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 an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers. Widely considered one of the greatest basketball players ever, he is frequently compared to Michael Jordan in debates about the sport's all-time best. James has won four NBA championships in 10 NBA Finals appearances, including eight consecutive appearances between 2011 and 2018. He also won the inaugural NBA Cup in 2023 with the Lakers, and has won three Olympic gold medals as a member of the U.S. national team, and the Olympics MVP in the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Sections (6)

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

1981: Magic Johnson's Consecutive Triple-Doubles

In 1981, Magic Johnson made consecutive triple-doubles for the Lakers.

1982: Third reigning MVP to change teams

In 1982 James became the third reigning MVP to change teams since Moses Malone.

1987: Magic Johnson's Consecutive Triple-Doubles

In 1987, Magic Johnson made consecutive triple-doubles for the Lakers.

2003: NBA Debut

In 2003, LeBron James played his first regular season game, scoring 25 points against the Sacramento Kings.

2003: Nike Deal

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

2003: Drafted by Cavaliers

In 2003, LeBron James was selected first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA draft.

2005: James missed the playoffs

In 2005, James missed the playoffs for the first time since his career began. This was the first time that James missed the playoffs since 2005.

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

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

2006: Contract Extension with Cavaliers

In 2006, LeBron James and the Cavaliers negotiated a three-year, $60 million contract extension, providing him the option to seek a new, more lucrative contract as an unrestricted free agent after the 2010 season.

2007: LeBron Comes Off the Bench

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

2007: Co-hosting the ESPY Awards

In 2007, LeBron James co-hosted the ESPY Awards with comedian Jimmy Kimmel.

June 2008: Donation to Barack Obama Campaign

In June 2008, LeBron James donated $20,000 to a committee supporting Barack Obama's presidential campaign.

2008: Bryant had back-to-back 50-point home games

In 2008, Bryant had back-to-back 50-point home games.

2009: Proficient Chase-Down Blocker in 2009

In 2009, LeBron James became proficient at the chase-down block, which involves blocking shots from behind during transition plays.

2009: Release of More Than a Game

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

2009: Temporary Point Guard

In February of 2009, LeBron 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 and was contacted by several teams.

July 10, 2010: James signs with the Heat

On July 10, 2010, James signed a 6-year, $110 million contract with the Miami Heat, forming a superteam with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, and predicted multiple championships.

2010: Move to the Heat in 2010 Defined 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: Free Agency Option

In 2010, LeBron James had the option to become a free agent, which ultimately allowed him to sign with the Miami Heat alongside Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

2010: Move to Miami

In 2010, Leon Rose and Henry Thomas worked together to bring LeBron James to Miami.

2011: Fenway Sports Group Deal

In 2011, Fenway Sports Group became the sole global marketer of LeBron James' rights, granting him a minority stake in Liverpool Football Club.

2011: Part-Owner of Liverpool F.C.

In 2011, LeBron James became a part-owner of Liverpool F.C.

2012: Versatile Defender in 2012

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

2012: Investment in Blaze Pizza

In 2012, LeBron James, Maverick Carter, and Paul Wachter invested in Blaze Pizza, with their investment growing to $25 million by 2017.

2013: James Scores Career-High 61 Points

During the 2013-14 season, James scored a career-high and franchise-record 61 points in a game against the Charlotte Bobcats, showcasing exceptional offensive prowess.

2013: Highest Paid Basketball Player

In 2013, LeBron James surpassed Kobe Bryant to become the highest-paid basketball player in the world, earning $56.5 million.

June 25, 2014: James opts out of Heat contract

On June 25, 2014, James opted out of his contract with the Heat, setting the stage for his return to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

2014: Lowest scoring output

In 2014, James had the lowest scoring output in the Eastern Conference finals.

2014: Beats Electronics Profit

In 2014, LeBron James profited over $30 million from Apple's acquisition of Beats Electronics due to his early stake in the company.

2015: Partnership with University of Akron Announced in 2015

In 2015, LeBron 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 Uninterrupted Funding

In 2015, LeBron James appeared in the film Trainwreck, receiving positive reviews. His digital video company Uninterrupted raised $15.8 million from Warner Bros. and Turner Sports.

2015: Ranked Sixth Highest Earning Sportsperson

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

November 2016: Endorsement for Hillary Clinton

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

2016: CNBC's Cleveland Hustles

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

2016: Donation to Smithsonian in 2016

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

2016: Highest-Paid Player

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

2016: Ranked Third Highest Earning Sportsperson

In 2016, LeBron James was ranked as the third-highest-earning sportsperson, behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

November 2017: I Promise School Approved in November 2017

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

2017: Growth of Blaze Pizza Investment

By 2017, LeBron James' investment in Blaze Pizza, made in 2012, had grown to $25 million.

2017: The Carter Effect Documentary

In 2017, LeBron James executive produced The Carter Effect, a Vince Carter documentary, alongside Maverick Carter, Drake, and Future the Prince, at the Toronto International Film Festival.

2017: J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award in 2017

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

June 29, 2018: James opts out of Cavaliers contract

On June 29, 2018, James opted out of his contract with the Cavaliers, becoming an unrestricted free agent, leading to his decision to join the Los Angeles Lakers.

July 30, 2018: I Promise School Officially Opened on July 30, 2018

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

February 2019: Executive Producer of Rap or Go to the League

In February 2019, LeBron James was revealed as the executive producer of 2 Chainz's album, Rap or Go to the League, aiming to celebrate black excellence.

2019: "Taco Tuesday" Trademark Request Denied

In 2019, LeBron James' request to trademark "Taco Tuesday" was denied by the United States Patent and Trademark Office because it was a commonplace term.

2019: Lakers hired Frank Vogel

In 2019, the Lakers hired Frank Vogel as their new head coach and traded for Anthony Davis. James embraced the improved roster by changing his playing style.

2019: LeBron's Previous Record

In November 2019, LeBron set a record for the oldest player to record a triple-double in three consecutive games, which he later broke.

August 19, 2020: Support for Joe Biden's Presidential Campaign

On August 19, 2020, LeBron James announced his support for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in the 2020 U.S. presidential election, advocating for African-American voter turnout.

November 2020: Angel Investor in Lobos 1707

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

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

On February 18, 2021, James became the third player in NBA history to reach 35,000 career points, joining Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone. He was the youngest to reach this milestone.

March 2021: Assistance in Atlanta Dream Purchase

In March 2021, LeBron James assisted Renee Montgomery in her successful bid to buy the WNBA's Atlanta Dream, following controversial comments by the team's owner.

2021: Scholarships Beginning in 2021

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

2021: Joined by Carmelo Anthony and Russell Westbrook

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

2021: Russell Westbrook's Consecutive Triple-Doubles

In 2021, Russell Westbrook made consecutive triple-doubles for the Lakers.

February 26, 2022: Streak of 23 consecutive 25-point games

On February 26, 2022, LeBron James had a streak of 23 consecutive 25-point games.

June 2022: Launching Hana Kuma

In June 2022, LeBron 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 became a part owner of the Italian football club A.C. Milan, alongside Canadian musician Drake.

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

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

2022: Crypto.com Super Bowl Ad

During Super Bowl LVI in 2022, LeBron James appeared in a Crypto.com advertisement, conversing with a CGI version of his younger self, which sparked social media buzz.

2022: Partnership with Crypto.com

In 2022, LeBron James Family Foundation partnered with Crypto.com to educate underserved Akron communities on blockchain and Web3 technologies.

2022: Celebrated at the 2022 NBA All-Star Game

In 2022, at the NBA All-Star Game held in Cleveland, James was celebrated among the other 74 players for the NBA 75th Anniversary Team and hit the game-winning shot.

February 7, 2023: Became NBA Leading Scorer

On February 7, 2023, LeBron James surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA's leading scorer.

May 2023: Becomes a Billionaire

In May 2023, according to Forbes, LeBron James became the first active NBA player to achieve billionaire status.

2023: Entering 2023-24 Season

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

January 25, 2024: James Named All-Star Starter

On January 25, 2024, James was named an All-Star starter for the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, marking his 20th NBA All-Star selection, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most All-Star selections in NBA history.

March 2024: Launches Mind the Game Podcast

In March 2024, LeBron James and JJ Redick launched a podcast called Mind the Game, focusing on basketball conversations.

July 6, 2024: James Re-Signs with Lakers

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

October 31, 2024: Support for Kamala Harris 2024 presidential campaign

On October 31, 2024, James announced his support for the Kamala Harris 2024 presidential campaign in the 2024 U.S. presidential election.

January 3, 2025: James Surpasses Jordan

On January 3, 2025, James surpassed Michael Jordan for the most 30-point games in NBA history.