poor shot selection, as Miami fell behind 2–3.[k] 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.[160] The Heat proceeded to win Game 7, marking their second consecutive championship.[161] James was named Finals MVP for the second straight season.[162]
2013–2014: Final season in Miami
On March 3 of the2013–14 season, James scored a career-high 61 points against theCharlotte Bobcats.[163] He also set a record for the most three-point field goals made in a 60-point game. Miami earned their fourth consecutive Finals berth, again facingSan Antonio.[l] In Game 2, James led the Heat to a series-tying victory with 35 points on a 64 percent shooting rate.[168] San Antonio defeated the Heat in five games, ending Miami's quest for three consecutive championships.[169]
Return to Cleveland (2014–2018)
In June 2014, James opted out of his contract with the Heat and became an unrestricted free agent.[170] He returned to the Cavaliers, signing a two-year, $42 million contract, and switched back to the No. 23 jersey.[m] In contrast to his departure four years earlier, his announcement to return to Cleveland was well received.[n]
James takes a shot in November 2014. During that season, James became the Cavaliers' all-time assists leader.[179][180]
In January of the2014–15 season, James missed two weeks due to knee and back strains, which was the longest stretch of missed games in his career at the time.[181] The Cavaliers advanced to theFinals against theGolden State Warriors, making James the first player since the 1960s to play in five consecutive Finals.[182][183] Cleveland took a 2–1 series lead,[184] but lost in six games.[185]
During the 2015 offseason, James declined his $21.5 millionplayer option and re-signed with Cleveland on a two-year, $47 million contract that carried a second year player option.[186] During the2015–16 season, there was speculation that James played a role in the firing of Cavaliers coachDavid Blatt.[187][188] Despite this distraction, Cleveland finished with 57 wins and the best record in the East.[189] The Cavaliers advanced to theNBA Finals, losing only two games en route to a rematch with theGolden State Warriors, who were coming off a record-setting 73-win season.[189][190]
To begin the series, Cleveland fell behind 3–1.[191] James responded by registering 41-point games in Games 5 and 6, leading the Cavaliers to consecutive wins.[192] In Game 7, he posted a triple-double and made aclutch block on Golden State'sAndre Iguodala as Cleveland claimed victory, becoming the first NBA team to come back from a 3–1 deficit in the Finals. The win also marked the city of Cleveland's first professional sports title in 52 years.[193][194] James became the third player to record a triple-double in an NBA Finals Game 7, and averaged 29.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, 8.9 assists, 2.3 blocks, and 2.6 steals during the series. He was unanimously selected as the Finals MVP.[195][196] During a White House ceremony honoring the Cavaliers for their victory, President Obama praised James' work ethic, determination, selflessness and his "insistence on always making the right play."[197]
2016–2018: End of second stint in Cleveland
James opted out of hisplayer option and re-signed with the Cavaliers on a three-year, $100 million contract, in which the final year was a player option.[198] The2016–17 season was marred by injuries and unexpected losses for the Cavaliers;[199] James described it as one of the strangest years of his career.[200][201] Cleveland 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.[83]
In Game 3 of the first round ofthe playoffs, James led Cleveland to a comeback victory against thePacers.[202] In Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals against theCeltics, James scored 35 points and surpassed Michael Jordan as the NBA's all-time postseason scoring leader. The Cavaliers advanced to theNBA Finals for the third consecutive year, again facing theWarriors.[203] In Game 4, James logged a triple-double of 31 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists, as Cleveland staved off elimination. With this performance, James passedMagic Johnson for the most NBA Finals triple-doubles in a career.[204] The Cavaliers lost the Finals in five games, despite James's double-double in game 5.[205] Averaging 33.6 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 10.0 assists in the series, James became the first player to average a triple-double in the Finals.[206]
James protects the ball fromKyrie Irving in October 2017. The two were teammates in Cleveland for three seasons.[207]
Before the2017–18 season, the Cavaliers overhauled their roster by trading Irving to theCeltics, who requested the trade in part because he no longer wanted to play with James.[207] After a slow start, Cleveland rebounded by winning 18 of 19 games.[208] In a November 3 game, James scored 57 points, the second-highest point total of his career and a franchise record.[209][210] Later in the season, James won his third All-Star Game MVP Award and set an NBA record of scoring in double digits for 867 straight games.[o]
In the Eastern Conference finals, the Cavaliers defeated the Celtics, giving James his eighth consecutive NBA Finals appearance and sending Cleveland to their fourth straightFinals against theGolden State Warriors.[214][215] In Game 1, James scored a playoff career-high 51 points in a 124–114 overtime loss.[216] Afterwards, he injured his hand punching a locker room wall, which hampered him for the remainder of the series.[217] The Cavaliers lost in the first Finals sweep since 2007.[218]
Los Angeles Lakers (2018–present)
2018–2019: Injury and playoff miss
In June 2018, James opted out of his contract with the Cavaliers and became an unrestricted free agent.[219] He signed with theLos Angeles Lakers on a four-year, $153.5 million contract.[220][221] James' agentRich 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."[222] Reactions among Cleveland fans and coaches were more positive than during James' first departure, although ESPN reported that reactions from players, coaches, executives and agents throughout the NBA were mixed.[223]
The Lakers hoped James would make them championship contenders.[224][225] The team rounded out their roster with a controversial collection of playmakers and veterans, and started the2018–19 season by recording only two wins in their first seven games.[226] In November, they began a turnaround, which included James' highest-scoring game of the season.[227][228] James suffered a groin injury after Christmas—the first major injury of his career—which caused him to miss 17 consecutive games. The Lakers fell out of playoff contention, marking the first time James missed the playoffs since 2005.[p] For the first time in twelve years, he did not make theAll-NBA First Team.[233]
2019–2020: Fourth NBA championship
During the offseason, the Lakers traded several players to thePelicans for "big man"Anthony Davis.[234] James moved to full-time point guard, and the Lakers opened the2019–20 season with a 17–2 record, matching the best start in the team's history.[235][236] On January 25, 2020, James achieved third place on theall-time regular season scoring list, surpassing former Lakers starKobe Bryant a day before Bryant died in ahelicopter crash.[237][238] On January 31, James delivered an improvised eulogy in honor of Bryant, describing him as a "brother" and expressing a desire to continue Bryant's legacy.[239][240] James ended the regular season—which wassuspended due to theCOVID-19 pandemic—as the league leader in assists for the first time in his career, averaging 10.2 assists per game.[241] He earned a record 16th All-NBA Team selection as part of the First Team, extending his record First Team selections to 13.[242][243]
The Lakers enteredthe playoffs as the top seed in theWestern Conference and advanced to theFinals.[244] In Game 5 against theDenver Nuggets, James helped clinch the series by scoring 38 points.[245] The Lakers started strong in the Finals, winning the first two games against James' former team, theMiami Heat.[246] In Game 5, James scored 40 points and had 13 rebounds and seven assists.[247] The Lakers eliminated the Heat in Game 6, earning James his fourth NBA championship. With averages of 29.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game, James was named the Finals MVP, and became the only player to win the award with three different teams.[248][249]
2020–2021: Back-to-back chase
James signed a two-year, $85.7 million extension that kept him with the Lakers through the 2022–23 season.[250] During the2020–21 season, James became the first player in NBA history to score 10 points or more in 1,000 consecutive games, and the third player to score 35,000 career points.[q] He sprained his ankle in late March and missed 20 games, the longest absence of his career.[r] The season was his 17th consecutive season averaging at least 25 points per game, an NBA record.[s] In aplay-in tournament to determine playoff seeds, the Lakers defeated theWarriors 103–100, with James posting a triple-double.[t] In the first round ofthe playoffs, the Lakers lost to theSuns in six games, marking the first time James lost in the first round.[u] James made his 17th consecutive All-NBA Team selection, marking a new record for most selections.[v]
2021–2022: First in the 10K-10K-10K club
For the2021–22 season, James switched his jersey back to No. 6. He had meant to switch two years earlier—to allow Davis to wear No. 23—but Nike had a surplus of merchandise featuring James with No. 23, and so prevented him from making the switch.[273] In a game against thePistons on November 21, James was ejected after getting into a scuffle withIsaiah Stewart. It was only the second time he was ejected from a game, and he was suspended for one game.[274][275] In early December, James achieved his 100th triple-double,[w] and in February he surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most combined points scored in the regular season and playoffs.[x] James earned his 18th All-Star selection and was celebrated as a member of theNBA 75th Anniversary Team. At the2022 NBA All-Star Game, James' team achieved its fifth consecutive All-Star victory.[y]
In March, James recorded two 50-point games, becoming the oldest player to have multiple 50-point games in a season.[z] He 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.[304][305] James suffered an ankle injury in March,[aa] and the Lakers were eliminated from playoff and play-in contention for the first time since2019.[313][314] 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.[315]
2022–2023: All-time scoring record
In August 2022, James signed a two-year, $97 million contract extension with the Lakers, which had aplayer option in the second year.[316][317] The contract brought his career earnings to $529 million, an NBA record.[318][319] On December 13, James scored 33 points in a 122–118 overtime loss to the Celtics, surpassingWilt Chamberlain for the second-most 30-point games in NBA history, at 516.[320][321]
During January 2023, James recorded a string of accomplishments. He received his 66thPlayer of the Week award; became the second player in NBA history to reach 38,000 points; achieved his 100th career game with 40 or more points scored; became the first player with a 40-point game against every NBA team; was named as a starter at the2023 NBA All-Star Game, tying Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's record for the most All-Star selections with 19;[ab] and became the first player in NBA history to post a triple-double in his 20th season.[ac] On February 7, James passed Abdul-Jabbar as theall-time leading scorer in NBA history.[330] The NBA stopped the game with 10.9 seconds left in the third quarter for an on-court ceremony, during which James gave a speech and received the game ball from Abdul-Jabbar.[ad]
James sustained a foot injury in late February, which caused him to miss 13 games.[ae] On April 2, James posted a triple-double with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 134–109 victory over theHouston Rockets, tyingJason Kidd for fourth place on the all-time career triple-doubles list.[343] 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 theUtah Jazz.[344] On April 9, in the final game of the2022–23 season, James posted 36 points, six rebounds, and six assists to lead the Lakers to a 128–117 victory over the Jazz.[345] James finished the regular season with averages of 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 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.[346] In Game 4 of the first-round playoffs against theMemphis Grizzlies, James had 22 points, a playoff career-high 20 rebounds, and seven assists in a 117–111 overtime victory, marking his first game ever with both 20 points scored and 20 rebounds.[347] He became the oldest player in league history with at least 20 points and 20 rebounds in a playoff game.[348] In Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals, James put up 30 points, nine rebounds, nine assists and two steals, in a 122–101 victory over theGolden State Warriors to lead the Lakers to the Western Conference finals. He also won his 41st playoff series, surpassingDerek Fisher for the most playoff series wins in NBA history.[349][350] In the Western Conference finals, the Lakers were swept by theDenver Nuggets, who would go on to win thechampionship.[351]
2023–2024: NBA Cup MVP and 40K points
James in 2023
For the2023–24 season, James switched back to jersey No. 23 from No. 6 in honor ofBill Russell, who had died the previous year and whose No. 6 jersey had been retired league-wide.[352] With the retirements ofUdonis Haslem and Andre Iguodala, James became the NBA'soldest active player.[353] 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, surpassingKarl Malone for the most 30-point games by any player since turning 35 in NBA history.[354] 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. Four days later, James scored a season-high 37 points in a narrow 105–104 win over the Houston Rockets. He tiedVince Carter for seventh on the all-time three-pointers made list with 2,290.[355] In November, James became the first player in NBA history to reach 5,000 career turnovers.[356]
On November 21, in a 131–99 victory over theUtah Jazz, he became the first player in league history to reach 39,000 career points.[357] Six days later, in a 138–94 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, James surpassed Abdul-Jabbar to become the player with the most minutes played in NBA games during the regular season and playoffs.[358] The 44-point loss was the worst of James' career.[359] On December 9, James and the Lakers won theinaugural NBA In-Season Tournament, with James receiving the Tournament MVP award and being selected to the All-Tournament team.[360]
On January 25, 2024, James was named an All-Star starter for the2024 NBA All-Star Game, marking his 20th NBA All-Star selection, surpassing Abdul-Jabbar for the most All-Star selections.[361] 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 145–144 double overtime victory over the Golden State Warriors,[362] becoming the first in Lakers history since Abdul-Jabbar in 1976 to put up at least 30 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists in a game.[363] On February 28, James led the Lakers to a 116–112 comeback win against the Los Angeles Clippers. Trailing by 21 points entering the fourth quarter, he outscored the Clippers by himself 19–16 in the final quarter, going 5-for-8 from three-point range. It was the largest fourth-quarter comeback of James' career.[364][365] Three days later, James became the first player in NBA history to reach 40,000 career points.[366] On March 16, he scored a season-high 40 points in a loss to the Warriors.[367] On March 31, James put up 40 points on a career-high nine three-pointers in a 116–104 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. He surpassed Jordan for the most 30-point games, across the regular season and playoffs, with 672.[368][369] On April 2, James passedOscar Schmidt to becomethe world's all-time scoring leader in basketball history.[370] 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.[371]
James finished his 21st season in the NBA averaging 25.7 points, 8.3 assists and 7.3 rebounds a game. He shot 54% from the field and a career-high 41% 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.[372] 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.[373] 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.[374] In the process, James recorded his 19th career 30-point game when facing elimination and improved to 15–12 in 27 career elimination games.[375] The Lakers lost the series, despite James' 30-point and 11-rebound double-double in a 108–106 closeout loss in Game 5.[376]
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 ano-trade clause and had a player option in the second year.[377] James' sonBronny had been drafted 55th overall by the Lakers. This marked the firstfather-son duo in NBA history.[378] On October 22, in a game against theMinnesota Timberwolves, James and Bronny became the first father-son duo to appear in an NBA game together.[379] During his2024–25 season debut, he tied Carter for the record for themost NBA seasons played.[380] On November 13, he logged a triple-double of 35 points, 12 rebounds, and 14 assists, in a 128–123 victory against theMemphis Grizzlies. Aged 39 years and 319 days, he broke his record set in 2019 for the oldest player to record a triple-double in three consecutive games.[381] 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 theSan Antonio Spurs, breaking his own record for the most consecutive triple-doubles made. He tied the Lakers record for the most consecutive triple-doubles, joiningMagic Johnson (1981, 1987) andRussell Westbrook (2021).[382] On December 1, he reached 15,000 career field goals in a 105–104 victory against theUtah Jazz, joining Abdul-Jabbar as the only players to reach said milestone.[383] On December 19 against the Sacramento Kings, he passed Abdul-Jabbar for the most career regular season minutes played.[384]
On January 3, 2025, James put up 30 points and eight assists in a 119–102 win over theAtlanta Hawks. He surpassed Jordan (562) for the most 30-point games in NBA history.[385] On January 21, James posted a triple-double with 21 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists in a 111–88 win over theWashington Wizards. He became the second NBA player to post a triple-double at age 40 or older, after Karl Malone. On February 1, James registered a triple-double of 33 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists in a 128–112 win over theNew York Knicks. On February 6, James recorded season-highs 42 points and 17 rebounds, along with eight assists, in a 120–112 win over theGolden State Warriors. At 40 years and 38 days, James became the oldest player to score 40+ points. He was also the youngest, at 19 years, 88 days old, a record since surpassed byCooper Flagg. He became the first player older than 30 to record 30+ pts, 15+ reb, 5+ ast and 5+ triples in a game.[386] James was selected for his 21st NBA All-Star Game, but missed the2025 contest due to foot and ankle soreness, ending his streak of consecutive All-Star starts at 20.[387]
On March 4, 2025, James surpassed 50,000 career points across the regular season and playoffs during a 136–115 win against theNew Orleans Pelicans.[388] On March 8, James injured his groin in a 111–101 loss to theBoston Celtics, sidelining him.[389] After a seven-game absence, James returned on March 22 in a 146–115 loss to theChicago Bulls.[390] On March 26, James scored 13 points and a game-winning, buzzer-beating tip-in in a 120–119 victory against theIndiana Pacers.[391] It marked James' eight career game-winning buzzer-beater and his first as a Laker.[392] On April 9, he passed Abdul-Jabbar for second on the league'sgames played list.[393] 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 theMinnesota Timberwolves in Game 4 of the first round. He passedWilt Chamberlain for third in the career playoff double-doubles list.[394] The Lakers lost Game 5 and were eliminated.[395]
2025–2026: 23rd NBA season
After missing the Lakers' first 14 games due tosciatica, James made his season debut on November 18 in a 140–126 win over theUtah Jazz. He became the first player to play in 23 NBA seasons.[396] On December 4, in a 123–120 win over the Toronto Raptors, James assisted onRui Hachimura's game-winning, buzzer-beating 3-pointer, but finished the game with eight points on 4-of-17 shooting.[397][398] This ended his streak of 1,297 consecutive games with at least 10 points, setting a record. The last time he had scored fewer than 10 points was in January 2007.[399] On January 13, he recorded 31 points, nine rebounds, and 10 assists, just one rebound shy of becoming the oldest player to record a triple-double, in a 141–116 win over theAtlanta Hawks. He passed Bryant to become the player with the most double-doubles with 30+ points in Lakers franchise history.[400] After sitting out a game against theSan Antonio Spurs on February 10, James became ineligible from receiving any regular season awards by missing his 18th game of the season. As a result, his record streak of 21 consecutiveAll-NBA Team selections came to an end.[401] On February 12, he became the oldest player in NBA history with a triple-double after recording 28 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds in a 124–104 win over theDallas Mavericks. At 41 years and 44 days old, James broke the record held byKarl Malone, who recorded a triple-double for the Lakers when he was 40 years and 127 days old.[402]
As a 19-year-old rookie, James made his debut for theUnited States national team at the2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece.[403] He spent the Games mostly on the bench,[404] averaging 14.6 minutes per game with 5.8 points, and 2.6 rebounds per game in eight games.[403] 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.[405] James felt that his limited playing time was a "lowlight" and believed he was not given "a fair opportunity to play".[404]
At the2006 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.[406][407] The team finished the tournament with an 8–1 record, winning another bronze medal.[406] James' behavior was again questioned, this time by teammateBruce Bowen, who confronted James during tryouts regarding his treatment of staff members.[408][409]
Before naming James to the2008 Olympic team, Team USA managing directorJerry Colangelo and coachMike Krzyzewski gave James an ultimatum to improve his attitude, and he heeded their advice.[408][410] At theFIBA 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.[411] Team USA went 10–0, winning the gold medal and qualifying for the2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.[403] 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."[412] At the Olympics, Team USA went unbeaten, winning their first gold medal since2000.[413] In the final game, James' statistics were – 14 points, six rebounds, and three assists against Spain.[414]
James did not play at the2010 FIBA World Championship but rejoined Team USA for the2012 Olympics in London, England.[415] He became the leader of the team, with Bryant, who would soon be 34, stepping back.[416] James facilitated the offense from the post and perimeter, called the defensive sets, and provided scoring when needed.[417] During a game againstAustralia, he recorded the first triple-double in U.S. Olympic basketball history with 11 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists.[af] Team USA won their second straight gold medal, again defeating Spain in the final game.[419] James contributed 19 points in the victory, becoming the all-time leading scorer in U.S. men's basketball history.[403][419] 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.[420] 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."[421]
After a 12-year gap, James rejoined the national team on the2024 Olympic squad in Paris as Team Captain at 39 years old.[422] Voted by the entire 592-strong U.S. delegation, James was named as one of the two Team USAflag-bearers for theopening ceremony of the games, becoming the first male basketball player to be so honored.[423][424] James led the team in rebounds and assists. He recorded his second Olympic triple double in a comeback win in the semi-final againstSerbia with 16 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists.[425] James became the first player in Olympic history with two triple doubles.[426] Team USA won their fifth straight gold medal, defeating France 98–87 in the final game,[427] 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 theFIBA Men's Olympics MVP and was selected to theFIBA Men's Olympics All-Star Five.[428] James became the third male basketball player to win three gold medals at the Olympics.
Player profile
Standing 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 m) tall and weighing 250 pounds (113 kg),[429] James has played the majority of his career at thesmall forward and power forward positions,[83] but he has also been deployed at other positions when necessary.[430] His playing style, which is athletic and versatile,[137] has drawn comparisons toBasketball Hall of Fame playersOscar Robertson;Magic Johnson andMichael Jordan.[431][432][433] 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.[83] Throughout the 2010s, he was usually ranked as the best player in the NBA each season by ESPN andSports Illustrated.[434][435]
Offense
James drives to the basket in March 2008. A deft finisher, he led the NBA in scoring and shooting percentage at the rim in 2013.[436]
As an 18-year-old rookie, James led the Cavaliers in scoring.[437] He holds numerous "youngest to" distinctions,[438][439] including being the youngest player to score 30,000 career points.[440] During his first stint in Cleveland, James was primarily used as an on-ballpoint forward, and although his shooting tendencies were perimeter-oriented,[137] he established himself as one of the bestslashers and finishers in basketball.[441][442] 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.[443] 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.[444] Around this time, James was frequently criticized for not having a reliablejump shot or post game.[445] 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 coachGregg Popovich in the 2007 Finals, where James converted on only 36 percent of his field goals in four games.[446]
In Miami, Heat coachErik Spoelstra changed James' role to a more unconventional one.[137] James spent more time in the post and improved his shot selection and accuracy on jump shots.[137][447] He also learned how to work as an off-ball cutter in the Heat's "pass-happy" offense.[448] Behind these improvements, James' overall scoring efficiency rose to historically great levels.[449] During this time, ESPN's Tom Haberstroh called James' free-throw shooting his biggest weakness, describing it as "average".[450] Upon returning to the Cavaliers, James began to experience subtle age-related declines in productivity,[451] posting his lowest scoring averages since his rookie season in 2015 and 2016.[83][452] His shooting also temporarily regressed, and James briefly ranked as the NBA's worst high-volume shooter from outside the paint.[453] Despite these changes, he remained an elite offensive player who beat defenses with body control, strength, and varying attacking speeds.[443]
For most of his career, James has controlled the offense as the primary ball handler on his team.[454] His playmaking ability is generally considered one of his premier skills, and some analysts rank him among the greatest passers in NBA history.[455] By exploiting his size, vision, and the attention James garners from opposing defenses,[456] he creates easy points for his teammates with precise assists.[457] James executes unconventional passes, including after leaving his feet and through defensive traffic.[458] His uncanny tendency to find the open man has helped force NBA teams to incorporate some elements ofzone into their schemes to better cover the weak side of the court and prevent James from passing to open shooters.[443] 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;[459][460] however, as his career progressed, James' clutch performance was viewed more favorably.[461]
Defense
James defending againstJoe Harris in February 2018
At the beginning of his NBA career, James was considered a poor defensive player,[462] but he improved steadily through the years. In 2009, James demonstrated proficiency at thechase-down block, which involves coming in from behind the opposition in transition to block the shot.[73] In Miami, he developed into a more versatile defensive player, and the Heat relied on him to guard all five positions.[463] 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 the2014–15 NBA season.[464] Along withShane Battier and Dwyane Wade, Miami used James in an ultra-aggressive defensive scheme,[465] with James cheating off the ball to help out inside or get into rebounding position.[466] Beginning in 2014, some analysts reported a regression in his defensive impact, stemming from a lack of effort and expected age-related declines.[467][468] 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 inswitching.[469] James himself admitted to taking plays off at times, referring to this approach as "chill mode".[470] He eventually developed a reputation for raising his defensive level in the playoffs, which some analysts referred to as "Playoff LeBron".[471]
Legacy
James with the Cavaliers in 2017. NBA analystBrian Windhorst, who spent his career covering James, recounted: "No one has ever had as much hype as James has had to live up to, and James has delivered on every last drop."[472]
James left high school as one of the mosthyped prospects in NBA history.[ag] Upon entering the NBA, he made an immediate impact and was voted Rookie of the Year in his debut season.[477] As of 2024, James has been named to 21 All-NBA Teams, including 13 times to the First Team, which are both NBA records.[270] His four MVP awards are matched only by Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, andBill Russell; James and Russell are the only players to win four MVP awards in a five-year span.[478] James has also won four Finals MVP Awards, which is the second-most all-time,[479] and earned All-Defensive honors every season from 2009 to 2014.[83] 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.[72][480] His teams have appeared in the Finals ten times and won four championships; his 10 Finals appearances are tied for third all-time.[ah] 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.[482][483][484]
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,[ai] and he was named the Associated Press Male Athlete of the Decade for the 2010s.[492] This has resulted in frequent comparisons to Jordan in debates over the sport's all-time best.[aj] In a 2016 interview withSports Illustrated, James acknowledged that his motivation was surpassing Jordan as thegreatest.[493] In February 2018,The Ringer spent an entire week devoted to both players, withBill Simmons ultimately concluding that Jordan was still ahead.[494] In polls, James has ranked second behind Jordan.[495][496][497] The results strongly correlate with age, with older voters more commonly choosing Jordan.[496][497] Daviset al. ofBusiness 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."[497] 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".[493]
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 ofThe 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."[504] James' fellow players have also remarked on his influence, such as Warriors forwardDraymond 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."[505] Multiple current and former NBA players have suggested James' free agency decisions catalyzed the league-wide trend in "superteams" in the 21st century.[506][507][508][509][510]
In 2022, James voiced his desire to play into his forties, potentially alongside or against his sons Bronny andBryce.[511] This eventually happened when Bronny was selected by the Lakers 55th overall in the2024 NBA draft, making them the firstfather-son duo in NBA history.[512] On October 22, 2024, in the season opener against theMinnesota Timberwolves, they shared the court for the first time.[513]
Personal life
James married his high school sweetheart, Savannah James (née Brinson; born August 27, 1986), on September 14, 2013, in San Diego, California.[514] They have two sons,Bronny andBryce, and a daughter, Zhuri.[511][515] Bronny was a standout high school basketball player, and was named as aMcDonald's All-American in 2023, 20 years after James' selection.[516] James owns a 30,000 square foot (2,787 m2) mansion in Akron, Ohio, that he custom-built in 2003 at a cost of $2.1 million.[517] During his stint with the Heat, James resided inCoconut Grove, where he bought a $9 million three-story mansion overlookingBiscayne Bay.[518] In November 2015, he bought a 9,350 square-foot (869 m2) East Coast-style mansion inBrentwood, Los Angeles, for $21 million.[519] He purchased another home in Brentwood in December 2017 for $23 million.[520] In September 2020, he purchased a third home in Los Angeles, this one inBeverly Hills, for $36.75 million.[521]
James' closest friends in the NBA are Carmelo Anthony,Chris Paul, and his former Heat teammate Dwyane Wade. The four have been referred to as the"banana boat crew". During an excursion to theBahamas, James rescued Anthony when he was carried away from their boat by a current. Anthony credited James with saving his life.[522]
In September 2023, new client names from theBiogenesis scandal were released, including that of Ernest "Randy" Mims, a longtime friend and business manager of James, and 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."[523][524]
Health
According to James' business partner Maverick Carter, James was in the habit of spending $1.5 million per year on his body, as reported byMen's Health in 2021. This figure included paying for personal chefs and trainers as well as recovery therapies such as cryotherapy and hyperbaric chambers.[525] In a March 2025 interview, James denied rumors that he spends up to $1 million per year on his health.[526] He toldESPN in 2018 that he drinks wine every night,believing it to be good for his heart.[527] James' former Cavaliers teammate Tristan Thompson has claimed that James eats desserts with every meal.[525] In January 2009, doctors at theCleveland Clinic discovered a benigntumor in theparotid gland on the right side of James' jaw.[528] The tumor was removed in June of that year.[529]
Public image
James is considered by fellow NBA players, media tabloids, andpopular culture to be the "face of the NBA", often alongside Warriors superstarStephen Curry.[530][531] In 2014, James reportedly asked NBA commissionerAdam Silver to increase the duration of the All-Star break, and it was extended the following season.[532] On February 13, 2015, James was elected the first vice president of theNational Basketball Players Association (NBPA).[533]
Throughout his career, James has been ranked byForbes as one of the world's most influential athletes,[ak] and has been listed byTime as one of the100 most influential people in the world.[536] During his first stint with the Cavaliers, James was adored by local fans, andSherwin-Williams displayed a giant Nike-produced banner of James on its world headquarters.[537] Despite their affection for James, Cleveland fans and critics were frequently annoyed when he sported a Yankees hat when he attendedCleveland Indians baseball games against theNew York Yankees.[538] Following his actions during the 2010 free agency period andThe Decision, James was listed as one of the most disliked athletes in the United States.[539] 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.[540] In 2014, James was named the most popular male athlete in America by the Harris Poll.[541] He has led the league in jersey sales six times.[542]
Memorabilia associated with James is highly sought after; two of James'rookie cards are among the most expensivebasketball cards ever sold at auction, and one of those cards also briefly held the record for themost expensive modern-day sports card when it sold for $1.8 million at auction in July 2020.[545] AMike Trout rookie card broke the record for a modern-day card the following month.[546] All jerseys worn in the2020 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.[547]
In March 2008, James became the first black man, as well as the third man overall afterRichard Gere andGeorge Clooney, to appear on the cover ofVogue, when he posed withGisele Bündchen.[548] In response, ESPN columnistJemele 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 monsterKing Kong, a dark savage capturing his fair-skinned love interest.[543][544]
In 2025,Mattel announced that it was adding James to the Barbie roster, "making him the first professional male athlete to be honoured as aKen doll." According to the BBC, it is "an inch taller than the standard Ken doll."[549] James was announced to be honorary co-chair of the 2025Met Gala inManhattan,[550] though he had to skip due to the knee injury he sustained in game 5 of the first round against the Minnesota Timberwolves.[551][552]
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.[553] Since 2005, the foundation has held an annual bike-a-thon to raise money for various causes.[554] In 2015, James announced a partnership with the University of Akron to provide scholarships for as many as 2,300 children beginning in 2021.[555] In 2017, he received theJ. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award from the NBA for his "outstanding service and dedication to the community."[556]
In November 2017, the Akron School Board approved theI Promise School, a public elementary school created in a partnership with the LJFF to help struggling elementary school students stay in school.[557] The school officially opened on July 30, 2018, with James reflecting that it was his most important professional accomplishment.[558] Other noteworthy public and charitable initiatives undertaken by James in Akron include the I Promise Institute at the University of Akron,[559] I Promise Village (housing complex),[560] House Three-Thirty (community center/retail plaza),[561] and I Promise Health Quarters (medical center).[10]
On August 27, 2020, James and his Lakers teammates, as well as the Bucks, began boycotting the 2020 NBA playoffs to protest theshooting of Jacob Blake.[576] In response, senior White House advisorJared 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 presidentBarack Obama, who reportedly advised them to continue playing and finish that year's NBA season.[577]
During the2019–2020 Hong Kong protests, a statement James made about a since-deleted tweet byDaryl Morey,[578] in which Morey expressed support for the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong, became the subject of controversy. James said Morey was "misinformed".[579] His statement drew backlash from protesters in the movement, with many taking to social media to use racist language against him.[580][581][582] In February 2022, political commentatorBill Maher called James hypocritical for not taking a critical stance towards the Chinese government's human rights abuses.[583] James had taken various other stands on issues regarding sports, such as theKaepernick controversy and theHouston Astros sign stealing scandal.[584][585]
In October 2023, in response to theOctober 7th attacks, James voiced his support for Israel on Instagram.[586] His statement drew backlash for its omission of the Palestinians affected by thecrisis the attacks provoked, including from Palestinian-American leader and activistOmar Suleiman.[587][588][589] During a press conference at the2026 NBA All-Star Game in February 2026, when Israel'sChannel 14 asked James to send a message to his fans in Israel, he responded: "I hope I inspire people over there (Israel) not only to be great in sports, but to be better in general in life, hopefully someday I can make it over there. Like I said, I’ve never been over there, but I’ve heard nothing but great things."[590][591]
Following aracist incident at his Los Angeles home in 2017, James said 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."[595] Later on that year, in the aftermath of theUnite 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!!"[596] James also called PresidentDonald Trump a "bum" after the president rescinded a White House invitation to Stephen Curry.[597] During a 2018 interview with CNN journalistDon 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."[598][599] 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."[600]
On August 19, 2020, James announced his intentions to support the campaign ofJoe Biden for the2020 U.S. presidential election.[601] James spoke in support of theMore Than a Vote movement and encouraged members of the African-American community to vote,[602] 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."[603]
According toForbes, in May 2023 James became the first active NBA player to become a billionaire, making him one of therichest celebrities.[605] A biography of James, titledLeBron, was published on April 11, 2023, byJeff Benedict. The book was based on three years of research and more than 250 interviews.[606]
Endorsements
James has signed numerous endorsement contracts; some of the companies that he has done business with areAT&T,[607]Audemars Piguet,[608]Beats by Dre,[609]Blaze Pizza,[610]Coca-Cola,[611]Dunkin' Brands,[612]Intel,[613]Kia,[614]McDonald's,[615]Nike,[611]PepsiCo,[616]State Farm,[617] andTaco Bell.[618] Coming out of high school, James was the target of a three-way bidding war among Nike,Reebok, andAdidas,[619] eventually signing a seven-year deal with Nike in May 2003[620][621] for approximately $90 million.[622] His signature shoes have performed well for Nike.[623] 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 EnglishPremier League football clubLiverpool,[624] who he has claimed his support for.[625] As a result of his endorsement money and NBA salary, James has been listed as one of the world's highest-paid athletes.[626] In 2013, he surpassed Bryant as the highest paid basketball player in the world, with earnings of $56.5 million.[627] In 2014, James realized a profit of more than $30 million as part ofApple's acquisition ofBeats Electronics; he had originally struck a deal to get a small stake in the company at its inception in exchange for promoting its headphones.[628] In 2015, James was ranked the sixth highest earning sportsperson,[629] and third highest in 2016 (afterCristiano Ronaldo andLionel Messi).[630] James has stated that he would like to own an NBA team in the future, albeit in a hands-off capacity.[631] In 2011, James co-founded the designer retail store UNKNWN in Miami, Florida.[632]
During Super Bowl LVI in 2022, James appeared in aCrypto.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 byCalmatic, did not directly promote the service, sparked social media buzz, and inspired a series of memes centered on the advice he could have offered.[633]
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.[634] 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.[635]
James and his business partnerMaverick Carter own production companySpringHill Entertainment,[642] whose first work was theLions Gate documentaryMore Than a Game, which was released in 2009 and chronicled James' high school years.[643] Series produced by SpringHill include theNBC game showThe Wall,[644] theDisney XD sports documentary showBecoming,[645] theStarz sitcomSurvivor's Remorse,[646] and the animated web seriesThe LeBrons.[647] In 2016,CNBC aired an unscripted series hosted by James calledCleveland Hustles, where four up-and-coming Northern Ohio entrepreneurs will be financed on the condition of revitalizing a neighborhood in Cleveland.[648] In the 2017Toronto International Film Festival, a 60-minute Vince Carter documentary entitledThe Carter Effect was executive produced by James and Maverick Carter along with rapperDrake and Future the Prince.[649][650] In February 2018, it was announced that James' production company will produce a new film in theHouse Party series with James expected to make a cameo.[651] Later that month,Fox News hostLaura Ingraham told James to "shut up and dribble" as a response to his political agendas.[652] 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 onShowtime.[653] James partnered withArnold 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.[654]
In February 2019, it was revealed that James would executive produce rapper2 Chainz's new albumRap or Go to the League.[655] ADef 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."[656] As of June 2023, James is themost followed basketball player on Instagram, with over 155 million followers.[657]
In June 2022, it was announced James was launching a media company in partnership with professional tennis playerNaomi Osaka and Maverick Carter. The production and content creation company will be named Hana Kuma, which means "flower" and "bear" in Japanese.[658]
In March 2024, James andJJ Redick launched a podcast calledMind the Game, where the two have "pure conversations about basketball."[659][660][661] The podcast was suspended after Redick was hired as head coach for the Los Angeles Lakers in June 2024.[662] In March 2025, a second season was announced withSteve Nash replacing Redick as James' new co-host.[663]
Investments
In 2012, James, Carter andPaul Wachter made an investment of less than $1 million in thePasadena-basedfast casual chainBlaze Pizza; their investment had grown to $25 million by 2017.[664] James later became a spokesman for the company and began appearing in advertisements after ending his contract with McDonald's.[664]
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.[665] This was related to James' use of the term onInstagram for his family's taco dinners. The request was denied by theUnited 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."[666]
James has expressed his interest in owning an NBA team once he finishes playing basketball, specifically a team located inLas Vegas, Nevada, either throughexpansion or relocation.[670]
In August 2022, James, alongside Canadian musician Drake, became part owners of the Italian football clubA.C. Milan.[671]
James is represented by agentRich Paul of Klutch Sports.[673] His first agent wasAaron Goodwin, whom he left in 2005 forLeon Rose. Rose joinedCreative 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.[674] 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 ofThe Decision, for which it was criticized.[675][676]
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;[117][677][678] 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.[679] This move ultimately allowed James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh to sign together with the Heat.[680] During the 2011 NBA lockout, James received contract offers to play professional football from theDallas Cowboys andSeattle Seahawks,[681] which he gave serious consideration to and even began training with it in mind.[682] 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,[683] James began re-signing[684][685] on new contracts after each season in order to take advantage of higher salaries resulting from the NBA's rising salary cap.[171] In 2016, he signed with the Cavaliers on a three-year deal,[686] becoming the highest-paid player in the league for the first time in his career.[687]
^Various news outlets have commented on James being considered the greatest basketball player of all-time, and whether or not he has surpassed Jordan as the greatest:
^Gaffney, Tom; Morgan, David Lee (March 26, 2000)."Winning one for Carter".Akron Beacon Journal. p. D8.Archived from the original on July 4, 2018. RetrievedJuly 3, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
^Abrams, Jonathan (May 2, 2010)."Heading Home to Celebrate".The New York Times.Archived from the original on May 14, 2010. RetrievedMay 30, 2012.
^Jones, Ryan (December 30, 2014)."Ohio Player".Slam.Archived from the original on January 10, 2014. RetrievedMay 27, 2012.
^"2009–2010 NCAA Division I Manual"(PDF). National Collegiate Athletic Association. August 2009. p. 163.Archived(PDF) from the original on January 11, 2021. RetrievedJuly 10, 2010.
^Taylor, Phil (June 2, 2009)."LeBron sent a clear message by not shaking hands with Magic".Sports Illustrated.Archived from the original on December 22, 2021. RetrievedDecember 22, 2021.Not only would it have saved him the smattering of grief he's been getting from the media and fans the last few days, it just would have also been the right thing to do
^Freeman, Mike (September 30, 2010)."Lambasted LeBron conveniently sees hurtful role of race".CBS Sports. Archived fromthe original on October 1, 2010. RetrievedNovember 9, 2010.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.
^Whitlock, Jason (September 30, 2010)."Point the finger at yourself, LeBron".Fox Sports. Archived fromthe original on October 4, 2010. RetrievedDecember 22, 2021.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.
^Moehringer, J. R. (September 2010)."Into the Funhouse with King James".GQ. Archived fromthe original on August 19, 2010. RetrievedNovember 9, 2010.During that postmortem interview, when Moehringer asked James what he'd change if he had a do-over, James replied, 'Nothing at all.'
^Kaplan, Thomas (November 1, 2010)."James Faces Jeering, but Little Competition".The New York Times.Archived from the original on January 14, 2013. RetrievedNovember 5, 2010.'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.
^"Heat throw welcome party for LeBron James, Chris Bosh".USA Today. Associated Press. July 9, 2010.Archived from the original on November 3, 2012. RetrievedNovember 4, 2010.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.
^Beck, Howard (October 26, 2010)."Shift in Talent Fortifies Elite Teams".The New York Times. p. B–12. Archived fromthe original on September 9, 2012. RetrievedNovember 9, 2010.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.
^abHill, Jemele (March 21, 2008)."LeBron should be more careful with his image".ESPN. RetrievedDecember 22, 2021.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.
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