History of LeBron James in Timeline
LeBron James, nicknamed "King James", is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers. He holds the title of the NBA's all-time leading scorer and boasts an impressive record of four NBA championships from 10 NBA Finals appearances, including eight consecutive appearances from 2011-2018. James also secured the inaugural NBA Cup in 2023 with the Lakers and has won three Olympic gold medals with the U.S. national team. Widely regarded as one of basketball's all-time greats, his accomplishments solidify his place among the sport's elite.
1976: First Laker since Abdul-Jabbar to put up at least 30 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists in a game
On January 27, 2024, James put up a triple-double with 36 points, a career-high 20 rebounds, and 12 assists in a 145–144 double overtime victory over the Golden State Warriors, becoming the first in Lakers history since Abdul-Jabbar in 1976 to put up at least 30 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists in a game.
1981: Tying Lakers Record
On November 15, 2024, he recorded his fourth consecutive triple-double of the season with 15 points, 16 rebounds, and 12 assists, in a 120–115 victory against the San Antonio Spurs, breaking his own record for the most consecutive triple-doubles made. He tied the Lakers record for the most consecutive triple-doubles, joining Magic Johnson (1981, 1987) and Russell Westbrook (2021).
December 30, 1984: LeBron James' Birth
On December 30, 1984, LeBron Raymone James was born. He is an American professional basketball player.
August 27, 1986: Savannah Brinson's Birthdate
August 27, 1986 marks the birthdate of Savannah Brinson, who would later become Savannah James, LeBron James' wife.
1987: Tying Lakers Record
On November 15, 2024, he recorded his fourth consecutive triple-double of the season with 15 points, 16 rebounds, and 12 assists, in a 120–115 victory against the San Antonio Spurs, breaking his own record for the most consecutive triple-doubles made. He tied the Lakers record for the most consecutive triple-doubles, joining Magic Johnson (1981, 1987) and Russell Westbrook (2021).
1998: Cavaliers Playoff Berth
In 1998, prior to LeBron James's arrival, was the last time the Cavaliers qualified for the playoffs.
2000: 2008 Olympics Gold Medal
At the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China, Team USA won their first gold medal since 2000. In the final game against Spain, James had 14 points, six rebounds, and three assists.
2001: Feature in Slam Magazine
In 2001, before his junior year, LeBron James was featured in a Slam magazine article that praised his basketball abilities.
December 12, 2002: Game Against Oak Hill Academy
On December 12, 2002, LeBron James and the Fighting Irish played against Oak Hill Academy, a nationally ranked team, in a game televised on ESPN2.
2002: Petitioned for NBA Draft Eligibility
In 2002, following a loss in the Division II championship game, James unsuccessfully petitioned for a change to the NBA's draft eligibility rules.
May 2003: Signing with Nike
In May 2003, LeBron James signed a seven-year deal with Nike for approximately $90 million.
2003: Custom-Built Mansion in Akron, Ohio in 2003
In 2003, James custom-built a 30,000 square foot mansion in Akron, Ohio, at a cost of $2.1 million.
2003: Entered 2003 NBA draft
In 2003, LeBron James entered the 2003 NBA draft after losing his National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) eligibility and participating in year-end high school basketball all-star games.
2003: Selected First Overall in NBA Draft
In 2003, LeBron James was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the first overall pick in the NBA draft, marking the start of his professional career.
2003: Selected by Cavaliers and NBA Debut
In 2003, the Cleveland Cavaliers selected LeBron James as the first overall pick of the 2003 NBA draft and he chose jersey number 23. In his debut regular season game, James scored 25 points against the Sacramento Kings. At the end of the 2003-04 season, he was named NBA Rookie of the Year.
2004: Olympic Debut
As a 19-year-old rookie, James made his debut for the United States national team at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece. He averaged 14.6 minutes per game with 5.8 points, and 2.6 rebounds per game. Team USA finished the competition with a bronze medal.
2004: Ultimatum to Improve Attitude
Before naming James to the 2008 Olympic team, Team USA managing director Jerry Colangelo and coach Mike Krzyzewski gave James an ultimatum to improve his attitude.
2004: First NBA All-Star Game Selection
In the 2004-05 season, LeBron James earned his first NBA All-Star Game selection, contributing 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists in a winning effort for the Eastern Conference.
2005: Left Aaron Goodwin
In 2005, James left his first agent, Aaron Goodwin, for Leon Rose.
2005: Missed the playoffs
In 2005, James missed the playoffs for the first time.
2005: Time's 100 Most Influential People
In 2005, LeBron James was listed among Time's 100 most influential people in the world, highlighting his impact beyond basketball.
2005: LJFF Annual Bike-A-Thon
In 2005, The LeBron James Family Foundation (LJFF) started holding an annual bike-a-thon to raise money for various causes.
2006: FIBA World Championship
At the 2006 FIBA World Championship in Japan, James took on a greater role for Team USA, averaging 13.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game as co-captain. The team finished the tournament with an 8–1 record, winning another bronze medal. James' behavior was questioned by teammate Bruce Bowen regarding his treatment of staff members.
2006: Contract Extension with Cavaliers
During the 2006 offseason, LeBron James signed a three-year, $60 million contract extension with the Cavaliers, with the option for a fourth year.
2006: Negotiated a three-year contract extension with the Cavaliers
In 2006, James and the Cavaliers negotiated a three-year, $60 million contract extension instead of the four-year maximum. This allowed him the option to seek a new contract for more money as an unrestricted free agent following the 2010 season.
2006: All-Star Game MVP and Playoff Debut
In 2006, LeBron James was named the NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player (MVP). The Cavaliers qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 1998. In his postseason debut, James recorded a triple-double in a win over the Washington Wizards.
2006: Cavaliers Playoff Run
In the 2006-07 season, the Cavaliers finished with 50 wins and entered the playoffs as the second seed in the Eastern Conference.
January 2007: End of Consecutive Games Scoring Over 10 Points Streak
On December 4, 2025, in a 123–120 win over the Toronto Raptors, James assisted on Rui Hachimura's game-winning, buzzer-beating 3-pointer, but finished the game with eight points on 4-of-17 shooting. This ended his streak of 1,297 consecutive games with at least 10 points, setting a record. The last time he had scored fewer than 10 points was in January 2007.
December 11, 2007: First Time Coming Off The Bench
On December 11, 2007, LeBron James came off the bench for the first time in his career to prevent fans from booing his teammate Anderson Varejão.
2007: FIBA Americas Championship 2007
At the FIBA Americas Championship 2007, James averaged 18.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game, including a 31-point performance against Argentina in the championship game. Team USA went 10–0, winning the gold medal and qualifying for the 2008 Olympics.
2007: Co-hosting the ESPY Awards
In 2007, LeBron James co-hosted the ESPY Awards with comedian Jimmy Kimmel.
2007: First NBA Finals Appearance with Cleveland
In 2007, LeBron James led the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first NBA Finals appearance.
2007: Rose joined Creative Artists Agency (CAA)
In 2007, Leon Rose joined Creative Artists Agency (CAA).
2007: Struggles in the 2007 NBA Finals
In the 2007 NBA Finals, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich's strategy of giving James space in the half court and forcing him to settle for three-pointers and long two-pointers proved effective, as James converted only 36 percent of his field goals in four games.
March 2008: Vogue Cover Appearance with Gisele Bündchen
In March 2008, James became the first black man to appear on the cover of Vogue, posing with Gisele Bündchen. The cover sparked controversy.
June 2008: Donation to Barack Obama's campaign
In June 2008, LeBron James donated $20,000 to a committee supporting Barack Obama for the 2008 U.S. presidential election.
2008: 2008 Olympics Gold Medal
At the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China, Team USA won their first gold medal since 2000. In the final game against Spain, James had 14 points, six rebounds, and three assists.
2008: NBA All-Defensive Team
At the end of the 2008-2009 season, LeBron James made his first NBA All-Defensive Team.
2008: Member of the "Redeem Team"
In 2008, LeBron James was a member of the US Olympic team, also known as the "Redeem Team".
2008: NBA Scoring Title
In 2008, LeBron James won his first NBA scoring title while playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
January 2009: Benign Tumor Discovered in James' Jaw
In January 2009, doctors at the Cleveland Clinic discovered a benign tumor in the parotid gland on the right side of James' jaw. The tumor was removed in June of that year.
2009: Proficiency at the Chase-Down Block
In 2009, James demonstrated proficiency 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
In 2009, James earned All-Defensive honors, starting a streak that lasted until 2014.
2009: First MVP Award
In 2009, LeBron James won his first MVP Award, achieving a franchise record of 66–16 with the Cleveland Cavaliers. ESPN described his season as "arguably the greatest individual season in history".
2009: Release of More Than a Game documentary
In 2009, LeBron James' production company, SpringHill Entertainment, released its first work, the Lions Gate documentary More Than a Game, chronicling James' high school years.
2009: Eastern Conference Finals Loss
In the 2009 playoffs, LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers lost to the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference Finals in six games.
July 1, 2010: Free Agency
On July 1, 2010, LeBron James became an unrestricted free agent and was contacted by several teams, including the Bulls, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, New Jersey Nets, and Cavaliers.
July 10, 2010: Signed with the Heat
On July 10, 2010, James signed a 6-year, $110 million contract with the Miami Heat, changed his jersey number to 6, and attended a welcome party where he declared the Heat would win multiple championships. This event was negatively perceived outside of Miami.
2010: Listed as One of the Most Disliked Athletes
Following his actions during the 2010 free agency period and The Decision, James was listed as one of the most disliked athletes in the United States.
2010: Brought James to Miami
In 2010, Henry Thomas and Leon Rose helped bring James to Miami.
2010: Did not play at the 2010 FIBA World Championship
In 2010, James did not play at the FIBA World Championship
2010: James' Move to the Heat Defined a Decade of Player Movement
In 2010, James' move to the Miami Heat "defined a decade of player movement", fundamentally flipping the power balance between stars and their organizations.
2010: Move to Miami Heat
In 2010, James, along with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, were able to sign with the Miami Heat due to his earlier contract negotiations.
2010: Joined Miami Heat for championships
In 2010, LeBron James went to Miami, aiming for championships.
2010: Second NBA MVP Award and Move to Miami Heat
In 2010, LeBron James won his second consecutive NBA MVP award and then controversially joined the Miami Heat as a free agent, a move announced in "The Decision" television special.
2011: Considered Playing Professional Football
During the 2011 NBA lockout, James received contract offers to play professional football from the Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks, which he gave serious consideration to and even began training with it in mind.
2011: NBA Finals Appearance
In 2011, LeBron James began a streak of eight consecutive NBA Finals appearances, showcasing his consistent dominance in the league.
2011: Part-Owner of Liverpool F.C.
Since 2011, LeBron James has been a part-owner of Liverpool F.C.
2012: ESPN Ranks Game 5 Performance
In 2012, ESPN ranked LeBron James' performance in Game 5 of the 2007 Eastern Conference Finals as the fourth greatest in modern NBA playoff history.
2012: Development into a Versatile Defensive Player in 2012
In 2012, James developed into a more versatile defensive player while playing for the Miami Heat, and the team relied on him to guard all five positions.
2012: First NBA Championship with the Heat
In 2012, LeBron James won his first NBA championship with the Miami Heat, also earning MVP and Finals MVP honors.
2012: Investment in Blaze Pizza
In 2012, LeBron James, Maverick Carter, and Paul Wachter invested less than $1 million in the fast-casual chain Blaze Pizza.
2012: 2012 Olympics Gold Medal
James rejoined Team USA for the 2012 Olympics in London, England, becoming the leader of the team. During a game against Australia, he recorded the first triple-double in U.S. Olympic basketball history with 11 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists. Team USA won their second straight gold medal, again defeating Spain in the final game.
September 14, 2013: Marriage to Savannah Brinson
On September 14, 2013, James married his high school sweetheart, Savannah Brinson, in San Diego, California.
2013: Reported as Most Popular Player in NBA
By 2013, 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: Second NBA Championship with the Heat
In 2013, LeBron James secured his second NBA championship with the Miami Heat, earning MVP and Finals MVP honors for the second consecutive year.
2013: Highest Paid Basketball Player
In 2013, LeBron James surpassed Kobe Bryant as the highest-paid basketball player in the world, with earnings of $56.5 million.
2013: Time's 100 Most Influential People
In 2013, LeBron James was listed among Time's 100 most influential people in the world for a second time, highlighting his impact beyond basketball.
June 2014: Returned to the Cavaliers
In June 2014, James opted out of his contract with the Heat and became a free agent. He then signed a two-year, $42 million contract to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, switching back to jersey No. 23. Unlike his departure from Cleveland four years earlier, this announcement was well-received.
2014: Reported Request to Increase All-Star Break Duration
In 2014, James reportedly asked NBA commissioner Adam Silver to increase the duration of the All-Star break, and it was extended the following season.
2014: Named Most Popular Male Athlete in America
In 2014, James was named the most popular male athlete in America by the Harris Poll.
2014: Ranked Among Top Three Defenders and Regression in Defensive Impact
In 2014, James was ranked among the top three defenders in the NBA by general managers. Beginning in 2014, some analysts reported a regression in his defensive impact, stemming from a lack of effort and expected age-related declines.
2014: All-Defensive Honors Streak Ends in 2014
In 2014, James' streak of earning All-Defensive honors ended, having earned them every season from 2009 to 2014.
2014: Cramps during 2014 Finals
In 2014, LeBron James dealt with severe cramps during the NBA Finals.
2014: Profit from Apple's Acquisition of Beats Electronics
In 2014, LeBron James realized a profit of more than $30 million as part of Apple's acquisition of Beats Electronics, due to his early investment and promotion of the company's headphones.
2014: Returned to Cleveland to deliver a promise
In 2014, LeBron James returned to Cleveland, fulfilling a promise he had made.
2014: Return to Cleveland Cavaliers
In 2014, LeBron James returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers after four seasons with the Miami Heat.
2014: Donald Sterling's Racist Comments
In 2014, LeBron James took a public stance on Donald Sterling's racist comments.
February 13, 2015: Elected First Vice President of NBPA
On February 13, 2015, James was elected the first vice president of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA).
November 2015: Purchase of Brentwood Mansion in November 2015
In November 2015, James bought a 9,350 square-foot East Coast-style mansion in Brentwood, Los Angeles, for $21 million.
2015: Partnership with the University of Akron
In 2015, LeBron James announced a partnership with the University of Akron to provide scholarships for up to 2,300 children, beginning in 2021.
2015: Appearance in Trainwreck and Uninterrupted Funding
In 2015, LeBron James played himself in the film Trainwreck, receiving positive reviews, and his digital video company Uninterrupted raised $15.8 million from Warner Bros. Entertainment and Turner Sports.
2015: Ranked Sixth Highest Earning Sportsperson
In 2015, LeBron James was ranked the sixth-highest-earning sportsperson.
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: Campaigning for Hillary Clinton
In November 2016, LeBron James campaigned for Hillary Clinton for the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
2016: Continued Declines in Productivity in 2016
In 2016, James continued to experience subtle age-related declines in productivity, posting his lowest scoring averages since his rookie season.
2016: Signed with the Cavaliers on a three-year deal
In 2016, James signed with the Cavaliers on a three-year deal, becoming the highest-paid player in the league for the first time in his career.
2016: Donation to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
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: NBA Championship with Cleveland Cavaliers
In 2016, LeBron James led the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first-ever NBA championship, ending Cleveland's sports curse.
2016: Ranked Third Highest Earning Sportsperson
In 2016, LeBron James was ranked the third-highest-earning sportsperson.
2016: Defensive Decline During Second Stint in Cleveland in 2016
In 2016, during his second stint in Cleveland, James' defense progressively declined, with analysts reporting a regression in his defensive impact.
2016: James Acknowledges Motivation to Surpass Jordan
In a 2016 interview with Sports Illustrated, James acknowledged that his motivation was surpassing Michael Jordan as the greatest basketball player of all time.
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.
December 2017: Purchase of Another Home in Brentwood in December 2017
In December 2017, James purchased another home in Brentwood for $23 million.
2017: Investment Growth in Blaze Pizza and Spokesperson Role
By 2017, LeBron James' investment in Blaze Pizza had grown to $25 million. James also became a spokesman for the company after ending his contract with McDonald's.
2017: Executive production of The Carter Effect
In 2017, LeBron James and Maverick Carter executive produced a Vince Carter documentary entitled The Carter Effect.
2017: J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award
In 2017, LeBron James received the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award from the NBA for his "outstanding service and dedication to the community."
2017: Time's 100 Most Influential People
In 2017, LeBron James was listed among Time's 100 most influential people in the world for a third time, highlighting his impact beyond basketball.
2017: Racist Incident and "Make America Great Again" Slogan
In 2017, following a racist incident at his Los Angeles home and in the aftermath of the Unite the Right rally, LeBron James commented on the challenges of being black in America and questioned the "Make America Great Again" slogan.
February 2018: Production of House Party Film and "Shut Up and Dribble" Controversy
In February 2018, LeBron James' production company announced it would produce a new film in the House Party series. Later that month, Fox News host Laura Ingraham told James to "shut up and dribble" leading to the creation of his Showtime documentary film series, Shut Up and Dribble.
February 2018: The Ringer's Week Devoted to James and Jordan
In February 2018, The Ringer spent an entire week devoted to both LeBron James and Michael Jordan, with Bill Simmons ultimately concluding that Jordan was still ahead.
June 2018: Signed with the Lakers
In June 2018, James opted out of his contract with the Cavaliers and became a free agent, signing a four-year, $153.5 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers to pursue his own aspirations.
July 30, 2018: Opening of the I Promise School
On July 30, 2018, the I Promise School officially opened, with LeBron James considering it his most important professional accomplishment.
2018: End of Consecutive NBA Finals Appearances
2018 marked the end of LeBron James' streak of eight consecutive NBA Finals appearances.
2018: Comments on Donald Trump and Sports
During a 2018 interview with CNN, LeBron James accused President Donald Trump of dividing the country with sports and stated he would never sit across from him. Trump responded with a tweet criticizing James and the interviewer, Don Lemon.
2018: Joined Lakers
In 2018, James joined the Lakers hoping to make them championship contenders, but the team recorded only two wins in their first seven games.
2018: Signing with the Los Angeles Lakers
In 2018, LeBron James signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, marking a new chapter in his NBA career.
2018: James Drinks Wine Every Night for Heart Health
James told ESPN in 2018 that he drinks wine every night, believing it to be good for his heart.
February 2019: Executive Production of 2 Chainz's Album
In February 2019, LeBron James was revealed to be the executive producer of rapper 2 Chainz's new album, Rap or Go to the League, celebrating black excellence and focusing on the power of education and entrepreneurship.
2019: Controversy over Daryl Morey's Tweet
During the 2019 Hong Kong protests, a statement LeBron James made about a tweet by Daryl Morey, expressing support for the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong, became the subject of controversy.
2019: Trademark application for "Taco Tuesday" denied
In 2019, LeBron James applied for a trademark on "Taco Tuesday" through a shell company for use in various media formats, related to his family's taco dinners posted on Instagram. The United States Patent and Trademark Office rejected the request, citing that "Taco Tuesday" is a common term.
2019: Time's 100 Most Influential People
In 2019, LeBron James was listed among Time's 100 most influential people in the world for the fourth time, highlighting his impact beyond basketball.
2019: Lakers acquired Anthony Davis
In 2019, the Lakers traded players to the Pelicans for Anthony Davis, and James moved to point guard. The Lakers then started the season with a 17-2 record.
2019: Lakers missed the playoffs
In 2019, the Lakers were eliminated from playoff contention for the first time since 2019.
2019: Breaking Record
On November 13, 2024, he logged a triple-double of 35 points, 12 rebounds, and 14 assists, in a 128–123 victory against the Memphis Grizzlies. Aged 39 years and 319 days, he broke his record set in 2019 for the oldest player to record a triple-double in three consecutive games.
January 25, 2020: Moved to third place on all-time scoring list
On January 25, 2020, James surpassed Kobe Bryant for third place on the NBA's all-time regular season scoring list, one day before Bryant's death.
July 2020: Rookie Card Sells for $1.8 Million at Auction
In July 2020, one of James' rookie cards briefly held the record for the most expensive modern-day sports card when it sold for $1.8 million at auction.
August 19, 2020: Support for Joe Biden's Campaign
On August 19, 2020, LeBron James announced his support for Joe Biden's campaign for the 2020 U.S. presidential election and encouraged African-Americans to vote.
August 27, 2020: Boycott of the 2020 NBA Playoffs
On August 27, 2020, LeBron James and his Lakers teammates, along with the Bucks, began boycotting the 2020 NBA playoffs to protest the shooting of Jacob Blake.
September 2020: Purchase of Beverly Hills Home in September 2020
In September 2020, James purchased a third home in Los Angeles, this one in Beverly Hills, for $36.75 million.
November 2020: Angel Investor in Lobos 1707
In November 2020, James became an angel investor in Lobos 1707, a tequila and mezcal company.
2020: Signed extension with the Lakers
In 2020, James signed a two-year, $85.7 million extension with the Lakers, keeping him with the team through the 2022-23 season.
2020: NBA Championship with the Lakers
In 2020, LeBron James won another NBA title with the Lakers, becoming the first player to win Finals MVP with three different teams.
2020: Controversy over Daryl Morey's Tweet
In 2020, during the Hong Kong protests, LeBron James's statement regarding Daryl Morey's tweet supporting the pro-democracy movement was met with controversy and backlash.
2021: Reported $1.5 Million Spent Annually on Body
According to James' business partner Maverick Carter, James was in the habit of spending $1.5 million per year on his body, as reported by Men's Health in 2021.
2021: Jersey Change Delayed
In 2021, James was supposed to switch his jersey back to No. 6 to allow Davis to wear No. 23 but Nike had a surplus of merchandise featuring James with No. 23, and so prevented him from making the switch.
2021: Starred in Space Jam: A New Legacy
In 2021, LeBron James starred in the sports film "Space Jam: A New Legacy".
2021: Scholarships for 2,300 children
In 2021, the scholarships for 2,300 children, as part of the partnership with the University of Akron, began.
2021: Tying Lakers Record
On November 15, 2024, he recorded his fourth consecutive triple-double of the season with 15 points, 16 rebounds, and 12 assists, in a 120–115 victory against the San Antonio Spurs, breaking his own record for the most consecutive triple-doubles made. He tied the Lakers record for the most consecutive triple-doubles, joining Magic Johnson (1981, 1987) and Russell Westbrook (2021).
February 2022: Bill Maher calls James hypocritical
In February 2022, political commentator Bill Maher criticized LeBron James for not being critical of the Chinese government's human rights abuses.
June 2022: Launch of Hana Kuma Media Company
In June 2022, LeBron James announced the launch of a media company in partnership with Naomi Osaka and Maverick Carter, named Hana Kuma.
August 2022: Signed contract extension with Lakers
In August 2022, James signed a two-year, $97 million contract extension with the Lakers, making his career earnings an NBA record of $529 million.
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.
2022: Crypto.com Super Bowl Advertisement
During Super Bowl LVI in 2022, LeBron James appeared in a Crypto.com advertisement, conversing with a CGI version of his younger self, offering advice about the future. The commercial sparked social media buzz and memes.
2022: Season achievements and playoff run
In 2022, James achieved milestones and led the Lakers through a playoff run. He became the oldest player to have multiple 50-point games, recorded his 10,000th career assist, and led the Lakers to the Western Conference finals before being swept by the Denver Nuggets.
2022: Achieved NBA recognition
In 2022, James earned his 18th All-Star selection and was celebrated as a member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. At the 2022 NBA All-Star Game, James' team achieved its fifth consecutive All-Star victory.
2022: All-NBA Team selection
In 2022, James made his 17th consecutive All-NBA Team selection, marking a new record for most selections.
2022: James Voices Desire to Play into Forties
In 2022, James voiced his desire to play into his forties, potentially alongside or against his sons Bronny and Bryce.
2022: Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization
In 2022, LeBron James took a public stance on the ruling of Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization that overturned Roe v. Wade.
2022: Partnership with Crypto.com
In 2022, LeBron James' charity, the LeBron James Family Foundation, partnered with Crypto.com to educate underserved Akron communities with blockchain-related knowledge and Web3 tools.
April 11, 2023: Publication of LeBron Biography
On April 11, 2023, a biography of LeBron James titled "LeBron" by Jeff Benedict was published. The book was based on three years of research and over 250 interviews.
May 2023: Becomes a Billionaire
According to Forbes, in May 2023, LeBron James became the first active NBA player to become a billionaire.
June 2023: Most Followed Basketball Player on Instagram
As of June 2023, LeBron James is the most followed basketball player on Instagram, with over 155 million followers.
September 2023: Release of Mims' and Alexander's Names in Biogenesis Scandal
In September 2023, new client names from the Biogenesis scandal were released, including Ernest "Randy" Mims and David Alexander. The DEA determined that there "was never any indication that LeBron James did anything wrong."
2023: Bronny Named McDonald's All-American in 2023
In 2023, James' son, Bronny, a standout high school basketball player, was named as a McDonald's All-American, 20 years after James' selection.
2023: Inaugural NBA Cup Win
In 2023, LeBron James and the Lakers won the inaugural NBA Cup (formerly the In-Season Tournament), adding another achievement to his career.
2023: NBA All-Time Leading Scorer
In 2023, LeBron James surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA's all-time leading scorer, a significant career milestone.
2023: Jersey Number Change and Milestones
In 2023, LeBron James switched back to jersey No. 23 in honor of Bill Russell. As Udonis Haslem and Andre Iguodala retired, James became the NBA's oldest active player. Throughout November 2023, James achieved milestones such as surpassing Karl Malone for the most 30-point games since turning 35, becoming the second-oldest player to record a triple-double, and becoming the first player in NBA history to reach 5,000 career turnovers.
January 25, 2024: 20th NBA All-Star Selection
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 Abdul-Jabbar for the most All-Star selections.
March 2024: Launch of Mind the Game Podcast
In March 2024, LeBron James and JJ Redick launched a podcast called Mind the Game.
June 2024: Suspension of Mind the Game Podcast
In June 2024, the Mind the Game podcast was suspended after JJ Redick was hired as head coach for the Los Angeles Lakers.
July 6, 2024: Re-signed with the Lakers
On July 6, 2024, James re-signed with the Lakers on a two-year, $104 million contract which carried a no-trade clause and had a player option in the second year. James' son Bronny had been drafted 55th overall by the Lakers, marking the first father-son duo in NBA history.
October 22, 2024: First Time Sharing the Court with Son Bronny
On October 22, 2024, in the season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves, LeBron James and his son Bronny shared the court for the first time, marking a historic moment.
October 31, 2024: Support for Kamala Harris 2024 presidential campaign
On October 31, 2024, LeBron James announced his support for the Kamala Harris 2024 presidential campaign in a video posted on social media.
2024: All-NBA Teams Record in 2024
As of 2024, James has been named to 21 All-NBA Teams, including 13 times to the First Team, which are both NBA records.
2024: First Father-Son Teammates
In 2024, LeBron James and his son Bronny became the first father-son teammates in NBA league history.
2024: Olympics MVP
In the 2024 Summer Olympics, LeBron James was named the Olympics MVP. He also holds a record 22-time All-Star and 21-time All-NBA selection.
2024: 2024 Olympic Games in Paris
James rejoined the national team on the 2024 Olympic squad in Paris as Team Captain. James was named as one of the two Team USA flag-bearers for the opening ceremony of the games, becoming the first male basketball player to be so honored. Team USA won their fifth straight gold medal, defeating France 98–87 in the final game.
2024: NBA Best Player Ranking
Through the 2024–25 season, James' career averages are 27.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game. Throughout the 2010s, he was usually ranked as the best player in the NBA each season by ESPN and Sports Illustrated.
March 4, 2025: Surpassed 50,000 Career Points
On March 4, 2025, James surpassed 50,000 career points across the regular season and playoffs during a 136–115 win against the New Orleans Pelicans.
March 2025: Announcement of Mind the Game Season Two
In March 2025, a second season of the podcast Mind the Game was announced, with Steve Nash replacing JJ Redick as LeBron James' new co-host.
March 2025: James Denies Rumors of $1 Million Health Spending
In a March 2025 interview, James denied rumors that he spends up to $1 million per year on his health.
October 9, 2025: Sidelined for Start of Season
On October 9, 2025, the Lakers announced that James would be sidelined for the start of the 2025–26 season due to sciatica on his right side.
2025: Hall of Fame Induction
In 2025, LeBron James was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a member of the 2008 U.S. Olympic team (also known as the "Redeem Team"). He and Chris Paul became the first NBA players inducted into the Hall of Fame while still active.
2025: Mattel Adds James to Barbie Roster
In 2025, Mattel announced that it was adding James to the Barbie roster, making him the first professional male athlete to be honoured as a Ken doll.
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