LeBron James Career Timeline

From high school phenom to NBA legend, explore the defining moments that shaped King James' legendary career

2003

NBA Draft

Selected 1st overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers straight out of high school

First Pick in NBA DraftHigh School PhenomThe Chosen One

2004

Rookie of the Year

Won NBA Rookie of the Year averaging 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists

NBA Rookie of the YearAll-Rookie First Team

2007

First NBA Finals

Led the Cavaliers to their first NBA Finals appearance in franchise history

Eastern Conference ChampionScored 48 points in Game 5 vs Detroit

2010

The Decision

Joined the Miami Heat alongside Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh

Formed the Big ThreeChanged NBA Free Agency Forever

2012

First Championship

Won his first NBA championship with the Miami Heat

NBA ChampionFinals MVPRegular Season MVP

2013

Back-to-Back

Secured second straight championship with the Miami Heat

NBA ChampionFinals MVP27-game Win Streak

2014

Return to Cleveland

Announced return to Cleveland Cavaliers with 'I'm Coming Home' letter

Rejoined Hometown TeamFormed New Big Three with Irving and Love

2016

The Cleveland Miracle

Led historic 3-1 comeback against 73-win Warriors to bring Cleveland its first championship in 52 years

NBA ChampionFinals MVPGreatest Comeback in NBA Finals History

2018

Lakers Era Begins

Signed with the Los Angeles Lakers to continue his legacy

Joined Lakers DynastyBrought Star Power Back to LA

2020

Lakers Championship

Won championship with Lakers in the Orlando Bubble

NBA ChampionFinals MVPFirst to Win FMVP with 3 Teams

2023

All-Time Scoring Record

Broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's all-time NBA scoring record

NBA All-Time Leading Scorer38,388+ Career Points

2024

40K Points Milestone

Became the first player in NBA history to score 40,000 points

First to 40,000 PointsContinuing to Break Records

Legacy continues... More chapters yet to be written

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