Full History Of LeBron James In Timeline From 1976

2 days ago : LeBron James: South Bay Lakers Practice, Lineup Boost, and Doncic's Reaction

LeBron James is on track to practice with the South Bay Lakers. His return is expected to boost the Lakers' lineup. Luka Doncic reacted to this development on monday.

1976: Abdul-Jabbar's 30-20-10 Game

In 1976, Abdul-Jabbar last achieved a 30 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists game in Lakers franchise history, a feat that LeBron James replicated on January 27, 2024.

1981: Magic Johnson's Consecutive Triple-Doubles

In 1981, Magic Johnson had a streak of consecutive triple-doubles, matching the Lakers franchise record. LeBron James tied this record on November 15, 2024.

1982: Third Reigning MVP to Change Teams

In 1982, Moses Malone became the first reigning MVP since Moses Malone in 1982 to change teams.

April 5, 1984: Abdul-Jabbar Sets Scoring Record

On April 5, 1984, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar set the NBA all-time leading scoring record, which stood until LeBron James broke it.

December 30, 1984: LeBron James Born

On December 30, 1984, LeBron Raymone James Sr. was born. He is now known as a highly accomplished professional basketball player.

Others born on this day/year

August 27, 1986: Savannah James' Birth

August 27, 1986 is the birthdate of Savannah James (nee Brinson), LeBron James' wife.

Others born on this day/year

1987: Magic Johnson's Consecutive Triple-Doubles

In 1987, Magic Johnson had a streak of consecutive triple-doubles, matching the Lakers franchise record. LeBron James tied this record on November 15, 2024.

1998: Cavaliers Qualified for Playoffs

In 1998, before LeBron James, the Cavaliers last qualified for the playoffs.

2000: USA Basketball Gold Medal

In 2000, the USA basketball team won a gold medal. This is relevant to the history as the 2008 team win was the first one since 2000.

2001: Featured in Slam Magazine & Sports Illustrated Cover

In 2001, LeBron James, at age 16, was featured in Slam magazine as possibly the best high school basketball player and appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated, gaining national attention.

December 12, 2002: Nationally Televised Game on ESPN2

On December 12, 2002, a game featuring LeBron James and St. Vincent–St. Mary against Oak Hill Academy was nationally televised on ESPN2, highlighting James' growing popularity.

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2002: Petition to enter NBA Draft Denied

In 2002, after losing 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 2002 NBA draft.

May 2003: Signs deal with Nike

In May 2003, LeBron James signed a seven-year deal with Nike for approximately $90 million.

2003: Akron Mansion Built in 2003

In 2003, LeBron James custom built a 30,000 square foot mansion in Akron, Ohio, on his property at a cost of $2.1 million.

2003: Drafted by Cleveland Cavaliers & Rookie of the Year

In 2003, LeBron James was drafted first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers and later won the NBA Rookie of the Year award, marking the beginning of his professional career.

2003: Drafted by Cleveland Cavaliers

In 2003, LeBron James was selected by his hometown team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, as the first overall pick of the 2003 NBA draft.

2003: NBA Draft Entry

In 2003, after participating in high school basketball all-star games, LeBron James officially entered the 2003 NBA draft, forgoing his National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) eligibility.

2003: Lakers' Biggest 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 Lakers' biggest comeback since 2003.

2004: NBA Rookie of the Year

At the conclusion of the 2003–2004 season, LeBron James received the NBA Rookie of the Year Award, making him the first Cavalier to earn the honor.

2004: Olympic Debut

In 2004, LeBron James made his debut for the United States national team at the Olympics in Athens, Greece, where Team USA won a bronze medal.

2004: James Reflects on 2004 Olympics Experience

In 2004, LeBron James was part of the USA team. Reflecting on the experience in 2007, he stated that the team did not fully understand the significance of representing the USA in 2004.

2004: Shaquille O'Neal's Postseason 20-20 Game

In 2004, Shaquille O'Neal had a 20-20 game in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, a feat not repeated by a Lakers player in the postseason until LeBron James in 2023.

2004: First NBA All-Star Game Selection

In 2004, during the 2004-2005 season, LeBron James earned his first NBA All-Star Game selection, marking his rising prominence in the league.

2005: Leaving Aaron Goodwin

In 2005, LeBron James left his first agent, Aaron Goodwin, for Leon Rose.

2005: Time's 100 Most Influential People

In 2005, LeBron James was listed among Time's 100 most influential people in the world, marking his initial recognition beyond the basketball court.

2005: All-NBA Team Selection

In 2005, at the end of the 2004-2005 season, LeBron James was named to his first All-NBA Team, solidifying his status as one of the league's top players.

2005: LJFF holds annual bike-a-thon

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

2006: Negotiation of Three-Year Contract Extension

In 2006, LeBron James and the Cavaliers negotiated a three-year, $60 million contract extension, providing him with the flexibility to seek a new contract in 2010.

2006: FIBA World Championship

In 2006, LeBron James played a significant role for Team USA at the FIBA World Championship in Japan, where the team won a bronze medal.

2006: All-Star Game MVP and Playoff Debut

In 2006, LeBron James was named the NBA All-Star Game MVP, and led the Cavaliers to the playoffs for the first time since 1998, where he recorded a triple-double in his postseason debut.

2006: Trio Discuss Future Free Agency

In 2006, LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade reportedly discussed their upcoming 2010 free agencies.

2006: Signs Extension with Cavaliers

In 2006, during the offseason, LeBron James signed a three-year, $60 million contract extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers, aligning his potential free agency with fellow draft class members.

2006: Cavaliers Make Playoffs

In the 2006–2007 season, the Cavaliers finished with 50 wins for the second consecutive year and entered the playoffs as the #2-seed in the Eastern Conference.

December 11, 2007: Comes Off Bench

On December 11, 2007, LeBron James came off the bench for the first time in his career, doing so to support teammate Anderson Varejão and prevent booing from fans.

2007: 2007 NBA Finals Criticism

During the 2007 NBA Finals, LeBron James was criticized for not having a reliable jump shot or post game. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich famously used a strategy to exploit these weaknesses, where James converted on only 36 percent of his field goals in four games.

2007: Rare Appearance off the Bench

In 2007, James came off the bench, marking only the second time in his career that he did so.

2007: FIBA Americas Championship 2007

In 2007, LeBron James averaged 18.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game at the FIBA Americas Championship. He had a 31-point performance against Argentina in the championship game, which was the most ever by an American in an Olympic qualifier. 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, marking his foray into comedic roles.

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, establishing himself as a dominant force in the league.

2007: Leon Rose Joins CAA

In 2007, Leon Rose joined Creative Artists Agency (CAA).

March 2008: Appeared on Vogue Cover

In March 2008, LeBron James became the first black man to appear on the cover of Vogue, posing with Gisele Bündchen, which drew controversy and was considered offensive by some.

June 2008: Donation to Barack Obama's Campaign

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

2008: First NBA All-Defensive Team

At the end of the 2008–2009 season, James made his first NBA All-Defensive Team, posting 23 chase-down blocks and a career-high 93 total blocks.

2008: Member of the Redeem Team

In 2008, LeBron James was a member of the U.S. Olympic team, also known as the "Redeem Team".

2008: All-Star Game MVP and Scoring Title

In 2008, LeBron James was named All-Star Game MVP for the second time, and he won his first scoring title, averaging 30 points per game.

2008: NBA Scoring Title

In 2008, LeBron James won the NBA scoring title, solidifying his reputation as one of the league's premier offensive players.

2008: 2008 Olympics Gold Medal

In 2008, before being named to the Olympic team, LeBron James was given an ultimatum to improve his attitude. The USA team won the gold medal at the Olympics, their first since 2000. In the final game against Spain, James scored 14 points, grabbed six rebounds, and dished out three assists.

January 2009: Doctors Discover Benign Jaw Tumor

In January 2009, doctors at the Cleveland Clinic discovered a benign tumor in LeBron James' jaw, specifically in his parotid gland.

2009: All-Defensive Honors

From 2009 to 2014, LeBron James earned All-Defensive honors every season.

2009: Proficient at the Chase-Down Block

In 2009, LeBron James became proficient at the chase-down block, involving blocking the shot of the opposition from behind in transition.

2009: First MVP Award

In 2009, LeBron James became the first Cavalier to win the NBA MVP Award, capping off a season where he led his team in multiple statistical categories.

2009: Point Guard Role

In 2009, LeBron James was forced into a temporary point guard role due to injuries in the Cavaliers' backcourt, maintaining the team's momentum and finishing with the league's best record for the second consecutive season.

2009: Release of More Than a Game documentary

In 2009, SpringHill Entertainment, owned by LeBron James and Maverick Carter, released its first work, the documentary More Than a Game, chronicling James' high school years.

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July 1, 2010: Free Agency

On July 1, 2010, LeBron James became an unrestricted free agent and was contacted by several teams.

July 10, 2010: Signed with the Heat

On July 10, 2010, LeBron James officially signed a 6-year, $110 million contract with the Miami Heat through a sign-and-trade deal.

2010: Listed as one of the most disliked athletes

Following his actions during the 2010 free agency period and The Decision, LeBron James was listed as one of the most disliked athletes in the United States.

2010: Move to the Heat in 2010

In 2010, Ben Golliver of The Washington Post stated that LeBron James' move to the Heat "defined a decade of player movement", and that he "fundamentally flipped the power balance between stars and their organizations."

2010: CAA Agents Facilitate Move to Miami

In 2010, CAA agents Leon Rose and Henry Thomas helped bring LeBron James to Miami.

2010: Did Not Play at 2010 FIBA World Championship

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

2010: Criticism After Leaving Cavaliers

In 2010, LeBron James faced intense criticism from various sources after leaving the Cavaliers, including scrutiny over "The Decision" and backlash from fans and former players.

2010: Option for a new contract

In 2010, LeBron James had the option to seek a new contract worth more money as an unrestricted free agent following the 2010 season.

2010: Joins the Miami Heat

In 2010, LeBron James joined the Miami Heat as a free agent, a move announced in the nationally televised special "The Decision".

2010: Potential Free Agency

The year 2010 was the potential free agency year for LeBron James, alongside fellow draft class members Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

2010: Villain in Miami

Throughout the 2010-11 season, LeBron James and the Heat were treated as villains by the media and opposing fans.

2011: Receiving football offers during NBA Lockout

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

2011: Worked with Hakeem Olajuwon

During the extended summer of 2011, LeBron James worked with Hakeem Olajuwon to improve his post up game.

2011: Granted a minority stake in Liverpool

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

2011: Part-Owner of Liverpool F.C.

In 2011, LeBron James became a part-owner of Liverpool F.C., marking his venture into sports ownership.

2011: NBA Finals Appearance

In 2011, LeBron James began a streak of eight consecutive NBA Finals appearances, showcasing his consistent performance at the highest level of professional basketball.

2012: Heat option

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

2012: ESPN Ranks Game 5 Performance

In 2012, ESPN ranked LeBron James' Game 5 performance in the 2007 Eastern Conference Finals as the fourth greatest in modern NBA playoff history.

2012: Versatile Defensive Player in Miami

In 2012, LeBron James developed into a more versatile defensive player in Miami, guarding all five positions. From 2012-2016 he was ranked among the top three defenders in the NBA by general managers.

2012: Leaving CAA for Rich Paul

In 2012, LeBron James left CAA for Rich Paul.

2012: 2012 Olympics Gold Medal and Leadership Role

In 2012, LeBron James rejoined Team USA for the London Olympics, taking on a leadership role. He recorded the first triple-double in U.S. Olympic basketball history against Australia with 11 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists. Team USA won their second straight gold medal, defeating Spain in the final game. James contributed 19 points and became the all-time leading scorer in U.S. men's basketball history. He also joined Michael Jordan as the only players to win an NBA MVP award, NBA championship, NBA Finals MVP, and Olympic gold medal in the same year.

2012: First NBA Championship with the Heat

In 2012, LeBron James won his first NBA championship with the Miami Heat, earning both 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: "Month for the Ages"

In February of the 2012-13 season, LeBron James averaged impressive stats and set efficiency records, leading to Sports Illustrated describing his performance as a "month for the ages".

September 14, 2013: LeBron James' Marriage

On September 14, 2013, LeBron James married Savannah James (née Brinson) in San Diego, California.

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: Second NBA Championship with the Heat

In 2013, LeBron James secured his second NBA championship with the Miami Heat, once again winning both the regular season MVP and Finals MVP awards.

2013: Highest Paid Basketball Player

In 2013, LeBron James surpassed 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 once again included in Time's 100 most influential people in the world.

2013: Career-High 61 Points

On March 3 of the 2013-14 season, LeBron James scored a career-high and franchise-record 61 points in a game against the Charlotte Bobcats.

June 25, 2014: Opted Out of Contract

On June 25, 2014, LeBron James opted out of his contract with the Heat.

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 age-related declines. During his second stint in Cleveland, James' defense progressively declined.

2014: All-Defensive Honors

From 2009 to 2014, LeBron James earned All-Defensive honors every season.

2014: Ladder Nutritional Supplements Company Founded

In 2014, LeBron James partnered with Arnold Schwarzenegger to found Ladder, a company that developed nutritional supplements to help athletes with severe cramps after dealing with that issue during the 2014 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 after promoting Beats headphones.

2014: James Asks Adam Silver for All-Star Break Extension

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

2014: Returns to Cleveland Cavaliers

In 2014, LeBron James returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers, marking a significant homecoming in his NBA career.

2014: Public stance on Donald Sterling's racist comments

In 2014, LeBron James took a public stance on Donald Sterling's racist comments, feeling an obligation to effect change using his status.

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: Missed Games Due to Strains

In January of the 2014-2015 season, LeBron James missed two weeks due to left knee and lower back strains.

February 13, 2015: James Elected First Vice President of NBPA

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

November 2015: Purchase of Brentwood Mansion

In November 2015, LeBron James bought a 9,350 square-foot East Coast-style mansion in Brentwood, Los Angeles, for about $21 million.

2015: Off-Court Controversies

During the 2015-16 season, LeBron James faced criticism for his role in several off-court controversies, including the firing of the Cavaliers' coach David Blatt.

2015: NBA Finals Consideration

In 2015, Despite the loss to the Warriors, James received serious consideration for the Finals MVP Award, averaging 35.8 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game.

2015: Partnership with University of Akron

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: Acting in Trainwreck and Raising Funds for Uninterrupted

In 2015, LeBron James appeared as himself in the film Trainwreck, receiving positive reviews. Also in 2015, his digital video company Uninterrupted raised $15.8 million from Warner Bros. Entertainment and Turner Sports to expand athlete-created content.

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2015: Lowest Scoring Averages Since Rookie Season

In 2015, LeBron James posted his lowest scoring averages since his rookie season. His shooting also temporarily regressed, and James briefly ranked as the NBA's worst high-volume shooter from outside the paint.

2015: Ranked Sixth Highest Earning Sportsperson

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

2015: Re-Signed with Cavaliers

In the 2015 offseason, LeBron James declined his player option and re-signed on a two-year contract.

November 2016: Endorsement and Campaign for Hillary Clinton

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

2016: Re-signed with the Cavaliers

Following the championship, James again opted out of his contract and re-signed with the Cavaliers in 2016, this time on a three-year, $100 million contract.

2016: Ranked Among Top Defenders

From the years 2012–2016, Lebron James was ranked among the top three defenders in the NBA by general managers.

2016: CNBC's Cleveland Hustles series

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

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2016: Donation to Smithsonian Museum

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: First Championship for 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.

2016: Lowest Scoring Averages Since Rookie Season

In 2016, LeBron James posted his lowest scoring averages since his rookie season. His shooting also temporarily regressed, and James briefly ranked as the NBA's worst high-volume shooter from outside the paint.

2016: Signing with Cavaliers on a three-year deal

In 2016, LeBron 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: Ranked Third Highest Earning Sportsperson

In 2016, LeBron James was ranked the third highest earning sportsperson.

2016: Acknowledge Motivation to Surpass Jordan

In 2016, during an interview with Sports Illustrated, LeBron James acknowledged that his motivation was surpassing Michael Jordan as the greatest basketball player of all time.

November 2017: Akron School Board Approves 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 stay in school.

December 2017: Purchase of Brentwood Home

In December 2017, LeBron James purchased another home in Brentwood for $23 million.

2017: Blaze Pizza Investment Growth

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

2017: Receives 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 named as one of Time's 100 most influential people in the world for the third time.

2017: Executive producing The Carter Effect documentary

In 2017, at the Toronto International Film Festival, the 60-minute Vince Carter documentary entitled The Carter Effect was executive produced by James, Maverick Carter, Drake, and Future the Prince.

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2017: Response to Charlottesville Rally and Trump's Slogan

In 2017, following a racist incident at his Los Angeles home and the Unite the Right rally, LeBron James questioned the "Make America Great Again" slogan and criticized President Donald Trump.

February 2018: Producing a new House Party film and Ingraham's response

In February 2018, LeBron James' production company announced it would produce a new film in the House Party series, with James expected to make a cameo. Also in February 2018, Fox News host Laura Ingraham told James to "shut up and dribble" in response to his political views, leading to the creation of the documentary series Shut Up and Dribble.

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February 2018: The Ringer Devotes a Week to James and Jordan

In February 2018, The Ringer devoted an entire week to both LeBron James and Michael Jordan, with Bill Simmons ultimately concluding that Jordan was still ahead.

June 29, 2018: James opts out of Cavaliers contract

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

July 30, 2018: I Promise School Officially Opens

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

2018: Criticism of President Trump

During a 2018 interview with CNN journalist Don Lemon, LeBron James accused President Donald Trump of attempting to divide the country with sports.

2018: Signs with the Los Angeles Lakers

In 2018, LeBron James signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, beginning a new chapter in his NBA career.

2018: End of Consecutive NBA Finals Appearances

In 2018, LeBron James' streak of eight consecutive NBA Finals appearances came to an end, marking the conclusion of a significant era in his career.

2018: All-Star Game Format Changed

In 2018, the NBA All-Star game format was changed. Prior to February 19 2023, LeBron James had been undefeated as a captain with a 5-0 record since the change.

February 2019: Executive producing 2 Chainz's album Rap or Go to the League

In February 2019, LeBron James was announced as the executive producer of rapper 2 Chainz's new album, Rap or Go to the League, which celebrates black excellence and focuses on education and entrepreneurship.

November 2019: Previous Record for Oldest Triple-Double

In November 2019, LeBron James set a record for the oldest player to record a triple-double in three consecutive games, which he later broke on November 13, 2024.

2019: Controversy Over Daryl Morey Tweet

During the 2019 Hong Kong protests, LeBron James made a statement about Daryl Morey's tweet expressing support for the pro-democracy movement, leading to controversy and backlash.

2019: Trademark Application for 'Taco Tuesday' Denied

In 2019, LeBron James filed for a trademark on the term 'Taco Tuesday' through a shell company for use in various media and entertainment services. The request was denied by the United States Patent and Trademark Office as the term was too commonplace.

2019: Time's 100 Most Influential People

In 2019, LeBron James was selected as one of Time's 100 most influential people in the world, marking his fourth inclusion on the list.

July 2020: Rookie Card Sold for $1.8 Million

In July 2020, one of LeBron James' rookie cards sold for $1.8 million at auction, briefly holding the record for the most expensive modern-day sports card.

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

On August 19, 2020, LeBron James announced his intentions to support the Joe Biden 2020 presidential campaign and that of his running-mate Kamala Harris in advance of the 2020 U.S. presidential election.

August 27, 2020: Boycott of NBA Playoffs

On August 27, 2020, LeBron James and his Lakers teammates, as well as 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, LeBron James purchased a third home in Los Angeles, this one in Beverly Hills for $36.75 million.

November 2020: Angel Investment in Lobos 1707

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

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

On December 22, 2020, the 2020-2021 NBA season began after the shortest offseason in NBA history due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Lakers losing to the Los Angeles Clippers 116-109.

2020: Controversy Over Daryl Morey Tweet

During the 2019-2020 Hong Kong protests, LeBron James made a statement about Daryl Morey's tweet expressing support for the pro-democracy movement, leading to controversy and backlash.

2020: NBA Championship with the Lakers

In 2020, LeBron James won another NBA title with the Lakers and became 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: Assisting in the Purchase of the Atlanta Dream and Fenway Sports Group Partnership

In March 2021, LeBron James assisted Dream player Renee Montgomery in her successful bid to buy the WNBA's Atlanta Dream. That same year, James joined Fenway Sports Group as a partner, becoming a part-owner of several sports entities.

2021: Stars in Space Jam: A New Legacy

In 2021, LeBron James starred in the sports film "Space Jam: A New Legacy", expanding his presence in the entertainment industry.

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2021: Russell Westbrook's Consecutive Triple-Doubles

In 2021, Russell Westbrook had a streak of consecutive triple-doubles, matching the Lakers franchise record. LeBron James tied this record on November 15, 2024.

2021: Scholarships for 2,300 children begin

In 2021, scholarships are provided to as many as 2,300 children through LeBron James' partnership with the University of Akron.

February 2022: Bill Maher Criticism

In February 2022, political commentator Bill Maher called LeBron James hypocritical for not taking a critical stance towards the Chinese government's human rights abuses.

June 2022: Launching Hana Kuma Media Company

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

August 2022: Part Ownership of A.C. Milan

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

August 18, 2022: James signs contract extension with the Lakers

On August 18, 2022, LeBron James signed a two-year, $97.1 million contract extension with the Lakers, including a player option in the second year, making him the highest-paid athlete in NBA history at $529 million.

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.

2022: Crypto.com NFT Airdrop and Partnership with LeBron James Family Foundation

In 2022, Crypto.com launched an NFT airdrop campaign featuring NBA champion LeBron James, distributing 5,550 tokens to randomly chosen participants who scanned a QR code in their Super Bowl ad. Furthermore, in 2022, the LeBron James Family Foundation partnered with Crypto.com to provide blockchain and Web3 education to underserved communities in Akron.

2022: Public stance on 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: James' 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: James Leads Lakers to Victory

In 2022-23 season, on April 9, James posted 36 points, six rebounds, and six assists to lead the Lakers to a 128–117 victory over the Jazz, earning the seventh seed in the Western Conference play-in tournament.

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 Passes Abdul-Jabbar as All-Time Leading Scorer

On February 7, 2023, LeBron James surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA's all-time leading scorer. The game was paused, and a ceremony was held where Abdul-Jabbar presented James with the game ball.

April 11, 2023: Biography LeBron Published

On April 11, 2023, LeBron James' biography LeBron was published by Jeff Benedict, based on three years of research and over 250 interviews.

LeBron

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May 2023: First active NBA player to become 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, boasting over 155 million followers.

September 2023: Biogenesis Scandal Release

In September 2023, ESPN reported that a new set of client names from the Biogenesis scandal had been released, including Ernest "Randy" Mims, a longtime friend and business manager of James, as well as David Alexander, a trainer of prominent athletes and co-owner of a juice business with Savannah James. The DEA found no indication of wrongdoing by LeBron James.

October 2023: Support for Israel on Instagram

In October 2023, LeBron James voiced his support for Israel on Instagram in response to the October 7th attacks, drawing backlash for omitting the Palestinians affected by the crisis.

2023: James Switches Jersey Number in Honor of Bill Russell

Entering the 2023–24 season, James switched back to jersey No. 23 from No. 6 in honor of Bill Russell, whose No. 6 jersey had been retired league-wide.

2023: McDonald's All-American

In 2023, Bronny James was named as a McDonald's All-American, 20 years after LeBron James' selection.

2023: Lakers Reach Western Conference Finals

In 2023, LeBron James led the Lakers to the Western Conference Finals, marking their second Conference finals appearance in five seasons, before being swept by the Denver Nuggets.

2023: NBA All-Time Leading Scorer

In 2023, LeBron James surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA's all-time leading scorer, marking a historic milestone in his career.

2023: Won Inaugural NBA Cup with Lakers

In 2023, LeBron James won the inaugural NBA Cup with the Los Angeles Lakers, adding another achievement to his illustrious career.

January 25, 2024: James Surpasses Abdul-Jabbar with 20th All-Star Selection

On January 25, 2024, LeBron 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 in NBA history.

March 2024: Launching Mind the Game Podcast with JJ Redick

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

June 2024: Podcast Suspension after Redick's Coaching Hire

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: James Re-Signs with Lakers

On July 6, 2024, LeBron 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.

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

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

October 31, 2024: Support for Kamala Harris 2024 Campaign

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

2024: All-NBA Team Selection in 2024

As of 2024, LeBron James has been named to 21 All-NBA Teams, including 13 times to the First Team, both NBA records.

2024: James' Career Averages as of 2024

As of 2024, LeBron 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.

2024: First Father-Son Teammates in NBA

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

2024: 2024 Olympics: Team Captain, Flag Bearer, Gold Medalist

In 2024, at 39 years old, LeBron James rejoined the national team for the Paris Olympics as Team Captain. Voted by the U.S. delegation, James was named as one of the two Team USA flag-bearers for the opening ceremony. He led the team in rebounds and assists, and recorded his second Olympic triple double in a semi-final comeback win against Serbia. Team USA won their fifth straight gold medal, defeating France in the final game. James was named the FIBA Men's Olympics MVP and was selected to the FIBA Men's Olympics All-Star Five. He became the third male basketball player to win three gold medals at the Olympics.

2024: Olympics MVP

In the 2024 Summer Olympics, LeBron James won the Olympics MVP award, adding to his list of individual honors.

January 3, 2025: James Surpasses Jordan in 30-Point Games

On January 3, 2025, LeBron James surpassed Michael Jordan for the most 30-point games in NBA history with 563, during a win over the Atlanta Hawks.

March 4, 2025: James Surpasses 50,000 Career Points

On March 4, 2025, LeBron James surpassed 50,000 career points across the regular season and playoffs during a win against the New Orleans Pelicans.

March 2025: James Denies Health Spending Claims

In March 2025, LeBron James refuted claims that he spends $1.5 million annually on health, stating he was unaware of the source of that figure.

March 2025: Announcement of Mind the Game Season 2 with Steve Nash

In March 2025, a second season of Mind the Game was announced with Steve Nash replacing JJ Redick as LeBron James' new co-host.

October 9, 2025: James Sidelined for Season Opener

On October 9, 2025, the Lakers announced that LeBron James would be sidelined for the start of the 2025–26 season due to sciatica on his right side, marking the first time in his career he missed a season opener.

2025: Induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

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"), becoming one of the first NBA players inducted while still active.

2025: Mattel Announces LeBron James Ken Doll

In 2025, Mattel announced the addition of LeBron James to the Barbie roster, creating a Ken doll in his likeness, making him the first professional male athlete to be honored as a Ken doll.

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