Life is full of challenges, and LeBron James faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.
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.
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.
Share
2007: Struggles in the 2007 Finals
In the 2007 NBA Finals, LeBron James struggled with his shooting, converting on only 36 percent of his field goals in four games, as the Spurs exploited his unreliable jump shot by giving him space and forcing him to settle for difficult shots.
Share
January 2009: Jaw Growth Discovered in January 2009
In January 2009, doctors at the Cleveland Clinic discovered a growth in the right side of LeBron James's jaw.
Share
2010: Lakers had not appeared in the Finals since 2010
In 2010, was the last time the Lakers had appeared in the Finals, something that LeBron James was expected to change upon his arrival.
Share
2014: Defensive Regression Reports Beginning in 2014
Beginning in 2014, some analysts reported a regression in LeBron James' defensive impact, stemming from a lack of effort and expected age-related declines.
Share
2014: Cramps during 2014 Finals
In 2014, James dealt with severe cramps during the finals which led to his partnership with Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2018 to found Ladder, a company that developed nutritional supplements for athletes.
Share
2014: Lakers missed the playoffs
In 2014, the Lakers missed the playoffs, something that LeBron James was expected to change upon his arrival.
Share
2015: Age-Related Decline and Shooting Regression in 2015
In 2015, LeBron James experienced subtle age-related declines in productivity, posting his lowest scoring average since his rookie season. His shooting temporarily regressed, briefly ranking as the NBA's worst high-volume shooter from outside the paint.
Share
2016: Defensive Decline in 2016
By 2016, during his second stint in Cleveland, LeBron James' defense progressively declined, with less help off the ball and less aggressive switching.
Share
2016: Continued Decline and Shooting Regression in 2016
In 2016, LeBron James continued to experience subtle age-related declines in productivity, posting his lowest scoring average since his rookie season. His shooting temporarily regressed, briefly ranking as the NBA's worst high-volume shooter from outside the paint.
Share
2018: Lakers struggled to find effective lineups
In 2018, the Lakers struggled to find effective lineups, recording only two wins through their first seven games after LeBron James signed with them. They were expected to immediately transform into a championship contender, but the team struggled initially.
Share
2019: Lakers missed playoff contention
In 2019, Lakers missed playoff contention.
Share