Career Timeline of LeBron James: Major Achievements and Milestones

How LeBron James built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

LeBron James, nicknamed "King James", is a highly decorated American professional basketball player currently with the Los Angeles Lakers. He holds the record for the NBA's all-time leading scorer and has won four NBA championships across ten NBA Finals appearances, including eight consecutive from 2011-2018. He led the Lakers to victory in the inaugural NBA Cup in 2023. James has also achieved significant international success, winning three Olympic gold medals as a member of the U.S. national team.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1976: Abdul-Jabbar milestone

In 1976, Abdul-Jabbar was the first player in Lakers franchise history to put up at least 30 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists in a game.

1982: Third reigning MVP to change teams

In 1982, Moses Malone changed teams, making James the first since Malone to become the third reigning MVP to change teams.

1998: Cavaliers Qualify for the Playoffs

In 2006, Under LeBron James' leadership, the Cavaliers qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 1998.

2000: USA Gold Medal at the Olympics

In 2008, Team USA won their first gold medal since 2000.

2002: Petition to Enter NBA Draft Denied

In 2002, following a loss in the Division II championship game, LeBron James unsuccessfully petitioned for a change to the NBA's draft eligibility rules in an attempt to enter the NBA draft.

May 2003: Nike Endorsement Deal

In May 2003, James signed a seven-year endorsement deal with Nike for approximately $90 million, amidst a bidding war with Reebok and Adidas.

2003: Enters 2003 NBA Draft

In 2003, LeBron James participated in three year-end high school basketball all-star games, foregoing his National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) eligibility and making it official that he would enter the 2003 NBA draft.

2003: Drafted by Cleveland Cavaliers

In 2003, LeBron James was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the first overall pick of the NBA draft, launching his professional career.

2003: NBA Debut

In 2003, LeBron James was selected first overall in the NBA draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. In his first regular season game, he scored 25 points against the Sacramento Kings.

2003: Largest Lakers Comeback Since 2003

On February 28, 2024, James spearheaded a 21-point fourth-quarter comeback by the Lakers to beat the Los Angeles Clippers 116–112, marking the largest fourth-quarter comeback of James' career and the Lakers' biggest comeback since 2003.

2004: Olympics debut with Team USA

In 2004, as a 19-year-old rookie, James debuted for the United States national team at the Olympics in Athens, Greece. He averaged 5.8 points and 2.6 rebounds in eight games, and Team USA won a bronze medal.

2005: Left Aaron Goodwin as agent

In 2005, LeBron James left his first agent, Aaron Goodwin, and switched to Leon Rose.

2005: LeBron James Family Foundation Annual Bike-a-thon

In 2005, the LeBron James Family Foundation held its annual bike-a-thon to raise money for various causes.

2005: Sets Cleveland Single-Game Points Record

On March 20, 2005, LeBron James scored 56 points against the Toronto Raptors, setting Cleveland's new single-game points record.

2006: Negotiated three-year contract extension

In 2006, LeBron James and the Cavaliers negotiated a three-year, $60 million contract extension, allowing him to seek a new contract after the 2010 season.

2006: LeBron, Wade and Bosh discussed 2010 free agency

In 2006, LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade discussed their upcoming 2010 free agencies. This conversation laid the groundwork for their future collaboration in Miami.

2006: 2006-2007 NBA Season

In the 2006-2007 NBA season, LeBron James finished with an average of 27.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. The Cavaliers entered the playoffs as the #2-seed in the Eastern Conference with 50 wins.

2007: FIBA Americas Championship Gold Medal and Olympic Qualification

In 2007, James averaged 18.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game, including a 31-point performance against Argentina, at the FIBA Americas Championship, where Team USA went 10–0, winning the gold medal and qualifying for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.

2007: Second time coming off the bench

In 2007, James came off the bench for only the second time in his career.

2007: Eastern Conference Championship

In 2007, LeBron James led the Cavaliers to their first-ever Eastern Conference championship, earning them a matchup with the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals.

2007: First NBA Finals Appearance with Cavaliers

In 2007, LeBron James led the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first NBA Finals appearance, marking a significant milestone in his early career.

2007: Leon Rose joined CAA

In 2007, Leon Rose joined Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and worked with Henry Thomas to bring James to Miami in 2010.

2007: 2007 NBA Finals Performance

In the 2007 NBA Finals, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich implemented a strategy to exploit James' weaknesses by giving him space and forcing him to settle for three-pointers and long two-pointers. James converted on only 36 percent of his field goals in four games during the 2007 Finals.

2007: 2007-2008 NBA Season

In the 2007-2008 NBA season, LeBron James continued to make achievements, and was named All-Star Game MVP for the second time.

June 2008: Donation to Barack Obama Campaign

In June 2008, James donated $20,000 to a committee in support of Barack Obama for the 2008 U.S. presidential election.

2008: Olympic Gold Medal

In 2008, Team USA, including James, won their first gold medal since 2000 at the Olympics in Beijing, China, defeating Spain in the final game where James contributed 14 points, six rebounds, and three assists.

2008: All-Time Leading Scorer for the Cavaliers

On March 21, 2008, LeBron James became the Cavaliers' all-time leading scorer, surpassing Brad Daugherty in fewer games. That year, he also won his first scoring title.

2009: Proficient Chase-Down Blocker

In 2009, James became proficient at the chase-down block, which involves coming in from behind the opposition in transition to block the shot.

2009: All-Defensive Honors

In 2009, LeBron James earned All-Defensive honors.

2009: Wins First MVP Award

In 2009, LeBron James won his first MVP Award and led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a franchise-record 66-16 season.

2009: Release of More Than a Game

In 2009, SpringHill Entertainment, James' production company, released its first work, the documentary "More Than a Game," chronicling James' high school years.

2009: Point Guard Role

In February of the 2009-10 season, James was forced into a temporary point guard role following a series of injuries to players in the Cavaliers' backcourt.

July 1, 2010: James Becomes an Unrestricted Free Agent

On July 1, 2010, LeBron James became an unrestricted free agent at 12:01 a.m. EDT, leading to contact from several teams. This marked a pivotal moment in his career as he weighed his options for the future.

July 10, 2010: Signing with the Miami Heat

On July 10, 2010, LeBron James officially signed a 6-year, $110 million contract with the Miami Heat, creating the 'Big Three' with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. This event was marked by a rock concert-like welcome party at the American Airlines Arena.

2010: Move to the Heat Defined a Decade of Player Movement

Ben Golliver of The Washington Post opined that LeBron 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."

2010: Option to seek new contract

Following the 2010 season, LeBron James had the option of seeking a new contract as an unrestricted free agent, eventually leading to his move to the Heat with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

2010: Move to Miami orchestrated by CAA

In 2010, CAA agents Leon Rose and Henry Thomas worked together to facilitate LeBron James's move to Miami, along with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

2010: Did not play at the FIBA World Championship

In 2010, James did not play at the FIBA World Championship but rejoined Team USA for the 2012 Olympics in London, England.

2010: Criticism after Leaving Cavaliers

In 2010, LeBron James faced intense criticism from various figures after leaving the Cavaliers. His move was viewed negatively, leading to a damaged reputation and the infamous phrase "taking my talents to South Beach".

2010: Move to Miami Heat

In 2010, LeBron James moved to Miami in pursuit of championships.

2010: Second MVP Award and Move to Miami Heat

In 2010, LeBron James secured his second consecutive NBA MVP award, and then controversially joined the Miami Heat as a free agent, a decision revealed in a nationally televised special called "The Decision."

2010: Dealing with Negativity

Throughout 2010, LeBron James and the Heat faced constant media negativity, impacting James' demeanor. He later played against the Cavaliers in Cleveland, December 2, scoring 38 points amid boos.

2011: Football contract offers during NBA lockout

During the 2011 NBA lockout, LeBron James received contract offers from the Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks to play professional football, which he seriously considered.

2011: Partnership with Fenway Sports Group

In 2011, Fenway Sports Group became the sole global marketer of James' rights, granting him a minority stake in the English Premier League football club Liverpool.

2011: First NBA Finals Appearance

In 2011, LeBron James made his first of eight consecutive NBA Finals appearances.

2011: Improving Post Up Game

In 2011, during the NBA lockout, LeBron James worked with Hakeem Olajuwon to improve his post up game, inspired by the Heat's loss to the Mavericks.

2012: Ranked Among Top NBA Defenders

In 2012, James developed into a more versatile defensive player, and the Heat relied on him to guard all five positions.

2012: Second Straight Gold Medal at the Olympics

In 2012, James led Team USA to their second straight gold medal at the Olympics in London, England, defeating Spain in the final game. He recorded the first triple-double in U.S. Olympic basketball history during a game against Australia and became the all-time leading scorer in U.S. men's basketball history.

2012: Left CAA for Rich Paul

In 2012, LeBron James left Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and began to be represented by Rich Paul.

2012: Named MVP for the third time

In 2012, LeBron James was named MVP for the third time, finishing with averages of 27.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.9 steals per game on 53 percent shooting.

2012: First NBA Championship with Heat

In 2012, LeBron James won his first NBA championship with the Miami Heat, also earning both the regular season MVP and Finals MVP awards.

2012: Investment in Blaze Pizza

In 2012, LeBron James, along with Carter and Paul Wachter, invested less than $1 million in Blaze Pizza, a fast-casual chain based in Pasadena.

2012: Option to Swap First Round Picks

In 2012, as part of the sign-and-trade deal when LeBron James signed with the Heat, the Cavaliers had the option to swap first-round picks with the Heat.

2012: James' "Month for the Ages"

In February 2012, LeBron James averaged 29.7 points and 7.8 assists per game, setting shooting efficiency records. Sports Illustrated described it as a "month for the ages".

2013: Most Popular Player in the NBA

By 2013, LeBron James' 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.

2013: Highest Paid Basketball Player

In 2013, James surpassed Bryant as the highest paid basketball player in the world, with earnings of $56.5 million.

2013: Second NBA Championship with Heat

In 2013, LeBron James secured his second NBA championship with the Miami Heat, along with his second MVP and Finals MVP awards in consecutive years.

2013: Career-High 61 Points

On March 3, 2013, LeBron James scored a career-high and franchise-record 61 points in a game against the Charlotte Bobcats, also setting a record for the most three-point field goals made in a 60-point game.

June 25, 2014: Opted out of Heat contract

On June 25, 2014, LeBron James opted out of his contract with the Heat, officially becoming an unrestricted free agent.

2014: Regression in Defensive Impact

Beginning in 2014, some analysts reported a regression in LeBron James' defensive impact, stemming from a lack of effort and expected age-related declines.

2014: Dealing with Cramps

In 2014, James partnered with Arnold 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.

2014: Profit from Apple's Acquisition of Beats Electronics

In 2014, James realized a profit of more than $30 million as part of Apple's acquisition of Beats Electronics due to a small stake he had in the company in exchange for promoting its headphones.

2014: Request to Increase All-Star Break Duration

In 2014, LeBron James asked commissioner Adam Silver to increase the duration of the All-Star break, and the request was granted the following season.

2014: All-Defensive Honors

In 2014, LeBron James earned All-Defensive honors.

2014: Return to Cleveland Cavaliers

In 2014, LeBron James made a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers after four seasons with the Miami Heat.

2014: Most Popular Male Athlete in America

In 2014, LeBron James was named the most popular male athlete in America by the Harris Poll.

2014: Lowest Scoring Output in a Series Since 2014

In the 2021 playoffs against the Phoenix Suns, LeBron James averaged 23.3 points. This was his fourth-lowest scoring output for a series over his career and his lowest mark since averaging 22.8 in the 2014 Eastern Conference finals.

February 13, 2015: Elected Vice President of NBPA

On February 13, 2015, LeBron James was elected the first vice president of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA).

2015: Partnership with the University of Akron

In 2015, James announced a partnership with the University of Akron to provide scholarships for as many as 2,300 children beginning in 2021.

2015: Appearance in Trainwreck and Investment in Uninterrupted

In 2015, James played himself in the film "Trainwreck" and his digital video company Uninterrupted raised $15.8 million to expand athlete-created content.

2015: Sixth Highest Earning Sportsperson

In 2015, James was ranked the sixth highest earning sportsperson in the world.

2015: Hitting a Buzzer Beater

In 2015, during the second round of the playoffs, LeBron James hit a baseline jumper at the buzzer to give Cleveland a 2–2 series tie with the Chicago Bulls.

2015: Lowest Scoring Averages Since Rookie Season

In 2015, upon returning to the Cavaliers, James experienced subtle age-related declines in productivity, posting his lowest scoring averages since his rookie season.

November 2016: Endorsement and Campaigning for Hillary Clinton

In November 2016, James endorsed and campaigned for Hillary Clinton in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

2016: Defensive Regression Reported

Beginning in 2016, some analysts reported a regression in LeBron James' defensive impact, stemming from a lack of effort and expected age-related declines.

2016: CNBC's Cleveland Hustles

In 2016, CNBC aired an unscripted series hosted by James called "Cleveland Hustles", where entrepreneurs were financed to revitalize a neighborhood in Cleveland.

2016: Donation to Smithsonian National Museum

In 2016, James donated $2.5 million to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture to support an exhibit on Muhammad Ali.

2016: Third Highest Earning Sportsperson

In 2016, James was ranked the third highest earning sportsperson in the world, after Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

2016: Lowest Scoring Averages Since Rookie Season

In 2016, LeBron James continued to experience subtle age-related declines in productivity, posting his lowest scoring averages since his rookie season.

2016: First Championship for Cleveland Cavaliers

In 2016, LeBron James led the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first-ever NBA championship, overcoming a 3-1 deficit against the Golden State Warriors and ending Cleveland's sports curse.

2016: Signed three-year deal with Cavaliers

In 2016, LeBron James signed a three-year deal with the Cavaliers, becoming the highest-paid player in the league for the first time in his career.

2016: Described Strangest Season

LeBron James described the 2016–17 season as one of the "strangest" years of his career due to injuries and unexpected losses for the Cavaliers.

November 2017: Approval of the I Promise School

In November 2017, the Akron School Board approved the I Promise School, a public elementary school created in partnership with the LJFF to help struggling elementary school students.

2017: Blaze Pizza investment growth

By 2017, LeBron James' investment in Blaze Pizza had grown to $25 million. He later became a spokesman for the company after his contract with McDonald's ended.

2017: Executive Production of The Carter Effect

In 2017, James executive produced the Vince Carter documentary "The Carter Effect", which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.

2017: J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award

In 2017, James received the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award from the NBA for his "outstanding service and dedication to the community."

2017: Cavaliers Overhauled Their Roster

Prior to the start of the 2017–18 season, the Cavaliers overhauled their roster by trading Kyrie Irving to the Boston Celtics, who requested a trade in part because he no longer wanted to play with James.

February 2018: Announcement of House Party Film and "Shut Up and Dribble" Documentary

In February 2018, it was announced that James' production company would produce a new "House Party" film. Following Laura Ingraham's criticism, James created the documentary series "Shut Up and Dribble."

June 29, 2018: Opted out of Contract with Cavaliers

On June 29, 2018, LeBron James opted out of his contract with the Cavaliers and became an unrestricted free agent.

July 30, 2018: Opening of the I Promise School

On July 30, 2018, the I Promise School officially opened, with James reflecting that it was his most important professional accomplishment.

2018: Eighth Consecutive NBA Finals Appearance

In 2018, LeBron James concluded a streak of eight consecutive NBA Finals appearances.

2018: Signs with the Lakers

In 2018, LeBron James signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, marking the next chapter in his NBA career.

2018: Lakers struggle to find effective lineups

In 2018, after LeBron James signed with the Lakers, the team struggled to find effective lineups to start the 2018-19 season, recording only two wins through their first seven games.

February 2019: Executive Producer of 2 Chainz Album

In February 2019, James was revealed to be the executive producer of 2 Chainz's album "Rap or Go to the League", which aimed to celebrate black excellence and focus on education and entrepreneurship.

2019: Lakers hire Frank Vogel and trade for Anthony Davis

In 2019, The Lakers hired Frank Vogel as their new head coach and traded for Anthony Davis. LeBron James embraced the improved roster and transformed his playing style. The Lakers opened the 2019-20 season with a 17-2 record, matching the best start in franchise history.

2019: Lakers Miss Playoffs for First Time Since 2019

On April 5, 2022, the Lakers were eliminated from both playoff and play-in contention for the first time since 2019 (James's first season with the Lakers) after a loss to the Phoenix Suns.

August 19, 2020: Support for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris

On August 19, 2020, James announced his support for the Joe Biden 2020 presidential campaign and Kamala Harris. He also supported the More Than a Vote movement and encouraged African-American community to vote.

August 27, 2020: Boycott of 2020 NBA Playoffs

On August 27, 2020, James and his Lakers teammates, along with the Bucks, began boycotting the 2020 NBA playoffs to protest the shooting of Jacob Blake. Subsequently, James sought counsel from Barack Obama, who advised continuing the season.

November 2020: Angel investor in Lobos 1707

In November 2020, LeBron James became an angel investor in Lobos 1707, a tequila and mezcal company.

December 22, 2020: Start of the 2020-2021 NBA season

On December 22, 2020, the 2020–2021 NBA season began with a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. This season was reduced to 72 games due to the COVID-19 pandemic and started after the shortest offseason in NBA history.

2020: Championship with the Lakers

In 2020, LeBron James won another NBA title with the Los Angeles Lakers, becoming the first player to win Finals MVP with three different teams.

February 18, 2021: James reaches 35,000 career points

On February 18, 2021, LeBron James became the third player in NBA history to reach 35,000 career points, joining Hall of Famers Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone. At 36 years and 50 days old, he was the youngest player to reach this milestone.

March 2021: Assisted Renee Montgomery in buying the Atlanta Dream

In March 2021, LeBron James assisted Dream player Renee Montgomery in her bid to buy the WNBA's Atlanta Dream, after expressing frustration with comments made by Kelly Loeffler. That same year, James joined Fenway Sports Group as a partner.

2021: Joined by Carmelo Anthony and Russell Westbrook

In 2021, LeBron James was joined by Carmelo Anthony and Russell Westbrook on the Lakers.

2021: Scholarship Program Begins

In 2021, the scholarship program announced in 2015 with the University of Akron to provide scholarships for as many as 2,300 children began.

February 26, 2022: Streak of 23 Consecutive 25-Point Games

From December 19 to February 26, 2022, LeBron James played 23 out of 27 games and had a streak of 23 consecutive 25-point games.

June 2022: Launch of Hana Kuma Media Company

In June 2022, James announced the launch of Hana Kuma, a media company in partnership with Naomi Osaka and Maverick Carter.

August 2022: Part owner of A.C. Milan

In August 2022, LeBron James, along with Drake, became part owners of the Italian football club A.C. Milan.

August 18, 2022: James re-signs with the Lakers

On August 18, 2022, LeBron James re-signed with the Lakers on a two-year, $97.1 million contract, making him the highest-paid athlete in NBA history with $528.9 million in all-time earnings.

2022: Crypto.com NFT Airdrop and Partnership

In 2022, Crypto.com launched an NFT airdrop featuring James. Also in 2022, the LeBron James Family Foundation partnered with Crypto.com to educate Akron communities on blockchain technology and Web3 tools.

2022: Desire to Play Into Forties

In 2022, LeBron James voiced his desire to play into his forties potentially alongside or against his sons Bronny and Bryce.

2022: Celebration at the 2022 NBA All-Star Game

In 2022, LeBron James was celebrated among the other 74 players for the NBA 75th Anniversary Team at the NBA All-Star Game held in Cleveland. He led all players in fan votes with his 18th All-Star selection. His team achieved its fifth consecutive All-Star victory, defeating Team Durant 163–161, with James hitting the game-winning dagger shot in front of his hometown crowd.

January 9, 2023: James receives 66th Player of the Week award

On January 9, 2023, LeBron James received his 66th Player of the Week award, doubling the career total of runner-up Kobe Bryant.

February 7, 2023: James Becomes All-Time Leading Scorer in NBA History

On February 7, 2023, LeBron James passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the all-time leading scorer in NBA history. Abdul-Jabbar had previously set the record on April 5, 1984, eight months before James was born. The game was stopped for an on-court ceremony where James received the game ball from Abdul-Jabbar.

May 2023: Becomes a Billionaire

According to Forbes, in May 2023, James became the first active NBA player to achieve billionaire status, making him one of the richest celebrities.

2023: Oldest Player in the League

Entering the 2023-24 season, LeBron James became the oldest player in the league, following the retirements of Udonis Haslem and Andre Iguodala.

2023: Lakers reach Western Conference finals

In 2023, James scored 30 points to lead the Lakers to a victory over the Golden State Warriors in Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals, securing their spot in the Western Conference finals. He also surpassed Derek Fisher for the most all-time playoff series wins in NBA history, with 41.

2023: NBA All-Time Leading Scorer

In 2023, LeBron James surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA's all-time leading scorer, cementing his legacy in basketball history.

2023: Lakers Win Inaugural NBA Cup

In 2023, LeBron James won the inaugural NBA Cup with the Los Angeles Lakers, adding to his achievements.

2023: Career Averages as of 2023-24 Season

In 2023, through the 2023–24 season, LeBron James' career averages are 27.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game.

March 2024: Launch of Mind the Game Podcast

In March 2024, James and JJ Redick launched a podcast called "Mind the Game", featuring conversations about basketball.

June 2024: Suspension of Mind the Game Podcast

The "Mind the Game" podcast was suspended in June 2024 after JJ Redick was hired as head coach for the Los Angeles Lakers.

July 6, 2024: Re-signs with the Lakers

On July 6, 2024, James re-signed with the Lakers.

October 22, 2024: First Game Sharing the Court with Bronny

On October 22, 2024, in the season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves, LeBron James and his son Bronny James shared the court for the first time, marking a historic moment.

October 31, 2024: Support for Kamala Harris 2024 Campaign

On October 31, 2024, James announced his support for the Kamala Harris 2024 presidential campaign in a video posted on social media.

2024: All-NBA Team Selections

As of 2024, LeBron James has been named to 20 All-NBA Teams, including 13 times to the First Team, which are both NBA records.

2024: Joins the National Team and Named Flag-Bearer

In 2024, James rejoined the national team on the Olympic squad in Paris as Team Captain and was named as one of the two Team USA flag-bearers for the opening ceremony of the games. Team USA went on to win their fifth straight gold medal, defeating France 98–87 in the final game, with James recording 14 points, 6 rebounds and 10 assists.

2024: First Father-Son Teammates

In 2024, LeBron James and his son Bronny became the first father-son teammates in NBA league history.

January 3, 2025: Most 30-Point Games in NBA History

On January 3, 2025, James put up 30 points and surpassed Jordan for the most 30-point games in NBA history, and he also passed Dirk Nowitzki for the fourth-most games played in the regular season.