Los Angeles Lakers star forward LeBron James turns 40 years old today. James is one of, if not the, best to ever play this game and despite being in year 22, he is still going strong.
James is the All-Time points leader in the NBA but still has a hunger for more. The veteran is a four-time NBA champion and has won countless other awards over his long, legendary career.
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during a play-in tournament game at the Smoothie King Center on April 16, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. James turns 40…
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during a play-in tournament game at the Smoothie King Center on April 16, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. James turns 40 today.
Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images
The King has seen far too many excellent moments throughout his career but which are the best?
Here are the top 10 best moments from his historic career, at least so far.
One of the greatest to ever do it… and still going strong.
Happy 40th Birthday, @KingJames! #NBABDAY pic.twitter.com/Ragf39nHZU
— NBA (@NBA)
December 30, 2024
10. Historic Effort in NBA Finals
James went toe-to-toe with one of the greatest teams of all time, the Kevin Durant and Steph Curry Golden State Warriors. In Game 1 of the 2018 NBA Finals, James did all he could to pull the upset.
The star dropped 51 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists but in the end, it wasn’t enough. Golden State came out on top in overtime and then ended up sweeping the series.
LeBron James posts a historic stat line of 51 PTS, 8 REB, 8 AST for the @cavs in Game 1 of the #NBAFinals
Since 1970, only LeBron & Michael Jordan have scored more than 50+ points in a Finals game.#WhateverItTakes pic.twitter.com/6DBC04JMWb
— NBA (@NBA)
June 1, 2018
9. Buzzer-Beater Sinks Magic in Playoffs
While the Cavaliers didn’t beat the Orlando Magic in this series, this moment stands out. It may be the most dramatic of James’ big-time shots.
James drilled a 3-pointer over Magic forward Hedo Turkoglu to win the game. His teammates all jumped around him and celebrated one of the more iconic moments of his career.
On this day in 2009…
LeBron James hits the fadeaway game-winner to beat Orlando in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals! pic.twitter.com/tbGUq4KwkM
— NBA History (@NBAHistory)
May 22, 2024
8. James Silences Celtics
In one of the more infamous moments of his career, James completely shut down any doubters. In Game 6 of the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals, his legacy was on the line.
Heading into Boston for the elimination game, James made sure the Miami Heat wouldn’t lose. James posted 45 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists to get the win. This includes his famous “stare down” which has since become a classic meme.
Lebron Highlights in Game 6 of the 2012 ECF vs Celtics
45 Pts, 15 Rebs, 5 Asts, 73%FG pic.twitter.com/j3uDc53TO0
— . (@BronSZNNN)
November 7, 2023
7. Game, Set, Match: James Quiets the Spurs
After an incredible Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals, James took it upon himself to make sure the Heat didn’t lose in Game 7. The star posted a then-Finals record of 37 points in the deciding game.
James hit five 3-point shots and grabbed 11 rebounds to claim his second straight title. This was a signature moment for James and showed many that he had what it takes to win in the biggest moments.
Seven years ago, LeBron and the Heat clinched back-to-back titles by beating the Spurs in Game 7 ?? pic.twitter.com/C4pFXGXmvZ
— ESPN (@espn)
June 20, 2020
6. Lakers Are Champions Once Again
Many criticized James for heading to the Lakers, saying he was only there for the fame of being in Los Angeles. So when James helped lead the Lakers to a title in 2020, it silenced a lot of critics.
James famously said “I want my damn respect too.” in his post-championship speech, referencing all the noise. It was right here that he established himself as a true legend for the purple and gold.
“I want my damn respect too.”
–LeBron James ? pic.twitter.com/yswlex0U8M
— ESPN (@espn)
October 12, 2020
5.Sharing the Court With His Son, Bronny
Earlier this NBA season, James got to do something that no other NBA player has ever done. James shared the court with his son Bronny and they become the first-ever father-son duo to play on an NBA court together.
After Bronny was drafted this summer, this was expected. But it all came together in the first game of the year. James would likely rank this at the top but it comes in the top five here.
LeBron and Bronny become the first father-son duo to play on an NBA court together ? pic.twitter.com/p7QrvHKPBU
— NBA TV (@NBATV)
October 23, 2024
4. LeBron James NBA Arrival Moment
In Game 5 of the 2007 Eastern Conference Finals against the Detroit Pistons, James simply took over. The veteran scored 29 of the Cavaliers’ 30 points, including scoring 25 straight in the fourth quarter and overtime.
The series was tied 2-2 and a loss would have been catastrophic for Cleveland. But James wouldn’t allow it to happen, dropping 48 points in the massive win.
On this day back in 2007…
LeBron James goes off for 48 points, including 25 straight, in a double OT win against the Pistons in the ECF! pic.twitter.com/MffppWBHjd
— NBA History (@NBAHistory)
May 31, 2024
3. Becoming the All-Time Leading Scorer in NBA History
Against the Oklahoma City Thunder in early 2023, James finally broke the record to become the All-Time Leading Scorer in NBA History. James surpassed the great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and took his place atop the mountain.
For some, this was the moment he etched himself as the greatest ever. But for James, it was never about the individual goals. However, this accomplishment is special and may never be topped again.
The moment LeBron passed Kareem to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer ? pic.twitter.com/dXjDSrNBYx
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife)
February 8, 2023
2. Claiming His First NBA Title With the Heat
After a tumultuous offseason for James, following a rough loss to the Dallas Mavericks in the 2011 NBA Finals, James finally pushed through. The Miami Heat took down the Oklahoma City Thunder in five games in the 2012 NBA Finals.
It was the first title of James’ career and was “about damn time” according to the future Hall-of-Famer. James was finally on top of the basketball world and accomplished his main goal.
7 years ago today, LeBron won his first NBA championship and for him, it was “about damn time”. ? pic.twitter.com/5oRcvShATu
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter)
June 21, 2019
1. Finally Bringing Cleveland a Championship
The signature moment from James’ illustrious career comes from him helping the Cavaliers win the NBA title. In a thrilling Game 7 win over the juggernaut 73-win Warriors, James defied everything to bring home the prize.
His famous block of Andre Iguodala on the fastbreak is regarded as one of the best plays in NBA history. It was a truly special moment for the city of Cleveland, for James, and for all basketball fans.
LeBron and the @cavs made NBA history as they overcame a 3-1 deficit in the Finals ?
Warriors vs. Cavaliers, 2016 NBA Finals Game 7 – 10pm ET on NBA TV! pic.twitter.com/kGpltyzHv3
— NBA TV (@NBATV)
May 4, 2020
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LeBron James Top 10 Career Moments to Celebrate 40th Birthday
