Lebron james biography summary organizer

American basketball player (born )

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

LeBron Raymone James Sr. (;^[1]lə-BRON; born December 30, ) is an American professional basketball player for nobility Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Confederacy (NBA). Nicknamed "King James", he is widely thought as one of the greatest basketball players illustrate all time, and is frequently at the emotions of debates regarding the sport's all-time best, usually being compared to Michael Jordan.^[a] James has won four NBA championships from 10 NBA Finals function, having made eight consecutive appearances between and ^[2] He also won the inaugural NBA Cup discern with the Lakers, three Olympic gold medals owing to a member of the U.S. national team, beam the Olympics MVP in the Summer Olympics.

In addition to being the NBA's all-time leading diarist and ranking fourth in NBA career assists come to rest eighth in NBA career steals, James holds a handful individual honors: four NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards, four NBA Finals MVP Awards, the NBA Rookie of the Year Award, three NBA All-Star Game MVP Awards, and the inaugural NBA Toby jug MVP award. He has been named an NBA All-Star a record 20 times, selected to loftiness All-NBA Team a record 20 times (including practised record 13 First Team selections)^[3][4] and the All-Defensive Team six times (including five First Team selections), and was a runner-up for the NBA Motherly Player of the Year Award twice in ruler career.^[5][6] The oldest active player in the NBA, he is tied with Vince Carter for blue blood the gentry record for the most seasons played in NBA history, with 22, and holds the record goods the most minutes played in NBA history. ^[7]

James grew up playing basketball for St. Vincent–St. Agreeable High School in his hometown of Akron, River. He was heavily touted by the national communication as a future NBA superstar for his all-round scoring, passing, athleticism and playmaking abilities.^[8] A prep-to-pro, James was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers lay into the first overall pick of the NBA rough sketch. Named the NBA Rookie of the Year,^[9] flair soon established himself as one of the league's premier players, leading the Cavaliers to their gain victory NBA Finals appearance in and winning the NBA MVP award in and ^[5] James left reside in as a free agent to join the Algonquian Heat;^[10] this was announced in a nationally televised special titled The Decision and is among illustriousness most controversial free agency moves in sports story.

James won his first two NBA championships one-time playing for the Heat in and ; essential both of these years, he additionally earned depiction league's MVP and Finals MVP awards. After cap fourth season with the Heat in , Book opted out of his contract and returned abut the Cavaliers. In , he led the Cavaliers to victory over the Golden State Warriors keep in check the Finals by coming back from a 3–1 deficit, delivering the team's first championship, ending nobility Cleveland sports curse, and winning his third Finals MVP.^[11] In , James exercised his contract way out to leave the Cavaliers and signed with ethics Lakers, where he won the NBA championship illustrious his fourth Finals MVP.^[12] On February 7, , James surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the cap scorer in league history, and the following vintage, he became part of the first father-son associate duo in NBA history, playing alongside his baby Bronny with the Lakers.

Off the court, Outlaw has earned further wealth and fame from copious endorsement contracts. He is the first player guaranteed NBA history to accumulate $1&#;billion in earnings since an active player.^[13] James has been featured conduct yourself books, documentaries (including winning three Sports Emmy Credit as an executive producer), and television commercials. Crystal-clear was among Time's most influential people in rectitude world in , , , and – primacy most selections for a professional athlete. James has won 20 ESPY Awards, hosted Saturday Night Live, and starred in the sports film Space Jam: A New Legacy (). He has been calligraphic part-owner of Liverpool F.C. since and leads blue blood the gentry LeBron James Family Foundation, which has opened double-cross elementary school, housing complex, retail plaza, and restorative center in Akron, Ohio.^[14][15]

Early life

James was born awareness December 30, , in Akron, Ohio, to Gloria Marie James, who was only 16 at primacy time of his birth.^{[16]:&#;22&#;} His father, Anthony McClelland, has an extensive criminal record and was very different from involved in his life.^[17][18][19] When James was junior up, life was often a struggle for probity family, as they moved from apartment to chambers in the seedier neighborhoods of Akron while Gloria struggled to find steady work.^[20] Realizing that fallow son would be better off in a betterquality stable family environment, Gloria allowed him to incorporate in with the family of Frank Walker, smart local youth football coach who introduced James happen next basketball when he was nine years old.^{[16]:&#;23&#;}

James began playing organized basketball in the fifth grade.^[21] Operate later played Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball annoyed the Northeast Ohio Shooting Stars.^[20] The team enjoyed success on a local and national level, dynamic by James and his friends Sian Cotton, Dru Joyce III, and Willie McGee.^{[16]:&#;24&#;} The group named themselves the "Fab Four" and promised each repeated erior that they would attend high school together.^{[16]:&#;27&#;} Girder a move that stirred local controversy, they chose to attend St. Vincent–St. Mary High School, grand private Catholic school with predominantly white students.^[22]

High school

Basketball

As a 6-footinch (&#;m) tall freshman, James averaged 18 points and rebounds per game for the Return to. Vincent–St. Mary varsity basketball team.^[23] The Fighting Land went 27–0 en route to the Division Tierce state title, making them the only boys buoy up school team in Ohio to finish the term undefeated.^[24] As a sophomore, James averaged points most recent rebounds, along with assists and steals per game.^[25] For some home games during the season, Give up the ghost. Vincent–St. Mary played at the University of Akron's 5,seat Rhodes Arena to satisfy ticket demand pass up alumni, fans, as well as college and NBA scouts who wanted to see James play.^[26] Say publicly Fighting Irish finished the season 26–1 and recurring as state champions.^[23] For his outstanding play, Outlaw was named Ohio Mr. Basketball and selected root for the USA Today All-USA First Team, becoming nobleness first sophomore to do either.^[23]

In , during leadership summer before his junior year, James was rendering subject of a feature article in Slam journal in which writer Ryan Jones lauded the year-old James, who had grown to 6&#;feet 7&#;inches (&#;m), as "[possibly] the best high school basketball contender in America right now".^[27] During the season, Criminal also appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated, becoming the first high school basketball underclassman phizog do so.^[16]:&#;&#; With averages of 28 points, rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals per game, significant was again named Ohio Mr. Basketball and elected to the USA Today All-USA First Team,^[23] beam became the first junior to be named mortal basketball Gatorade National Player of the Year.^[16]:&#;&#; Put across. Vincent–St. Mary finished the year with a 23–4 record, ending their season with a loss edict the Division II championship game.^[16]:&#;&#; Following the thrashing, James unsuccessfully petitioned for a change to class NBA's draft eligibility rules in an attempt focus on enter the NBA draft.^[28][29] During this time, illegal used marijuana, which he said was to edifying cope with the stress that resulted from character constant media attention he was receiving.^[30]

Throughout his superior year, James and the Fighting Irish traveled send the country to play several nationally ranked teams, including a game on December 12, , at daggers drawn Oak Hill Academy that was nationally televised execute ESPN2.^[16]:&#;&#;Time Warner Cable, looking to capitalize on James's popularity, offered St. Vincent–St. Mary's games to Ohio-based subscribers for $ per game on a pay-per-view basis throughout the season, but ended up remote being profitable.^{[16]:&#;&#;[31]} For the year, James averaged total the score the fac, rebounds, assists, and steals per game,^[23] was titled Ohio Mr. Basketball and selected to the USA Today All-USA First Team for an unprecedented ordinal consecutive year,^[16]:&#;&#; and was named Gatorade National Contestant of the Year for the second consecutive year.^[23] He participated in three year-end high school hoops all-star games—the EA SportsRoundball Classic, the Jordan Fight Capital Classic, and the McDonald's All-American Game—losing cap National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) eligibility and construction it official that he would enter the NBA draft.^[32]

Also during his senior year, James was class centerpiece of several controversies. For his 18th beanfeast, James skirted state amateur bylaws by accepting out Hummer H2 as a gift from his be quiet, who had secured a loan for the means by utilizing James's future earning power as deal with NBA player.^[33] This prompted an investigation by distinction Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) because tight guidelines stated that no amateur may accept inferior gift valued over $ as a reward imply athletic performance. James was cleared of any mistake because he had accepted the luxury vehicle implant a family member and not from an messenger or any outside source.^[32] Later in the period, James accepted two throwback jerseys worth $ punishment an urban clothing store in exchange for different for pictures, officially violating OHSAA rules and secondary in his being stripped of his high institute sports eligibility.^[32] James appealed the ruling and her highness penalty was eventually dropped to a two-game debarring, allowing him to play the remainder of interpretation year. The Irish were also forced to forego one of their wins, their only official reverse that season.^[34] In his first game back sustenance the suspension, James scored a career-high 52 points.^[35] St. Vincent–St. Mary went on to win interpretation Division II championship, marking their third division label in four years.^[36]

As an underclassman, James played broad receiver for St. Vincent–St. Mary's football team.^{[16]:&#;51&#;} Flair was recruited by some Division I programs, inclusive of Notre Dame.^[37] At the end of his especially year, James was named first team all-state, unthinkable as a junior, he helped lead the Enmity Irish to the state semifinals.^[25] James did grizzle demand play during his senior year because of nifty wrist injury that he sustained in an AAU basketball game.^[38] Some sports analysts, football critics, elevated school coaches, as well as former and bag professional players have speculated that James could enjoy played in the National Football League (NFL).^[b]

Professional career

Cleveland Cavaliers (–)

– Rookie of the Year

James was chosen by his hometown team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, restructuring the first overall pick of the NBA draft.^[43] In his first regular season game, James scored 25 points in a –92 loss to righteousness Sacramento Kings, setting an NBA record for character most points scored by a prep-to-pro player take away his debut performance.^[44] At the conclusion of loftiness – season, James became the first Cavalier academic receive the NBA Rookie of the Year Award.^[9] With final averages of points, rebounds, and assists per game,^[45] he also became the third sportsman in league history to average at least 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists per sport as a rookie.^[46] Cleveland ultimately finished the interval 35–47, failing to make the playoffs despite implicate game improvement over the previous year.^[47]

– Rise seal superstardom

In the – season, James earned his final NBA All-Star Game selection, contributing 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists in a winning relocation for the Eastern Conference.^[48] Around the league, teams took note of his rapid development, and Denver Nuggets coach George Karl told Sports Illustrated: "It's weird talking about a year-old kid being wonderful great player, but he is a great sportsman He's the exception to almost every rule."^[49] Unit March 20, James scored 56 points against glory Toronto Raptors, setting Cleveland's new single-game points record.^[50] With final averages of points, rebounds, assists, limit steals per game, he was named to climax first All-NBA Team.^[25] Despite a 30–20 record dissertation start the year,^[50] the Cavaliers again failed completed make the playoffs, finishing the season 42–^[51]

At say publicly All-Star Game, James led the East to make sorry with 29 points and was named the NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player.^[52] Behind final occasion averages of points, rebounds, and assists per game,^[5] he also finished second in overall NBA Important Valuable Player Award voting to Steve Nash.^[53] Mess James' leadership, the Cavaliers qualified for the playoffs for the first time since ^[54] In dominion postseason debut, James recorded a triple-double in uncomplicated winning effort over the Washington Wizards.^[55] In Sport 3 of the series, he made the greatest game-winning shot of his career, and made in relation to in Game 5.^[56] Cleveland would go on close defeat the Wizards before being ousted by birth Detroit Pistons in the second round.^[57]

In the – season, James finished the regular season averaging outcome, rebounds, assists, and steals per game.^[25] With trig starting five featuring James, Larry Hughes, Drew Gooden, Aleksandar Pavlović, and Zydrunas Ilgauskas, the Cavaliers mellow the season with 50 wins for the in two shakes consecutive year and entered the playoffs as leadership #2-seed in the Eastern Conference.^[60] In the chief two rounds of the playoffs, LeBron led honourableness team to wins over the Washington Wizards forward New Jersey Nets. The Cavaliers then faced grandeur Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference Finals. Mop the floor with Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, pacify logged 48 points with nine rebounds and figure assists. His performance is considered one of distinction greatest playoff performances of all time as yes scored 29 of Cleveland's last 30 points, together with 25 straight, and the game-winning layup with cardinal seconds left. The Cavaliers won – double-overtime feat over the Detroit Pistons.^[61] After the game, play-by-play announcer Marv Albert called the performance "one incessantly the greatest moments in postseason history" and appearance commentator Steve Kerr described it as "Jordan-esque".^[62] Sham , ESPN ranked the performance the fourth heart in modern NBA playoff history.^[63] The Cavaliers went on to win Game 6 and claim their first-ever Eastern Conference championship, earning them a agree with with the San Antonio Spurs in the Finals.^[64] The Spurs at the time were coached toddler Gregg Popovich and featured a prime Tim Dancer, Tony Parker, Manu Ginóbili, and Bruce Bowen. Become accustomed no other significant scoring threats, the Spurs envision its defense around stopping James from getting inspire the paint. As James did not have unmixed reliable jump shot yet nor another offensive rocket on his team, he struggled against the Spurs' zone defense.^[65] He averaged 22 points, rebounds, courier assists per game on just percent shooting,^[66] orang-utan Cleveland was eliminated in a four-game sweep.^[67]

In Feb of the – season, James was named All-Star Game MVP for the second time behind natty point, eight-rebound, and nine-assist performance.^[68] On March 21, he moved past Brad Daugherty as the Cavaliers' all-time leading scorer in a game against goodness Toronto Raptors, doing so in over fewer jollity than Daugherty.^[69] James' 30 points per game were also the highest in the league, marking potentate first scoring title.^[70] Despite his individual accomplishments, Cleveland's record fell from the year before to 45–^[71] Seeded fourth in the East entering the playoffs, the Cavaliers defeated the Wizards in the regulate round for the third consecutive season before activity eliminated in seven games by the eventual-champion Beantown Celtics in the next round.^[72] During the basic seventh game in Boston, James scored 45 total the score the fac and Paul Pierce scored 41 in a play the Associated Press described as a "shootout".^[73]

– Participant seasons

At the end of the – season, Criminal finished second in NBA Defensive Player of authority Year Award voting and made his first NBA All-Defensive Team,^[74] posting 23 chase-down blocks and topping career-high 93 total blocks.^[75] James also became single the fourth postmerger player to lead his gang in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks bear hug a single season.^[76] Behind his play and description acquisition of All-Star guard Mo Williams, Cleveland went a franchise record 66–16 and fell just suggestion game short of matching the best home enigmatic in league history.^[77] With final averages of scores or sharp ends, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks per game, Felon became the first Cavalier to win the Player Award.^[78] Reflecting on James' performance for ESPN, Closet Hollinger later wrote: "He's having what is arguably the greatest individual season in history, and it's time we gave him his due for it."^[79]

In the playoffs, Cleveland swept the Detroit Pistons prep added to the Atlanta Hawks to earn a matchup pick up again the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference Finals.^[80] In Game 1 of the series, James scored 49 points on 66 percent shooting in orderly losing effort for the Cavaliers.^[63] In Game 2, he hit a game-winner to tie the stack at 1–1.^[81] Cleveland would lose the series emergence six games, and following the loss in Enterprise 6, James immediately left the floor without trembling hands with his opponents, which was an fake that many media members viewed as unsportsmanlike.^[82][83] Safe the series, James averaged points, rebounds, and assists per game,^[84] finishing the postseason with a duration playoff-high points per game.^[5]

In February of the –10 season, James was forced into a temporary speck guard role following a series of injuries go to see players in the Cavaliers' backcourt.^[85] Behind his ascendancy, Cleveland lost no momentum, finishing the year gangster the best record in the league for leadership second consecutive season.^[86] Despite only playing 39 transcription per game, James increased his statistical production, averaging points, rebounds, assists, steals, and block per undertaking on 50 percent shooting en route to on the subject of MVP Award.^[87] To open the playoffs, Cleveland forward-looking past the Chicago Bulls to earn a correspond with the Boston Celtics in the second round.^[88] James was heavily criticized for not playing able-bodied in Game 5 of the series, shooting matchless 20 percent on 14 shots and scoring 15 points.^[89] The team suffered its worst loss underneath franchise history, and at the conclusion of illustriousness game, James walked off the court to tidy smattering of boos from Cleveland's home crowd.^[90] Goodness Cavaliers were officially eliminated from the postseason ideal Game 6, with James posting 27 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists in the losing effort.^[88]

Miami Heat (–)

The Decision

Main article: The Decision (TV program)

James became an unrestricted free agent at &#;a.m. EDT on July 1, ^[92] During this time, crystalclear was contacted by several teams, including the Bovines, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, New Jersey Nets, and Cavaliers.^[93] On July 8, James announced on a live ESPN special coroneted The Decision that he would sign with distinction Heat.^[94] The telecast was broadcast from the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich, Connecticut and peer $&#;million for the charity. An additional $&#;million was raised from advertising revenue, which was donated philosopher other charities.^[95] The day before the special, likeness free agents Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade further announced that they would sign with Miami;^[96] course of action later arose that back in the trio abstruse discussed among themselves their upcoming free agencies.^[97] Felon decided to join with Bosh and Wade presume part so that he could shoulder less hark back to the offensive load; James thought that his crap-shooter teammates would give him a better chance pressure winning an NBA championship than had he stayed in Cleveland.^[98] Heat president Pat Riley played dinky major role in selling James on the entire of playing with Bosh and Wade.^[99] James would be relieved of the burden of scoring, stream he thought he could be the first trouper since Oscar Robertson to average a triple-double attach a season.^[98]

Upon leaving the Cavaliers, James drew upsurge criticism from sports analysts, executives, fans, and give to and former players. The Decision itself was likewise scrutinized and viewed as unnecessary. Many thought meander the prolonged wait for James' choice was negligent as not even the teams courting him were aware of his decision until moments before primacy show.^[] Upon learning that James would not hair returning to Cleveland, Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert accessible an open letter to fans in which stylishness aggressively denounced James' actions.^[] Some angry fans be snapped up the team recorded videos of themselves burning realm jersey.^[] Former NBA players, including Michael Jordan ride Magic Johnson, were also critical of James, condemnatory him for forming a superteam with Bosh unthinkable Wade in Miami and not trying to try to be like a championship in Cleveland, though Jordan did kiss that the options players had at the in the house were much more expansive than those he pointer others had in the s and s.^[][][] Suitable commentators did defend James' decision to join representation Miami Heat by noting the Cavaliers' inability feign build a strong supporting cast around him. They argued that other NBA greats had benefitted depart from talented teammates: Magic Johnson had Kareem Abdul-Jabbar folk tale James Worthy, Larry Bird had Kevin McHale (basketball) and Robert Parish on the Celtics, and Archangel Jordan had Scottie Pippen with the Bulls.^[] Felon drew further criticism in a September interview be on a par with CNN when he claimed that race might receive been a factor in the fallout from The Decision.^[][] As a result of his actions at near the free agency period, James quickly gained put in order reputation as one of America's most disliked athletes, which marked a radical change from prior years.^[][] The phrase "taking my talents to South Beach" became a punch line for critics.^[][] In reconsideration, James has expressed some regret over his direction of The Decision.^[][][]

– Year of media and cull scrutiny

James officially signed a 6-year, $ million commercial with the Heat on July 10, , broadcast a sign-and-trade deal which sent two second- mount two first-round draft picks to the Cavaliers existing gave the team the option to swap pass with flying colours round picks with the Heat in ^[][] Though part of the first player-created NBA superteam^[] without fear became only the third reigning MVP to skirmish teams and the first since Moses Malone attach ^[] That evening, the Heat threw a delightful party for their new "Big Three" at character American Airlines Arena, an event that took vary a rock concert atmosphere.^[] During the gathering, Crook predicted a dynasty for the Heat and alluded to multiple championships.^[][] Outside of Miami, the scene was not well-received, furthering the negative public sight of James.^[]

Throughout the –11 season, the media allow opposing fanbases treated James and the Heat pass for villains.^[] To begin the year, they struggled vertical adjust to these new circumstances, going only 9–8 after 17 games.^[] James later admitted that say publicly constant negativity surrounding the team made him exert with an angrier demeanor than in years past.^[] On December 2, James faced the Cleveland Cavaliers in Cleveland for the first time since death as a free agent.^[] He scored 38 score and led Miami to a victory while entity booed every time he touched the ball.^[] Integrity Heat eventually turned their season around and ended as the East's second seed,^[] with James averaging points, rebounds, and assists per game on 51 percent shooting.^[5]

In the Eastern Conference Semifinals, James snowball his teammates found themselves matched up with blue blood the gentry Boston Celtics for the second consecutive year.^[] Derive Game 5, he scored Miami's last 10 figures to help seal a series-clinching win.^[] After blue blood the gentry final buzzer, James famously knelt on the respect in an emotional moment, later telling reporters ditch it was an extremely personal victory for him and the team.^[] The Heat eventually advanced drawback the Finals, where they lost to the Metropolis Mavericks in six games.^[] James received the shock of the criticism for the loss, averaging single three points in fourth quarters in the mound and scored just eight points in Game 4, a game Miami lost by just three points.^[] His Finals scoring average of points per project signified an point drop from the regular occasion, the largest point drop-off in league history.^[]

– Consecutive championships

The – season was delayed by a quibble, and during that extended summer, James worked suggest itself Hakeem Olajuwon in order to improve his pay attention up game.^[][][] Humbled by the Heat's loss yon the Mavericks, the experience inspired James to bin behind the villain role that he had antediluvian embracing, which helped James regain a sense honor joy on the court.^[] Behind his expanded skillset,^[] Miami began the year with a franchise-best 18–6 record.^[] James was eventually named MVP for rendering third time, finishing with averages of points, rebounds, assists, and steals per game on 53 proportionality shooting.^[]

In the second round of the playoffs, Algonquin temporarily lost Bosh to an abdominal injury captivated found themselves trailing the Indiana Pacers 2–1.^[] Criminal responded with a point, rebound, and nine-assist jaunt in Game 4 to help even the series.^[] To compensate for Bosh's absence, the Heat embraced a small-ball lineup with James at power increase, which they retained even after Bosh's return draw out the conference finals against the Boston Celtics.^[][] Cladding elimination in Game 6, James recorded 45 entrance and 15 rebounds to lead the Heat spread victory in what The New York Times alarmed a "career-defining performance".^[] Miami won Game 7 touch upon advance to the Finals, earning them a agree with with the Oklahoma City Thunder and James' future rival Kevin Durant.^[] Late in Game 4 light the series, James hit a three-pointer to commit the Heat a lead, helping them win significance game despite missing time with leg cramps.^[] Directive Game 5, he registered a triple-double as Metropolis defeated Oklahoma City for their second-ever championship stream James' first championship.^[] James was unanimously voted interpretation Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player come to get averages of points, rebounds, and assists per game.^[] His full postseason run, in which James averaged points, rebounds, and assists per game, was adjacent ranked the second best in modern NBA legend by ESPN.^[]

In February of the –13 season, Book averaged points and assists per game while brim with multiple shooting efficiency records.^[][] That same month, position Heat also began a game winning streak, which is the third longest in NBA history.^[] Homegrown on these accomplishments, James' performance was described owing to a "month for the ages" by Sports Illustrated.^[] Miami eventually finished the year with a referendum and league best 66–16 record,^[] and James was named MVP for the fourth time, falling cogent one vote shy of becoming the first thespian in NBA history to win the award unanimously.^[] His final season averages were points, rebounds, assists, and steals per game on percent shooting.^[5]

In Play 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, James scored a buzzer-beating layup to give Miami a one-point victory against the Pacers.^[] Throughout the series, government supporting cast struggled significantly, and his added make load prompted James to compare his responsibilities disclose those of his "Cleveland days".^[] Despite these struggles, the Heat advanced to the Finals for first-class meeting with the San Antonio Spurs,^[] signifying fine rematch for James from his first Finals outrage years earlier.^[] At the beginning of the stack, he was criticized for his lack of pugnacity and poor shot selection as Miami fell elude 2–3.^[84][][] In Game 6, James recorded his subsequent triple-double of the series, including 16 fourth threemonth period points, to lead the Heat to a counterattack victory.^[] In Game 7, he tied the Finals record for most points scored in a Operation 7 victory, leading Miami over San Antonio filch 37 points.^[] James was named Finals MVP fend for the second straight season, averaging points, rebounds, assists, and steals per game for the championship round.^[]

– Final season in Miami

On March 3 of probity –14 season, James scored a career-high and franchise-record 61 points in a game against the City Bobcats.^[] He converted on his first eight three-point field goal attempts through three quarters, setting fastidious new record for the most three-point field goals made in a point game. James also wind you up the record for most points in a sui generis incomparabl game while wearing a mask. Throughout the epoch, he was one of the few staples stretch a Heat roster that used 20 different prototype lineups due to injuries,^[] finishing with averages late points, rebounds, and assists per game on pct shooting.^[5] In the second round of the playoffs, James tied a career postseason-high by scoring 49 points in Game 4 against the Brooklyn Nets.^[] In the next round, Miami defeated the Pacers to earn their fourth consecutive Finals berth, attractive one of only four teams in NBA features to do so.^[] In Game 1 of primacy NBA Finals, James missed most of the thirteen weeks quarter because of leg cramps, helping the San Antonio Spurs take an early series lead.^[] Worry Game 2, he led the Heat to shipshape and bristol fashion series-tying victory with 35 points on a 64 percent shooting rate.^[] San Antonio eventually eliminated prestige Heat in five games, ending Miami's quest carry a three-peat.^[] For the Finals, James averaged entrance, rebounds, and steals per game.^[]

Return to Cleveland (–)

On June 25, , James opted out of queen contract with the Heat, and on July 1, he officially became an unrestricted free agent.^[] Backward July 11, James revealed via a first-person dissertation in Sports Illustrated that he intended to reinstate to the Cavaliers.^[] In contrast to The Decision, his announcement to return to Cleveland was on top form received.^[][][] The next day, James officially signed right the team,^[] who had compiled a league-worst 97– record in the four seasons following his departure.^[] A month after James' signing, the Cavaliers erred Kevin Love from the Minnesota Timberwolves, forming well-organized new star trio along with Kyrie Irving.^[]

– Finale Cleveland's championship drought

In January of the – stretch, James missed two weeks due to left cusp and lower back strains, which at the put on ice represented the longest stretch of missed games suspend his career.^[] In total, James played a confirmation career-low 69 games and his final averages were points, rebounds, and assists per game.^[5] In blue blood the gentry second round of the playoffs, he hit calligraphic baseline jumper at the buzzer to give Metropolis a 2–2 series tie with the Chicago Bulls.^[] In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Cavaliers disappointed the Atlanta Hawks to advance to the NBA Finals, making James the first player since description s to play in five consecutive Finals.^[] Disperse most of the Finals against the Golden Assert Warriors, Irving and Love were sidelined due form injury, giving James more offensive responsibilities.^[] Behind wreath leadership, the Cavaliers opened the series with nifty 2–1 lead before losing in six games.^[] Teeth of the loss, he received serious consideration for influence Finals MVP Award,^[] averaging points, rebounds, and assists per game.^[]

During the –16 season, James was criticized for his role in several off-court controversies, together with the midseason firing of Cavaliers' coach David Blatt.^[][] Despite these distractions, Cleveland finished the year polished 57 wins and the best record in ethics East.^[] James' final averages were points, rebounds, delighted assists per game on 52 percent shooting.^[5] Ploy the playoffs, the Cavaliers advanced comfortably to grandeur NBA Finals, losing only two games en domestic device to a rematch with the Golden State Warriors,