LeBron

James bio

LeBron James is a basketball player who plays in the NBA. He suited up for the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Miami Heat, and is currently playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. 

James is considered to be one of the best basketball players to ever play the game. He has won four NBA championships and Finals MVPs, three of which have come with three different franchises, making him the only player in NBA history to achieve the feat. 

To go alongside with his NBA championships, James has also garnered four NBA MVP awards, 17 All-NBA Team selections, and 18 All-Star Game appearances, which is the second highest in league history.

Aside from his achievements, James also holds some NBA records. James is currently the record holder for the most points scored in the regular season and the postseason combined. Moreover, he’s the only player in NBA history to rank within the top 100 in terms of points, assists, rebounds, steals, and blocks. James is also the only player so far to rank within the top 10 for both points and assists. 

LeBron James Background

Lebron James was born on December 30, 1984 in Akron,Ohio. James was born to Gloria James and Anthony McCelland, whom he never met. Before his rise to fame, James’ childhood was marred by issues of poverty. He moved to different homes and could hardly be present for school due to the lack of transportation. It was only until Frank Walker, who was his coach, decided to take in James, who was only nine years old at that time. 

LeBron James Wife Savannah James

James is currently married to his high school sweetheart, Savannah James. They have three children in LeBron James Jr. who’s also known as Bronny, Bryce Maximus James, and Zhuri James, who’s the youngest daughter.

For an in-depth look at LeBron James’ wife Savannah James, we have you covered here. 

LeBron James Son Bronny James

Apparently not one to live in the shadows, LeBron James son Bronny James is currently making a name for himself on the hardwood. A top 40 high school recruit. The King is already making it known that he’d like to play with his one in the NBA.

For an in-depth look at LeBron James son Bronny James, we have you covered. 

LeBron James High School Career

James attended St. Vincent-St. Mary’s High School where he dominated the high school basketball scene. As a high school phenom, James’ combination of size, strength, and athleticism earned him the moniker of The Chosen One. 

James was also drawing attention from college scouts for his football. However, everybody knew basketball was his future. Playing for the Irish, James took the team to three state championships. In four years with the team, he tallied 2,657 points, 892 rebounds, and 523 assists. James’ high school basketball career also saw him get awarded as Ohio Mr. Basketball and was named to the All-USA First Team. He was also declared as the Gatorade National Player of the Year in his junior year. 

As a high school prospect, James was hyped as the next big thing. ESPN took the opportunity to televise the Irish’s game against Oak Hill in order to feature the upcoming superstar. Moreover, some of St. Vincent-St. Mary’s home games were held at the Rhode Arena for the public and NBA scouts to see James up close. Aside from his games, James was featured in Slam magazine and the cover of Sports Illustrated. 

LeBron James Cleveland Cavaliers

After a stellar high school basketball career, James applied for the 2003 NBA Draft. In the draft, the Cavaliers selected him with their first overall pick over the likes of All-Stars Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and Carmelo Anthony.

Right from the get-go, James made an impact in the NBA. He registered a powerful NBA debut, posting 25 points, six rebounds, nine assists, and four steals. James would eventually go on to win the Rookie of the Year Award after averaging 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. He became only one of five players in NBA history to average a 20-5-5 statline in their rookie seasons. The only other players to do so were Michael Jordan, Oscar Robertson, Tyreke Evans, and Luka Doncic. 

In his years as a Cavalier, James showed that not only was he the next face of the Cleveland franchise, but also the future of the NBA. One of his notable games include a 56 point explosion, to go along with 10 rebounds and five assists in a losing effort against the Toronto Raptors. James’ scoring output became the highest by any Cavalier until 2015, when eventual teammate Kyrie Irving scored 57 against the San Antonio Spurs. 

With James’ emergence, the Cavaliers would become a fixture in the postseason by 2006. Despite being only 21 years old at that time, James was the clear leader of a young and upcoming Cavs squad. Aside from winning his first All-Star Game MVP in 2006, James also finished as the runner-up in MVP voting after posting averages of 31.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game. His dominance carried over in his postseason debut, ending the Cavs’ playoff drought since 1998.

James’ playoff debut saw him average 35.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game in the first round against the Washington Wizards. Although the Cavs were underdogs against the Wizards, who were led by Gilbert Arenas, James’ dominant postseason debut was enough to give the Cavs its first playoff series win since 1993 before being eliminated by the Detroit Pistons. James’ notable performances were in Games Three and Five, where he exploded for 41 and 45 points, respectively, and made his first career game-winning baskets in both of those games.

After a solid playoff showing, James continued to shine for the Cavs in the following year by taking them to their first NBA Finals appearance. Enroute to the NBA Finals, James and the Cavs asserted their mastery over the Washington Wizards, knocked off the New Jersey Nets, and exacted revenge over the Detroit Pistons. In Game Five of the Eastern Conference Finals, James registered a game-high 48 points, including a game winner that put the Pistons away after two grueling overtime periods. Unfortunately, the Cavs inexperience showed in the NBA Finals, as they were swept by the seasoned Spurs. However, James still managed to register a respectable showing, averaging 22.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game in his Finals debut. 

James continued to ball out for the Cavaliers. He went on to win his first two MVPs in 2009 and 2010 to cement himself as arguably the best player in the league. Aside from this, James also made the All-NBA and All-Defensive Teams. Also, the Cavaliers finished at the top seed of the Eastern Conference during James’ MVP years. They sported a 66-16 record in the 2008-2009 season and a 61-21 win-loss card in the 2009-2010 season.

However, despite his individual dominance, James remained eluded from a NBA title, as the Cavs faced consecutive early playoff exits. Because of this, many were prompted to question his ability to win a championship. Thus, everyone also wondered whether The King would ever end up in the same conversation as the likes of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.

LeBron James Miami Heat

After James’ contract expired in the summer of 2010, he decided to test free agency. This event was hyped by the media as The Decision. James would leave the Cavaliers and controversially signed with the Miami Heat. To the public’s dismay, James decided to team-up with fellow 

All-Stars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in South Beach which formed the Big Three. Expectations to win a championship immediately skyrotted due to the squad’s star power. Moreover, the Big Three also promised to deliver not just one championship but multiple banners in the coming years. 

James and the Heat were nearly unstoppable during the regular season, as they finished second in the East. Moreover, James immediately found himself back in the NBA Finals after the Big Three pummeled their way past their Eastern Conference rivals including the Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics, and the Chicago Bulls. 

Although it looked like the Heat were favored to win the NBA championship, James and the Big Three were caught off-guard by the Dallas Mavericks, who didn’t have the same star power as the Heat. With Dirk Nowitzki’s hot-shooting and Jason Terry’s brilliance off the bench, the Mavericks successfully bounced back and took control of the series. On the other hand, James had the worse playoff series of his career. With the Mavs employing a zone defense to limit James, he could only average 17.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game on a measly 47.8% shooting from the field overall. 

While it was a disappointing Finals run, James responded with a revenge season in the following year. After the NBA lockout, James arguably had the best season of his career. James averaged 27.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 6.2 dimes per game. Moreover, he went on to win his third MVP award, as the Heat finished second in the East once again. 

Eventually, the Big Three found themselves again in the NBA Finals after eliminating the New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers, and the Boston Celtics. With more experience under their belt, the Big Three looked more polished and synchronized as they went up against a young Oklahoma City Thunder who were led by Kevin Durant. Although KD displayed elite performances, it was James and the Heat who proved they were the better team. James averaged 28.6 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game to help finish off the Thunder in five games, as he won his first NBA championship and Finals MVP. 

After winning a NBA championship, James joined Team USA for the 2012 London Summer Olympics. Team USA went 8-0 to win the gold medal, as James became only the second player since Michael Jordan to win the MVP, Finals MVP, and an Olympic gold medal in the same year. 

After winning his first NBA championship, James was only getting started. He went on to win his second straight and fourth MVP award after averaging 26.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game. Moreover, he led the Heat to their third consecutive Finals appearance after dispatching the Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls, and the Indiana Pacers. 

James faced a familiar foe in the San Antonio Spurs, as the Heat needed all the help it could get. The series went back and forth, as it needed seven games to decide a champion. James did everything he could, averaging a team-high 25.3 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game. However, it was a monumental corner-three from Ray Allen in Game Six that helped the Heat stay alive in the series, as James and the Heat took care of business in Game Seven. As a result, James went on to conquer his second straight NBA championship and Finals MVP. 

With a two-peat under their belts, it looked like James and the Heat were destined to start a three-peat dynasty of their own. Unfortunately, they couldn’t re-assert their mastery over the Spurs in a second straight Finals matchup. James suffered cramps in his legs and stomach on separate occasions which hampered the Heat’s chances of a three-peat as they conceded in five games. James still managed to produce 28.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game in the series.

LeBron James second stint with the Cavaliers

In the summer of 2014, James was a free agent once again. Like in 2010, James shocked the sports world once again as he announced his decision to return to play for Cleveland. After leaving Miami, James returned to his hometown as a more seasoned veteran with two championships under his belt. And with his return, James united with Cavs’ 2011 first overall pick, Kyrie Irving and All-Star Kevin Love. 

Although James found himself with relatively new teammates, it didn’t affect him as he immediately led the Cavs to its second ever NBA Finals appearance and James’ fifth straight. The Cavs finished second in the Eastern Conference and defeated their Eastern Conference rivals with ease, eliminating the Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, and the number one seeded Atlanta Hawks. In the Finals, the Cavs met an unfamiliar foe in the Golden State Warriors who were led by Stephen Curry. 

Although James and the Cavs were initially favored to win, injuries to Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love hampered their chances. Furthermore, the hot-shooting of Stephen Curry and the elite defenses of Draymond Green and Andre Iguodala were too much to handle for the depleted Cavs. While the Cavs eventually lost in six games, James still managed to put in big numbers by averaging 35.8 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game, including three 40-point explosions. 

After what could’ve been a triumphant return for James, the Finals loss definitely forced him to be a man on a mission. James and the Cavs replicated their dominance in the following year. They finished with a 57-25 record to take the pole position in the Eastern Conference. Moreover, the Cavs dominated in the postseason by sweeping past the Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks. They also eliminated the Raptors in six games before meeting the Golden State Warriors again in the 2016 NBA Finals. 

Initially, it looked like the Warriors were writing the same story again after racing to a 3-1 series lead and were fresh from setting a record-breaking 73-9 win-loss card in the regular season. However, James and the Cavs responded big time in Game Five. James and Irving each scored 41 points a-piece to become the first teammates to do so in a Finals game. With their valiant efforts, the Cavs started to take control of the series by winning the remaining games, including a dramatic Game Seven finish. 

As a result, James led the Cavs to its first NBA championship in historic fashion. As of this writing, the Cavs are the only team in NBA history to climb out of a 1-3 deficit in the NBA Finals. Thus, James’ sixth straight trip to the Finals resulted in his third NBA championship.His championship in Cleveland not only fulfilled his promise but also cemented his legacy as one of the basketball greats. 

James and the Cavs would continue to become a fixture in the NBA Finals in the next two years. In fact, James would rack up a total of eight consecutive Finals appearances by 2018. 

Unfortunately, James and the Cavs wouldn’t win another championship as they failed to replicate their historic victory against the Warriors. In the 2017 NBA Finals, the Cavs bowed to the Warriors in five games. A year later, the Warriors showed mastery once again over the Cavs by sweeping them in dominant fashion. 

Since the 2016 Finals loss, the Warriors reinforced their roster by signing Kevin Durant from free agency. Moreover, Kyrie Irving’s departure from Cleveland in 2017 surely dampened the Cavs’ chances of winning another championship. 

Nevertheless, James continued to be a thorn in the Warrior’s side as he became the only player in league history to average a triple double in the NBA Finals. James registered 33.6 poins, 12.0 rebounds, and 10.0 assists per game in a losing effort during the 2017 NBA Finals. He also scored 51 points in Game One of the 2018 NBA Finals, becoming only the sixth player to do so in a NBA Finals contest. 

LeBron James Los Angeles Lakers

After absorbing another Finals loss in 2018, James exercised his option and chose to play for the Los Angeles Lakers. Although the Lakers are a decorated franchise, the team was in the midst of a rebuilding phase after the retirement of Kobe Bryant. By signing James, the Lakers hoped that he was the superstar who’ll regain their championship glory. 

Although James was famous for turning teams immediately into playoff contenders, it wasn’t the case for the Lakers. After his arrival, the Lakers remained out of playoff contention. They only finished as the 10th seed with a 37-45 win-loss card. To make matters worse, James suffered a major groin injury that forced him to miss the rest of the season. Thus, it marked the first time James missed the playoffs since 2005, as it also ended his consecutive Finals appearances at eight. 

After a disappointing finish in the 2018-2019 season, the organization fully committed to make the most out of James’ years. In the process, they blew up their young core by trading away Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, and Brandon Ingram for superstar center Anthony Davis in a blockbuster trade. 

James formed a fearsome duo with Anthony Davis. The duo powered the Lakers to the best record in the West before the spread of the coronavirus forced the postponement of the league’s season. Moreover, James and the Lakers were more motivated than ever to win the championship, especially after the tragic death of Kobe Bryant just days after James passed him in the All-Time scoring list. 

But by July, the NBA was able to mount a bubble in Orlando, Florida. From then on, James and the Lakers continued their dominance by playing smashmouth basketball. The Lakers finished the season at the top of the Western Conference with a 52-19 record, as James led the team with 25.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game. His career-high in assists also led the entire league for that season. 

The duo of James and Davis powered past their Western Conference rivals in the postseason. The Lakers eliminated the Portland Trailblazers, Houston Rockets, and Denver Nuggets. Eventually, the squad also took care of business in the NBA Finals by eliminating James’ former team, the Miami Heat, in six games. James captured his fourth NBA championship and Finals MVP, becoming the first player in NBA history to win three Finals MVPs and NBA championships with three different franchises. 

With James still playing for the Lakers, he’s on the hunt to give the Lakers its 18th championship banner, especially after a disappointing title defense in the 2020-2021 season. Although the Lakers still managed to punch a ticket to the 2021 playoffs, via James’ game winner over the Golden State Warriors in the Play-In Tournament, the Lakers were eliminated in the first round by eventual Western Conference champions, the Phoenix Suns. 

Aside from chasing another championship, James is also on track to become the NBA's number one scoring leader of all time. By February 13, 2022, in a losing effort against the Warriors, James dropped 26 points to move past Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for most points in the regular season and play-offs combined. But for just the regular season, James is currently ranked third behind Karl Malone (36,928) and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387). Nevertheless, James could realistically take the top spot of the All-Time scoring list in the near future. 

Despite already being in his late 30s, James has proved again that he’s putting up a valiant effort against Father Time. After turning 37, James became the first player since Michael Jordan to produce 40 points and 10 rebounds in a game. He scored 43 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in the 139-106 win over the Portland Trailblazers on January 1, 2022. A few days later, James became the oldest player at age 37 in NBA history to register at least 25 points in 10 consecutive games. And just before turning 37, James also became the oldest player to tally a 30-point triple double. He registered 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 106-94 victory over the Orlando Magic on December 12, 2022. James also became the second oldest Finals MVP at 35 years and 287 days old. 

Off the Court Contributions

While James has been a phenomenal player on the basketball court, he also juggles his basketball career with his off-the-court endeavors as an actor and philanthropist. In July 16, 2021, James starred in the movie, Space Jam 2: A New Legacy, which was the second movie installment of the Space Jam franchise that had its first movie star Michael Jordan.

Aside from being an actor, James also opened a school, called I Promise School on July 30, 2018. He wanted to address the lack of education and other issues linked to poverty in Akron. Through James’ foundation, The LeBron James Family Foundation, the school has been able to cater at least 240 students, while providing additional services such as tutoring, eye exams, and etc. Moreover, its students have also been exposed to seminars and classes from companies of different fields such as Little Tikes, Goodyear, and Crypto.com. 

Besides the I Promise School, James’ foundation also opened the I Promise Village on July 15, 2020. Located near the school, the village aims to provide its students a shelter for them to live in. The village is capable of housing 330 students, as it also helps students and their families worry less about their survival and security. 

On February 23, 2022, the LeBron James Family Foundation partnered with Old El Paso to open a restaurant called, The Taco Shop. The restaurant serves Mexican dishes to its customers. Furthermore, the restaurant serves as a place for communities to gather together. At the same time, it’ll also provide job training and financial advice for families. 

LeBron James Net Worth

Being one of the best basketball players of his era, as well as an encompassing earning potential, LeBron James’ net worth is roughly $500 million dollars.

For an in-depth look at how LeBron James net worth grew to such a staggering number, we have you covered here.