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{{For|those of a similar name|Stanley Walker (disambiguation)}}
{{short description|American basketball player}}
{{pp-pc1}}
{{redirect|LeBron|other people with the name|Lebrón}}
{{short description|Australian-born New Zealand singer}}
{{for|his son, LeBron James Jr.|Bronny James}}
{{Use Australian English|date=September 2011}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{use American English|date=August 2019}}
| name = Stan Walker
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2020}}
| image = File:Stan Walker in Raglan, New Zealand 46.JPG
{{Infobox basketball biography
| caption = Walker at the Raglan Christmas in the Park 2015
| image = LeBron James Lakers.jpg
| image_size = | birth_name =
| background = solo_singer
| caption = James with the ] in 2018
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1990|10|23}}
| position = ] / ] <!--****Primarily a SF. He has only played SG and PG one season each out of 17 and PF 3 seasons.****-->
|birth_place =], ], Australia
| height_ft = 6
| genre = {{hlist|]|]}}
| height_in = 9
| occupation = Singer, actor, television personality
| weight_lb = 250
| instrument = ], ]
| league = ]
| years_active = 2009–present
| team = Los Angeles Lakers
| label = ]
| number = 23
|associated_acts = ], ]
| nationality = American
| website = {{url|https://www.stanwalker.com.au}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1984|12|30}}
| birth_place = ]
| high_school = ]<br />(Akron, Ohio)
| draft_year = 2003
| draft_round = 1
| draft_pick = 1
| draft_team = ]
| career_start = 2003
| career_end =
| career_number =
| years1 = {{nbay|2003|start}}–{{nbay|2009|end}}
| team1 = ]
| years2 = {{nbay|2010|start}}–{{nbay|2013|end}}
| team2 = ]
| years3 = {{nbay|2014|start}}–{{nbay|2017|end}}
| team3 = Cleveland Cavaliers
| years4 = {{nbay|2018|start}}–present
| team4 = ]
| highlights =
* 4× ] (], ], ], ])
* 4× ] (], ], ], ])
* 4× ] ({{nbay|2008|end}}, {{nbay|2009|end}}, {{nbay|2011|end}}, {{nbay|2012|end}})
* 16× ] ({{nasg|2005}}–{{nasg|2020}})
* 3× ] (], ], ])
* 13× ] ({{nbay|2005|end}}, {{nbay|2007|end}}–{{nbay|2017|end}}, {{nbay|2019|end}})
* 2× ] ({{nbay|2004|end}}, {{nbay|2006|end}})
* ] ({{nbay|2018|end}})
* 5× ] ({{nbay|2008|end}}–{{nbay|2012|end}})
* ] ({{nbay|2013|end}})
* ] ({{nbay|2003|end}})
* ] ({{nbay|2003|end}})
* ] ({{nbay|2007|end}})
* ] ({{nbay|2019|end}})
* ] ({{nbay|2016|end}})
* 3× ] (2013, 2016, 2018)
* 2× ] (2012, 2016)
* ] (2012)
* 2× ] (2002, 2003)
* ] (2003)
* ] (])
* 2× ] (2002, 2003)
* 2× First-team ] (2002, 2003)
* 3× ] (2001–2003)
| bbr = jamesle01
| profile = lebron_james
| medaltemplates =
{{Medal|Sport|Men's ]}}
{{Medal|Country|the {{USA}}}}
{{Medal|Competition|]}}
{{Medal|Gold|]|]}}
{{Medal|Gold|]|]}}
{{Medal|Bronze|]|]}}
{{Medal|Competition|]}}
{{Medal|Bronze|]|}}
{{Medal|Competition|]}}
{{Medal|Gold|]|}}
}} }}


'''Stan Walker''' (born 23 October 1990) is an ]-born ] recording artist, actor, and television personality. In 2009, Walker was the winner of the ] of '']''. He subsequently signed a recording contract with ]. In December 2009, Walker released his debut studio album, '']'', which included the hit single, "]". The album debuted at number three on the Australian ] and was certified platinum by the ] (ARIA). It also appeared on the ] at number two and was certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand (RIANZ).
'''LeBron Raymone James Sr.''' ({{IPAc-en|l|ə|ˈ|b|r|ɒ|n}} {{Respell|lə|BRON}}; born December 30, 1984) is an American professional ] player for the ] of the ] (NBA). Widely considered one of the greatest NBA players, James is frequently compared to ] in debates over the greatest basketball player of all time.<!-- NOTE: This aspect is sourced, and is in the lead because it is a part of his legacy; see the Legacy section. The sources are clear that James is often (not just sometimes) referred to as the greatest basketball player and is therefore often compared to Jordan for the title of the greatest basketball player.--><ref name="GOAT debate"> Various reliable sources have commented on James often being considered the greatest basketball player of all-time and therefore whether or not he has surpassed Jordan as the greatest; see, for example:
* {{cite web|last1=Ryan|first1=Bob|title=Who's the GOAT, Michael or LeBron?|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/celtics/2017/05/13/who-goat-michael-lebron/5PyN8t0ZqyTorMEP2HuZbL/story.html|newspaper=]|accessdate=May 15, 2017|date=May 13, 2017}}
* {{cite web|last=Pelton|first=Kevin|title=LeBron or MJ? How the King is settling the GOAT debate|work=]|date=May 10, 2018|accessdate=October 24, 2019|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/23456720/is-lebron-james-michael-jordan-greatest-nba-player-all}}
* {{cite web|last=Botkin|first=Brad|title=LeBron James had at least one thing right when he declared himself the greatest player of all time|work=]|date=January 2, 2019|accessdate=October 24, 2019|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lebron-james-had-at-least-one-thing-right-when-he-declared-himself-the-greatest-player-of-all-time/}}
* {{cite web|last=Olivieri|first=Anthony|title=GOATs on GOATs: LeBron and MJ in their own words through the years|work=] |date=February 14, 2019 |accessdate=April 1, 2020|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/page/allstarweekend25788027/the-comparison-lebron-james-michael-jordan-their-own-words
}}
* {{cite web|last=Davis|first=Scott|title=Most Americans think Michael Jordan is the 'GOAT' over LeBron James, and it's not even close|work=]|date=March 18, 2019|accessdate=April 1, 2020|url=
https://www.businessinsider.com/jordan-lebron-goat-debate-americans-jordan-2019-3}}
* {{cite web|last=Posnanski|first=Joe|title=The great debate: Would you rather have LeBron James or Michael Jordan?
|work=]|accessdate=April 1, 2020|url=https://sportsworld.nbcsports.com/michael-jordan-vs-lebron-james/}}</ref> During his 17-year NBA career, James has played for the ], the ], and the Lakers. He has competed in ten ], including eight consecutive with the Heat and Cavaliers from 2011 through 2018. His accomplishments include four ]s, four ], four ], and two ]. He is the only player in NBA history to have been named Finals MVP with three different franchises.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Staff|first=From NBA com|title=LeBron James makes history, wins Finals MVP with 3 different franchises|url=http://www.nba.com/lebron-james-history-finals-mvps-3-nba-franchises|access-date=October 12, 2020|website=NBA.com|language=en}}</ref> James holds the all-time record for ], is third in ], and eighth in ]. James has been selected to the ] a record thirteen times, made the ] five times, and has played in sixteen ], in which he was selected ] three times.


In 2010, Walker released his second studio album, '']'', which spawned the hit singles, "]" and "]". The album debuted at number one on the New Zealand Albums Chart and number two on the ARIA Albums Chart. In November 2011, Walker released his third studio album, '']'', which debuted at number 18 on the ARIA Albums Chart and number 12 in New Zealand, and spawned the hit single "]". During his career, Walker has won five ] and has received five ] nominations. Walker was a judge on the ] and ] of '']'' in 2013 and 2015. He made his acting debut in the New Zealand film, '']'' (2013), and played the role of Benjy in the 2015 New Zealand film, ''Born to Dance''.
James played basketball for ] in his hometown of ], where he was heavily touted by the national media as a future NBA superstar. A ], he was selected by Cleveland with the ] of the ]. Named the ] ], he soon established himself as one of the league's premier players, winning the NBA MVP Award in 2009 and 2010. After failing to win a championship with Cleveland, James left in 2010 to sign as a ] with Miami. This move was announced in an ] special titled '']'', and is one of the most controversial free agent decisions in sports history.


== Life and career ==
James won his first two NBA championships while playing for the Heat in ] and ]; in both of these years, he also earned league MVP and Finals MVP. After his fourth season with the Heat in 2014, James opted out of his contract to re-sign with the Cavaliers. In ], he led the Cavaliers to victory over the ] in the ] by ] from a 3–1 deficit, delivering the franchise's first championship and ending ]. In 2018, James opted out of his contract with the Cavaliers to sign with the Lakers, where he won the ] and was awarded his fourth Finals MVP.
=== 1990–2009: Early life===
Stan Walker was born on 23 October 1990 in ], Australia<ref name="allmusic">{{cite web|last=Birchmeier|first=Jason|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/stan-walker-p2087788/biography|title=Stan Walker – Biography|publisher=]. ]|accessdate=29 October 2011}}</ref> to parents Ross and April Walker.<ref name="walkergod">{{cite web|last=Te Koha|first=Nui|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/australian-idol-winner-stan-walker-thanks-god/story-fn7x8me2-1226200124876|title=Australian Idol winner Stan Walker thanks God|work=]|publisher=Herald and Weekly Times|date=20 November 2011|accessdate=26 November 2011}}</ref> He is ] and is from the ] and ] tribes in ].<ref name="warriorstans">{{cite web|last=Te Koha|first=Nui|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/warrior-stan-in-fight-of-his-life/story-e6frex2i-1225801785004|title=Warrior Stan's in fight of his life|work=]|publisher=]|date=22 November 2009|accessdate=28 October 2011}}</ref> Walker grew up on a ] in ], New Zealand.<ref name="kiwihot"/> In New Zealand, he attended ] and ] in ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/4000944/Going-for-a-song |title=Going for a song |work=] |publisher=] |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/62laGJluU?url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/4000944/Going-for-a-song |archivedate=28 October 2011}}</ref> and boarded at ].<ref>"". Stuff.co.nz (Fairfax Media). Retrieved 21 July 2013.</ref> Walker has compared his early life to that portrayed in the 1994 New Zealand film, '']'', which tells the story of an urban Māori family and their problems with poverty, alcoholism and domestic violence.<ref name="truesurvivor" /> His father was repeatedly jailed for beating his wife, April, and five children, including Walker.<ref name="walkergod" /> This led to Walker smoking ] and ].<ref name="kiwihot"/> Walker was also sexually abused by a relative over a nine-month period.<ref name="walkergod"/> His parents were drug dealers and both have spent time in jail for drug offences.<ref name="walkergod"/>
]
At the age of 15, Walker started going to church, after hearing a testimony of a girl who had a similar family background to his.<ref name="truesurvivor"/> Walker says his passion for music and church made him a "good boy" again.<ref name="kiwihot">{{cite web|last= Neville |first=Alice |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/maori/news/article.cfm?c_id=252&objectid=10602562 |title=Kiwi hot favourite to win 'Australian Idol' |date=11 October 2009 |work=] |publisher=APN Holdings NZ Limited |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/62lbDeRuy?url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/maori/news/article.cfm?c_id=252&objectid=10602562 |archivedate=28 October 2011}}</ref> After several violent episodes, Walker and his family moved back to Australia and settled in ].<ref name="walkergod"/><ref name="truesurvivor">{{cite web|last=Tan|first=Melody|url=http://www.signsofthetimes.org.au/items/true-survivor-stan-walker|title=True Survivor: Stan Walker|work=]|publisher=]|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/62lZvlCaA?url=http://www.signsofthetimes.org.au/items/true-survivor-stan-walker|archivedate=28 October 2011}}</ref> In 2009, Walker lost a daughter when his then-girlfriend suffered a ].<ref name="warriorstans"/> He had planned to call his baby, Ataahua, which is Māori for "beautiful", and wears her name as a tattoo on his neck.<ref name="warriorstans"/> Before Walker had entered ''Australian Idol'', he was a shop assistant at a menswear shop in Coolangatta.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/stan-walker-talks-about-his-plans-after-winning-australian-idol/story-e6frfn09-1225802109496 |title=Stan Walker talks about his plans after winning Australian Idol |publisher=News.com.au (News Limited) |date=23 November 2009 |accessdate=28 October 2011}}</ref>


Walker says that moving to Australia helped him get over the 'shame buzz' and pursue a career in entertainment.<ref>{{cite news| url= http://www.3news.co.nz/Stan-Walker-beats-the-shame-buzz/tabid/418/articleID/298399/Default.aspx| work=3 News NZ| title= Walker beats the 'shame buzz'| date=20 May 2013}}</ref>
Off the court, James has accumulated additional wealth and fame from numerous endorsement contracts. His public life has been the subject of much scrutiny, and he has been ranked as one of America's most influential and popular athletes. He has been featured in books, documentaries, and television commercials. He has also hosted the ] and '']'', and appeared in the 2015 film '']''. The LeBron James Family Foundation charity builds upon his vision to improve education for students in Akron, Ohio.


===2009: ''Australian Idol'' and ''Introducing... Stan Walker''===
==Early life==
{{main|Australian Idol (season 7)}}
James was born on December 30, 1984 in ], to Gloria Marie James, who was 16 at the time of his birth.<ref name="Jones2003">{{cite book |last=Jones |first=Ryan |title=King James: Believe the Hype |year=2003 |publisher=St. Martin's Griffin |location=New York |isbn=978-0-312-34992-9 |url=https://archive.org/details/kingjames00ryan }}</ref>{{rp|22}} His father, Anthony McClelland, has an extensive criminal record and was not involved in his life.<ref>{{cite web|last=Donegan|first=Lawrence|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2003/mar/02/ussport|title=America's most wanted|newspaper=]|date=March 2, 2003|access-date=May 29, 2018}}</ref> When James was growing up, life was often a struggle for the family, as they moved from apartment to apartment in the seedier neighborhoods of Akron while Gloria struggled to find steady work.<ref name=jockbio>{{cite web|url=http://www.jockbio.com/Bios/James/James_bio.html|title=LeBron James Biography|website=JockBio.com|access-date=May 23, 2010}}</ref> Realizing that her son would be better off in a more stable family environment, Gloria allowed him to move in with the family of Frank Walker, a local youth football coach who introduced James to basketball when he was nine years old.<ref name="Jones2003" />{{rp|23}}
In 2009, Walker auditioned for the seventh season of '']'', singing ]'s "]" at his ] audition.<ref name="allmusic"/> He received praise from the judges and progressed through to the theatre rounds receiving more recognition from the judges, with ] saying, "You're the only person after the auditions that I ever told anyone about; family, friends other people that I run into. I only told them about you."<ref name=idolaudthtr>{{cite video|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yll4zAJ__-A |title=Top 100 – Stan Walker – Use Somebody (Round 2) Snippet |publisher=] |accessdate=2 January 2010}}</ref> After all three theatre rounds were over, it was announced that Walker had made it into the top twenty four semi-finals. Walker was a part of the first group to perform in the semi-finals. The following evening, it was announced that the first two contestants to be put through to the final top twelve according to viewer votes, were Walker and fellow contestant ].<ref name=ausidoltop122>{{cite video|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lt68pL0-ZGA |title=Top 24 – Stan Walker Gets Into Top 12! |publisher=YouTube |accessdate=2 January 2010}}</ref>


Throughout the season, Walker was praised continually for his voice and for the daring song choices he took with his performances.<ref name=ausidoltop12tc>{{cite video|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dga6VdWdXCc |title=Stan Walker The Climb with Judges comments |publisher=YouTube |accessdate=2 January 2010}}</ref> One of his most highly praised performances on the show was of the ] song, "]", which received a ] from the judging panel and the audience.<ref>http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xb7ib8_top-9-stan-walker-purple-rain-full_music</ref> The grand final was held on 22 November 2009 at the ]. After the viewer votes had been tallied, it was announced that the winner was Walker.<ref name=ausidolwin>{{cite web|url=http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=974581 |title=Soul singer Stan Walker wins Idol |publisher=] |accessdate=2 January 2010}}</ref> He is the first person of New Zealand descent to win ''Australian Idol''.<ref name="truesurvivor"/> After coming out of ''Australian Idol'' as the winner, Walker signed to ] and received an artist's development fund worth ]200,000.<ref name=smhartcle>{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/entertainment/tv--radio/soul-singer-stan-walker-wins-idol/2009/11/22/1258824628374.html |title=Soul singer Stan Walker wins Idol |work=] |publisher=] |accessdate=4 January 2010 |date=23 November 2009}}</ref> During this time, he established his own company called, Stan Walker Music Pty Ltd, which is run by his mother, April.<ref name="dailytelgphintrvw">{{cite web|last=Moran |first=Jonathon |url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/sunday-telegraph/show-me-the-money-stan/story-e6frewt0-1225812043757 |title=Show me the money: Stan |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=20 December 2009 |publisher=News Limited |accessdate=8 January 2010}}</ref> The company was set up in order to negotiate his contract with Sony Music and not end up like past ''Australian Idol'' contestant ], who claimed he did not make any money from his ''Winners Journey'' release.<ref name="dailytelgphintrvw"/>
James began playing organized basketball in the fifth grade.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Nichols |first1=Rachel |title=LeBron James opens up on his new school, the Lakers and life's challenges |url=http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/24194051/lebron-james-discusses-opening-public-school-akron-move-los-angeles-lakers-nba |publisher=] |access-date=July 31, 2018 |date=July 30, 2018}}</ref> He later played ] (AAU) basketball for the Northeast Ohio Shooting Stars.<ref name=jockbio /> The team enjoyed success on a local and national level, led by James and his friends Sian Cotton, ], and Willie McGee.<ref name="Jones2003" />{{rp|24}} The group dubbed themselves the "Fab Four" and promised each other that they would attend high school together.<ref name="Jones2003" />{{rp|27}} In a move that stirred local controversy, they chose to attend ], a private ] school with predominantly ] students.<ref>{{cite news|last=Covert|first=Colin|title=Movie review: Band of brothers in 'More Than a Game'|url=http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/movies/64387712.html?elr=KArksD:aDyaEP:kD:aUnc5PDiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr|newspaper=]|access-date=July 1, 2012|date=October 15, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224102803/http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/movies/64387712.html?elr=KArksD:aDyaEP:kD:aUnc5PDiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr|archive-date=December 24, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==High school career==
===Basketball===


Walker's debut single, "]", was released ] following his win on ''Australian Idol'' on 22 November.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/black-box-single/id341287642|title=Black Box – Single|publisher=]. ]|accessdate=28 October 2011}}</ref> The song peaked at number two on the ] and was certified double platinum by the ] (ARIA), for selling 140,000 copies.<ref name="ausdiscography">{{cite web|url=http://australian-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Stan+Walker|title=Discography Stan Walker|publisher=]. Hung Medien|accessdate=28 October 2011}}</ref><ref name="2010ariacerts">{{cite web|url=http://www.aria.com.au/pages/httpwww.aria.com.auaccreds2010.htm |title=ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2010 Singles |publisher=] (ARIA) |accessdate=29 August 2010}}</ref> It also peaked at number one on the ] and was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand (RIANZ), for selling 30,000 copies.<ref name="nzdiscography">{{cite web|url=https://charts.nz/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Stan+Walker|title=Discography Stan Walker|publisher=]. Hung Medien|accessdate=28 October 2011}}</ref><ref name="nzsinglescert">{{cite web|url=http://www.radioscope.net.nz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=77&Itemid=61 |title=Latest Gold / Platinum Singles |publisher=RadioScope New Zealand |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724195845/http://www.radioscope.net.nz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=77&Itemid=61 |archivedate=24 July 2011 }}</ref> Walker's debut studio album, '']'', was released on 8 December 2009, three days ahead of its original release date.<ref name="hsartcle">{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/music/australian-idol-winner-stan-walker-album-released-early-susan-boyle-still-at-number-1/story-e6frf9hf-1225808527481 |title=Australian Idol winner Stan Walker album released early, Susan Boyle still at Number 1 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=Herald and Weekly Times |date=9 December 2009 |accessdate=4 January 2010}}</ref> The album featured the selected songs Walker had performed as part of the top twelve on ''Australian Idol'', as well the two original songs, "Black Box" and "Think of Me", which was produced by the first ''Australian Idol'' winner, ].<ref name=heraldsun>{{cite web|last=Adams |first=Cameron |url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/music/review-australian-idols-stan-walkers-debut-album-introducing-stan-walker/story-e6frf9hf-1225809137824 |title=Review – Australian Idol's Stan Walker's debut Album, Introducing Stan Walker |work=Herald Sun |publisher=Herald and Weekly Times |date=10 December 2009 |accessdate=4 January 2010}}</ref> ''Introducing... Stan Walker'' debuted at number three on the ARIA Albums Chart and was certified platinum by the ARIA.<ref name="ausdiscography"/><ref name="2009 ARIA certs">{{cite web |url=http://www.aria.com.au/pages/httpwww.aria.com.aupagesARIACharts-Accreditations-2009Albums.htm |title=ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2009 Albums|publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA)|accessdate=13 July 2010}}</ref> It also made its debut on the New Zealand Albums Chart at number two and was certified triple platinum by the RIANZ, for selling 45,000 copies.<ref name="nzdiscography"/><ref name="nzalbumscert"/>
As a freshman, James averaged 21 ] and 6 ] per game for the St. Vincent-St. Mary ] basketball team.<ref name=Prospect>{{cite web|title=Prospect Profile: LeBron James|url=http://www.nba.com/draft2003/profiles/JamesLeBron.html|website=NBA.com|accessdate=March 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130709135603/http://www.nba.com/draft2003/profiles/JamesLeBron.html|archive-date=July 9, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Fighting Irish went 27–0 en route to the Division III state title, making them the only boys high school team in Ohio to finish the season undefeated.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lee Morgan |first1=David |last2=Gaffney |first2=Tom |date=March 26, 2000 |title=Winning one for Carter |page=D8 |work=] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/21535260/lebron_james_hs_freshman/ |via=] |accessdate=July 3, 2018}} {{free access}}</ref> As a sophomore, James averaged 25.2 points and 7.2 rebounds with 5.8 ] and 3.8 ] per game.<ref name="nbabio"/> For some home games during the season, St. Vincent-St. Mary played at the ]'s 5,492-seat Rhodes Arena to satisfy ticket demand from alumni, fans, as well as college and NBA scouts who wanted to see James play.<ref>{{cite news|last=Abrams|first=Jonathan|title=Heading Home to Celebrate|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/03/sports/basketball/03lebron.html|newspaper=]|accessdate=May 30, 2012|date=May 2, 2010}}</ref> The Fighting Irish finished the season 26–1 and repeated as state champions.<ref name=Prospect /> For his outstanding play, James was named ] and selected to the ], becoming the first sophomore to do either.<ref name=Prospect />


===2010–2012: ''From the Inside Out'' and ''Let the Music Play''===
Before the start of his junior year, James was featured in '']'', an American basketball magazine, and writer Ryan Jones lauded him as possibly "the best high school basketball player in America right now".<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Jones|first=Ryan|title=Ohio Player|url=http://www.slamonline.com/online/the-magazine/features/2012/05/ohio-player-lebron-james-first/|magazine=]|accessdate=May 27, 2012|date=December 30, 2014}}</ref> During the season, James also appeared on the cover of '']'', becoming the first high school basketball underclassman to do so.<ref name="Jones2003" />{{rp|104}} With averages of 29 points, 8.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 3.3 steals per game, he was again named Ohio Mr. Basketball and selected to the ''USA Today'' All-USA First Team,<ref name=Prospect /> and became the first junior to be named male basketball ].<ref name="Jones2003" />{{rp|117}} St. Vincent-St. Mary finished the year with a 23–4 record, ending their season with a loss in the Division II championship game.<ref name="Jones2003" />{{rp|114}} Following the loss, James unsuccessfully petitioned for a change to the NBA's draft eligibility rules in an attempt to enter the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reference.com/sports-active-lifestyle/nba-s-educational-requirement-bf2bc2e227f74443|title=What Is the NBA's Educational Requirement?|website=Reference}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/09/books/09garner.html|title=An N.B.A. Giant and How He Grew|accessdate=May 3, 2010|date=September 9, 2009|page=C1|work=]|author=Garner, Dwight}}</ref> During this time, he used ], which he said was to help cope with the stress that resulted from the constant media attention he was receiving.<ref>{{Cite news|accessdate=January 30, 2018|date=July 24, 2009|title=LeBron's Book Shows Struggle With Fame|newspaper=]|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/07/24/entertainment/main5185971.shtml|last=Withers|first=Tom}}</ref>
In April 2010, Walker flew to ] to help ]'s relief effort of the ] as an ambassador.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/confidential/australian-idol-stan-walker-talks-of-heartbreak-for-lost-haitian-children-in-earthquake/story-e6frf96o-1225851756909 |title=Australian Idol Stan Walker talks of heartbreak for lost Haitian children in earthquake |work=Herald Sun |publisher=Herald and Weekly Times |date=9 April 2010 |accessdate=14 July 2010}}</ref> Walker's second studio album, '']'', was released on 20 August 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/from-the-inside-out/id382820198|title=From the Inside Out|publisher=iTunes Store. Apple Inc|accessdate=28 October 2011}}</ref> The album debuted at number two on the ARIA Albums Chart.<ref name="ausdiscography"/> In New Zealand, it debuted at number one on the New Zealand Albums Chart, and became Walker's first number-one album in the country.<ref name="nzdiscography"/> Eventually, ''From the Inside Out'' was certified platinum by the RIANZ.<ref name="nzalbumscert">{{cite web|url=http://www.radioscope.net.nz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=79&Itemid=61 |title=Latest Gold / Platinum Albums|publisher=RadioScope New Zealand|accessdate=13 July 2010}}</ref> "]" was released as the album's ] on 12 April 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/nz/album/unbroken-single/id366748392|title=Unbroken – Single|publisher=iTunes Store. Apple Inc|accessdate=20 April 2010}}</ref> On the New Zealand Singles Chart, the song peaked at number nine and was certified gold.<ref name="nzdiscography"/><ref name="nzsinglescert"/> In Australia, "Unbroken" peaked at number 23 on the ARIA Singles Chart and was certified gold.<ref name="ausdiscography"/><ref name="2010ariacerts"/> In June 2010, Walker featured on New Zealand rapper ]'s single, "]". The album's second single, "]", was released on 20 July 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/choose-you/id381633992?i=381633995|title=Choose You – Single|publisher=iTunes Store. Apple Inc|accessdate=28 October 2011}}</ref> The song peaked at number three on the New Zealand Singles Chart and was certified platinum.<ref name="nzdiscography"/><ref name="nzsinglescert"/> It also appeared on the ARIA Singles Chart at number 16 and was certified platinum.<ref name="ausdiscography"/><ref name="2011ariacerts">{{cite web |url=http://www.aria.com.au/pages/httpwww.aria.com.aupageshttpwww.aria.com.auSINGLEaccreds2011.htm|title=ARIA Charts –Accreditations – 2011 Singles|publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA)|accessdate=22 October 2010}}</ref> "]", featuring rapper Kayo, was released as the album's third and final single on 29 October.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/homesick-single-version-feat./id399777256?i=399777258|title=Homesick (feat. Kayo) – Single|publisher=iTunes Store. Apple Inc|accessdate=28 October 2011}}</ref> It peaked at number 21 on the New Zealand Singles Chart and was certified gold.<ref name="nzdiscography"/><ref name="nzsinglescert"/> This single did not chart in Australia.<ref name="ausdiscography"/>


] performing during the Galaxy Tour in January 2012.]]
Throughout his senior year, James and the Fighting Irish traveled around the country to play a number of nationally ranked teams, including a game on December 12, 2002 against ] that was nationally televised on ].<ref name="Jones2003" />{{rp|142}} ], looking to capitalize on James's popularity, offered St. Vincent-St. Mary's games to subscribers on a ] basis throughout the season.<ref name="Jones2003" />{{rp|143}} For the year, James averaged 31.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 3.4 steals per game,<ref name=Prospect /> was named Ohio Mr. Basketball and selected to the ''USA Today'' All-USA First Team for an unprecedented third consecutive year,<ref name="Jones2003" />{{rp|178}} and was named Gatorade National Player of the Year for the second consecutive year.<ref name=Prospect /> He participated in three year-end high school basketball all-star games—the ] ], the ], and the ]—losing his ] (NCAA) eligibility and making it official that he would enter the 2003 NBA draft.<ref name=Free/>


In November 2010, Walker served as a support act for the ] tour in Australia, touring alongside ], ], ] and ], among other artists.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.liveguide.com.au/Tours/676466/Flo_Rida_Jay_Sean_Soulja_Boy_Travie_McCoy/Summerbeatz_2010_feat_Flo_Rida_Jay_Sean_Soulja_Boy_Travie_McCoy_Stan_Walker |title=Summerbeatz 2010 feat Flo Rida, Jay Sean, Stan Walker, Soulja Boy & Travie McCoy|publisher=Liveguide.com.au|accessdate=21 September 2010}}</ref> He performed at the ] in January 2011.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://tvnz.co.nz/entertainment-news/parachute-2011-festival-line-up-revealed-3700692 |title=Parachute 2011 festival line-up revealed |author=] |publisher=] |accessdate=5 February 2012 |date=14 August 2010}}</ref> In February 2011, Walker held his first headlining tour in New Zealand.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/4410829/Stan-Walker-announces-NZ-tour |title=Stan Walker announces NZ tour |publisher=Stuff.co.nz (Fairfax Media) |accessdate=19 December 2010}}</ref>
Also during his senior year, James was the centerpiece of several controversies. For his 18th birthday, he skirted state amateur bylaws by accepting a ] as a gift from his mother, who had secured a loan for the vehicle by utilizing James's future earning power as an NBA superstar.<ref name=SUV>{{cite news|publisher=] |date=January 27, 2003|accessdate=March 8, 2009|title=Prep star James can continue drive for state title|url=http://static.espn.go.com/nba/news/2003/0127/1499490.html|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> This prompted an investigation by the ] (OHSAA) because its guidelines stated that no amateur may accept any gift valued over $100 as a reward for athletic performance. James was cleared of any wrongdoing because he had accepted the luxury vehicle from a family member and not from an agent or any outside source.<ref name=Free/> Later in the season, James accepted two throwback jerseys worth $845 from an urban clothing store in exchange for posing for pictures, officially violating OHSAA rules and resulting in him being stripped of his high school sports eligibility.<ref name=Free>{{cite news|publisher=] |date=January 31, 2003|accessdate=March 8, 2009|agency=ESPN.com News Services|title=James ruled ineligible, plans to appeal decision|url=http://static.espn.go.com/nba/news/2003/0131/1502001.html}}</ref> James appealed the ruling and his penalty was eventually dropped to a two-game suspension, allowing him to play the remainder of the year. The Irish were also forced to forfeit one of their wins, their only official loss that season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ncaapublications.com/DownloadPublication.aspx?download=D110.pdf|title=2009–2010 NCAA Division I Manual|date=August 2009|publisher=]|page=163}}</ref> In his first game back after the suspension, James scored a career-high 52 points.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bolch|first1=Ben|title=James Is Too Much for Westchester|url=https://articles.latimes.com/2003/feb/09/sports/sp-hslebron9|website=]|date=February 9, 2003|accessdate=August 18, 2014}}</ref> St. Vincent-St. Mary went on to win the Division II championship, marking their third division title in four years.<ref>{{cite web|title=Boys Basketball D2 State Champs|url=http://www.yappi.com/boysbasketball/D2.html|accessdate=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070113105032/http://www.yappi.com/boysbasketball/D2.html|archive-date=January 13, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref>


Walker's third studio album, '']'', was released on 18 November 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sanity.com.au/products/2204779/Let_The_Music_Play|title=Let the Music Play – Stan Walker (CD)|publisher=Sanity.com.au|accessdate=19 October 2011}}</ref> It debuted at number 18 on the ARIA Album Chart and number 12 on the New Zealand Albums Chart.<ref name="ausdiscography"/><ref name="nzdiscography"/> Its lead single, "]", was released on 2 May 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/loud-single/id435050635|title=Loud – Single|publisher=iTunes Store. Apple Inc|accessdate=28 October 2011}}</ref> The song peaked at number nine on the ARIA Singles Chart and was certified platinum.<ref name="ausdiscography"/><ref name="2011ariacerts"/> On the New Zealand Singles Chart, "Loud" peaked at number eight and was certified gold.<ref name="nzdiscography"/><ref name="nzsinglescert"/> The album's second single, "]", featuring ], was released on 16 September 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/light-it-up-single/id464925606|title=Light It Up – Single|publisher=iTunes Store. Apple Inc.|accessdate=16 September 2011}}</ref> The song peaked at number 23 on the New Zealand Singles Chart and has reached number 45 on the ARIA Singles Chart.<ref name="ausdiscography"/><ref name="nzdiscography"/> In October 2011, Walker was featured on ]'s single, "]", which peaked at number 13 on the ARIA Singles Chart.<ref name="ausdiscography"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/galaxy-feat.-stan-walker-single/id475970617|title=Galaxy (feat. Stan Walker) – Single|publisher=iTunes Store. Apple Inc|accessdate=29 October 2011}}</ref> Walker and Mauboy embarked on their ] across Australia in January 2012, to celebrate the release of the song.<ref name="galaxytour"/> The tour ended in February 2012.<ref name="galaxytour">{{cite web|url=http://www.2dayfm.com.au/shows/hot30/blog/hot30-countdown-presents-jessica-mauboy-and-stan-walker-galaxy-tour/20111115-ezbn.html|title=Hot30 Presents Jessica Mauboy And Stan Walker 'Galaxy Tour'|publisher=]. ]|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/63H25IRAD?url=http://www.2dayfm.com.au/shows/hot30/blog/hot30-countdown-presents-jessica-mauboy-and-stan-walker-galaxy-tour/20111115-ezbn.html|archivedate=17 November 2011}}</ref>
===Football===
As an underclassman, James played ] for St. Vincent-St. Mary's ] team.<ref name="Jones2003" />{{rp|51}} He was recruited by some ], including ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Remember that time Urban Meyer tried to recruit LeBron James? |publisher=] |date=June 2, 2016 |url=http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/133392/remembering-that-time-urban-meyer-tried-to-recruit-lebron-james |last=Ward |first=Austin| accessdate=February 3, 2018 }}</ref> At the conclusion of his sophomore year, he was named first team all-state, and as a junior, he helped lead the Fighting Irish to the state semifinals.<ref name="nbabio">{{cite web|title=LeBron James stats, details, videos, and news|url=http://www.nba.com/players/lebron/james/2544|website=NBA.com|accessdate=May 27, 2017}}</ref> He did not play during his senior year because of a wrist injury that he sustained in an AAU basketball game.<ref name=Two>{{cite news|last=Abrams|first=Jonathan|title=LeBron James: Two Sports, One Superstar|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/03/sports/basketball/03james.html?pagewanted=all|newspaper=]|accessdate=May 27, 2012|date=May 3, 2009}}</ref> Some sports analysts, football critics, high school coaches, former and current players have speculated that James could have played in the ].{{refn|These include ],<ref name="Jones2003" />{{rp|91}} ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4194437|title=LBJ and NFL: A fantasy based in reality|last=Graham|first=Tim|date=May 31, 2009|publisher=]|accessdate=August 9, 2009}}</ref> John Breech,<ref>{{cite web|last=Breech|first=John|title=Theismann: LeBron James is 'talented enough' to be an NFL QB|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/eye-on-football/22311440/theismann-lebron-james-is-talented-enough-to-be-an-nfl-quarterback|publisher=]|accessdate=May 27, 2013|date=May 27, 2013}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite web|last=Barnwell|first=Bill|title=Could LeBron James Really Play in the NFL?|url=http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/9539709/bill-barnwell-examines-lebron-james-possibility-success-nfl|website=]|accessdate=August 14, 2013|date=August 5, 2013}}</ref> and Ryan Wilson.<ref>{{cite web|last=Wilson|first=Ryan|title=Mike Wallace latest to say LeBron James would dominate NFL|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/eye-on-football/23117087/mike-wallace-latest-to-say-lebron-james-would-dominate-nfl|publisher=]|accessdate=August 14, 2013|date=August 12, 2013}}</ref>|group=lower-alpha}}


In March 2012, "]" was released as the third single from ''Let the Music Play''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stanwalker.com.au/newsEvents/home.do?newsId=20030829007214|title=Stan Walker's New Single 'Music Won't Break Your Heart' Is On Itunes Now!|publisher=Stanwalker.com.au|date=13 March 2012|accessdate=20 March 2012}}</ref> and it peaked at number 25 in Australia and number 32 in New Zealand. In May 2012, Walker became a supporting act for ] on the Australian leg of her ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.take40.com/news/31385/nicki-minaj-australian-tour-support-acts-confirmed-as-timomatic-and-stan-walker!|title=Nicki Minaj Australian Tour Support Acts Confirmed As Timomatic And Stan Walker!|work=]|publisher=MCM Entertainment Pty Ltd|date=16 May 2012|accessdate=17 May 2012}}</ref>
==Professional career==
===Cleveland Cavaliers===


===2013–2016: ''The X Factor'', acting debut, ''Inventing Myself'' and ''Truth & Soul''===
====2003–2004: Rookie season====
On 6 November 2012, it was announced that Walker would be a judge on the first season of the New Zealand version of ] in 2013.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.3news.co.nz/Stan-Walker-named-as-X-Factor-NZ-judge/tabid/418/articleID/275593/Default.aspx|title=Stan Walker named as X Factor NZ judge|work=]|publisher=]|date=6 November 2012|accessdate=6 November 2012}}</ref> Walker made his acting debut playing the lead role of Turei in the New Zealand film, '']'', about a young Māori musician who seeks to open for ]'s 1979 Auckland show, but his dream clashes with his family's ideals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tvnz.co.nz/entertainment-news/stan-walker-make-acting-debut-in-nz-movie-4771739|title=Stan Walker to make acting dbeut in NZ movie|work=Tvnz.co.nz|date=12 March 2012|accessdate=12 March 2012}}</ref> When speaking of his role in the film, Walker told '']'', "They approached me&nbsp;...&nbsp;the script is so good, it's basically who I was six years ago&nbsp;...&nbsp;It's definitely the main reason I wanted to get involved.".<ref name="leap">{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/confidential/walker-prepares-to-leap-from-idol-to-the-big-screen/story-e6frf96x-1226141156587 |title=Walker prepares to leap from Idol to the big screen |work=Herald Sun |publisher=Herald and Weekly Times |date=20 September 2011 |accessdate=20 September 2011}}</ref> The film was released on 6 February 2013.<ref>{{cite press release| url=http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1301/S00315/world-premiere-for-stan-walkers-new-film-mt-zion.htm |title=World Premiere For Stan Walker's New Film Mt Zion |publisher=] |date=23 January 2013 |accessdate=26 October 2013}}</ref> Walker recorded "]" for the film's soundtrack;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/music/soundtracks/mt-zion-ost/681205 |title=Mt. Zion &ndash; Ost &ndash; Soundtrack |publisher=JB Hi-Fi |accessdate=26 October 2013}}</ref> the song was released as a single in December 2012 and was also included in Walker's ], ''The Complete Collection''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/nz/album/take-it-easy-single/id582142236 |title=Take It Easy (Radio Mix) &ndash; Single |publisher=iTunes Store (Apple Inc) |accessdate=26 October 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://shop.jbhifi.co.nz/music/pop-rock/complete-collection-stan-walker-4cd/70056 |title=Complete Collection Stan Walker 4CD |publisher=] |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6JxIZQ2PH?url=http://shop.jbhifi.co.nz/music/pop-rock/complete-collection-stan-walker-4cd/70056 |archivedate=27 September 2013}}</ref>
James was selected by his hometown team, the ], as the first overall pick of the ].<ref>{{cite web|title=2003 NBA Draft|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_2003.html|website=Basketball Reference|publisher=]|accessdate=April 13, 2013}}</ref> In his first regular season game, he scored 25 points against the ], setting an NBA record for most points scored by a ] player in his debut performance.<ref>{{cite news|title=Expectations for James more than met|url=http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?id=231029023|publisher=]|accessdate=May 30, 2012|date=October 30, 2003|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> At the conclusion of the ], he became the first Cavalier to receive the ],<ref name="nbastat">{{cite web|title=LeBron James: Player Info Page |url=http://www.nba.com/playerfile/lebron_james/career_stats.html |website=NBA.com |accessdate=April 27, 2007 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070516055606/http://www.nba.com/playerfile/lebron_james/career_stats.html |archivedate=May 16, 2007 |df= }}</ref> and with final averages of 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game, he also became just the third player in league history to average at least 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists per game as a rookie.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|title=20–5–5: Tyreke Evans makes rookie history|url=http://www.news10.net/news/story.aspx?storyid=79284|publisher=News10/KXTV|accessdate=April 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921055244/http://www.news10.net/news/story.aspx?storyid=79284|archive-date=September 21, 2013}}</ref> Cleveland ultimately finished the season 35–47, failing to make the ] despite an 18-game improvement over the previous year.<ref>{{cite web|title=2003–04 Cleveland Cavaliers|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CLE/2004.html|website=Basketball Reference|publisher=]|accessdate=April 27, 2007}}</ref>


Walker opened for ]'s ] in October 2013 for the Auckland and Perth concerts and three of the four Sydney concerts, following ] pulling out of these dates.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=11130928 |title=Stan Walker to open for his idol |work=] |publisher=] |date=27 September 2013 |accessdate=8 November 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ariacharts.com.au/news/43223/stan-walker-announced-as-beyonce-support-act,-perth-8,9-november,-replacing-iggy-azalea?pos=2 |title=Stan Walker Announced As Beyonce Support Act, Perth 8,9 November, Replacing Iggy Azalea |publisher=] |date= 6 November 2013 |accessdate=8 November 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/iggy-azalea-wont-support-beyonce-at-three-australian-shows-20131016-2vmk3.html |title=Iggy Azalea won't support Beyonce at three Australian shows |work=] |publisher=] |date=16 October 2013 |accessdate=8 November 2013}}</ref> Walker's fourth studio album, '']'', was released on 25 October 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/nz/album/inventing-myself/id716454306 |title=Inventing Myself |publisher=iTunes Store (Apple Inc) |accessdate=18 October 2013}}</ref> In August 2014, Walker featured with other New Zealand artists on the ] "Song for Everyone".<ref>{{cite web|title=NZ’s biggest stars team up for charity single|url=https://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/entertainment/24622762/new-zealand-s-biggest-stars-team-up-for-charity-single/|accessdate=5 August 2014}}</ref> His fifth studio album '']'', featuring a collection of soul covers, was released in Australia on 17 April 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sanity.com.au/products/2294969/Truth_And_Soul|title=CD – Truth & Soul by Stan Walker|publisher=]|accessdate=26 March 2015}}</ref>
====2004–2008: Rise to superstardom====
James earned his first ] selection in ], contributing 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists in a winning effort for the ].<ref>{{cite web|title=2005 NBA All-Star Game|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/NBA_2005.html|website=Basketball Reference|publisher=]|accessdate=February 4, 2018}}</ref> Around the league, teams took note of his rapid development, with ] coach ] telling ''Sports Illustrated'', "It's weird talking about a 20-year-old kid being a great player, but he is a great player ... He's the exception to almost every rule."<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Pierce|first1=Charles|title=The Future Is Now|url=https://www.si.com/vault/issue/717919/85/2|magazine=]|accessdate=May 21, 2017| date=February 21, 2005}}</ref> On March 20, James scored 56 points against the ], setting Cleveland's new single-game points record.<ref name=2005MG /> With final averages of 27.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 2.2 steals per game, he was named to his first ].<ref name="nbabio"/> Despite a 30–20 record to start the year,<ref name=2005MG>{{cite web|title=2004–2005 Season|url=http://www.nba.com/media/cavaliers/200506_200405_season.pdf|publisher=]|accessdate=June 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091217121409/http://www.nba.com/media/cavaliers/200506_200405_season.pdf|archive-date=December 17, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> the Cavaliers again failed to make the playoffs, finishing the season 42–40.<ref>{{cite web|title=2004–05 Cleveland Cavaliers|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CLE/2005.html|website=Basketball Reference|publisher=]|accessdate=April 29, 2007}}</ref>
] of the ] in November 2006]]
]|accessdate=November 24, 2013|date=October 2, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Mandell|first1=Nina|title=LeBron James is bringing the chalk toss back after 95% of Twitter users voted yes|url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/10/lebron-james-polls-twitter-on-whether-he-should-do-the-chalk-toss|newspaper=]|accessdate=November 16, 2014|date=October 30, 2014}}</ref>]]
At the ], James led the East to victory with 29 points and was named the ].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Sheridan|first1=Chris|title=LeBron and Pistons lead East to All-Star game win|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/allstar2006/news/story?id=2335852|publisher=]|accessdate=February 4, 2018|date=February 19, 2006}}</ref> Behind final season averages of 31.4 points, 7 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game,<ref name=Reference /> he also finished second in overall ] voting to ].<ref>{{cite news|title=James, Nash share Sporting News MVP award|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2443137|publisher=]|accessdate=May 5, 2007|agency=Associated Press|date=May 12, 2006}}</ref> Under James's leadership, the Cavaliers qualified for the ] for the first time since 1998.<ref name="clinch">{{cite web |title=James, Cavs Top Mavs To Clinch Playoff Berth |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20060329/DALCLE/recap.html |website=NBA.com |accessdate=May 1, 2007 |date=March 29, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110054701/http://www.nba.com/games/20060329/DALCLE/recap.html |archive-date=November 10, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In his postseason debut, James recorded a ] in a winning effort versus the ].<ref name="debut">{{cite news|title=James' playoff debut triple-double carries Cavs |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=260422005 |publisher=]|accessdate=May 1, 2007|date=April 22, 2006|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> In Game 3 of the series, he made the first game-winning shot of his career, making another in Game 5.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kobe Bryant vs. Lebron James: Game Winning Shots |url=http://chasing23.com/kobe-bryant-vs-lebron-james-game-winning-shots/ |publisher=Chasing 23 |accessdate=June 1, 2013 | date=May 3, 2011| author=The NBA Realist| url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130531031446/http://chasing23.com/kobe-bryant-vs-lebron-james-game-winning-shots/ |archivedate=May 31, 2013 |df= }}</ref> Cleveland would go on to defeat the Wizards before being ousted by the ] in the second round.<ref>{{cite web|title=2006 NBA Playoffs Summary|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2006.html|website=Basketball Reference|publisher=]|accessdate=April 13, 2013}}</ref>


Walker returned to ''The X Factor NZ'' in 2015 alongside returning judge ] and new judges ] and ]. Following the first night of live shows both Kills and Moon were fired from the panel following rude comments made to a contestant<ref>{{cite news |date=16 March 2015 |title=Controversial X Factor New Zealand judges axed |url=http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/controversial-x-factor-new-zealand-judges-axed-20150316-1m0ahg.html |newspaper=Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref> and were replaced by ] and ]. Walker placed runner-up with his contestant Nyssa Collins.
In ], James's averages declined to 27.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game.<ref name="nbabio"/> Some analysts attributed the fall to a regression in his passing skills and shot selection, which stemmed from a lack of effort and focus.<ref name=TBOB499>{{cite book|last=Simmons|first=Bill|title=The Book of Basketball|year=2009|publisher=ESPN Books|location=New York|isbn=9780345511768|page=|url=https://archive.org/details/bookofbasketball00simm/page/499}}</ref> The Cavaliers finished the season with 50 wins for the second consecutive year and entered the ] as the East's second seed.<ref>{{cite web|title=2006–07 Cleveland Cavaliers |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CLE/2007.html |website=Basketball Reference|publisher=]|accessdate=April 29, 2007}}</ref> In Game 5 of the ], James notched 48 points with 9 rebounds and 7 assists, scoring 29 of Cleveland's last 30 points, including the game-winning ] with two seconds left, against the ].<ref>{{cite news|title=LeBron bewilders Pistons as Cavaliers inch closer to NBA finals |url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=270531008 |publisher=]|accessdate=May 31, 2007|date=June 1, 2007|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> After the game, play-by-play announcer ] called the performance "one of the greatest moments in postseason history" and color commentator ] described it as "]-esque".<ref name="2007DetroitGm5">{{Youtube|d1Px-jPm_TU|LeBron James takes over Game 5!}}</ref> In 2012, ] ranked the performance the fourth greatest in modern NBA playoff history.<ref name=ESPN>{{cite web|title=Greatest NBA playoff performances|url=http://espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2012/story/_/id/8068148/nba-playoffs-top-25-performances-ever|publisher=]|accessdate=June 23, 2012|date=June 20, 2012|author=ESPN.com Staff}}</ref> The Cavaliers went on to win Game 6 and claim their first-ever Eastern Conference championship,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=270602005|title=Gibson's 31 points, James' balanced play puts Cavs in NBA Finals|publisher=]|date=June 2, 2007|accessdate=December 11, 2016|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> earning them a matchup with the ] in the ].<ref name=BR2007>{{cite web|title=2007 NBA Playoffs Summary|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2007.html|website=Basketball Reference|publisher=]|accessdate=April 13, 2013}}</ref> During the championship round, James struggled, averaging 22 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game on just 35.6 percent shooting,<ref>{{cite web|title=2007 NBA Finals|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2007-nba-finals-cavaliers-vs-spurs.html|website=Basketball Reference|publisher=]|accessdate=August 6, 2017}}</ref> and Cleveland was eliminated in a ].<ref name=BR2007 />


In 2015, he appeared with rugby player ] and actor ] in a '']'' themed safety ad for ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/news/71077402/|title=Air NZ teams up with All Blacks for new safety video|publisher=Stuff|date=13 August 2015|accessdate=5 August 2019}}</ref>
In February of the ], James was named All-Star Game MVP for the second time behind a 27-point, 8-rebound, and 9-assist performance.<ref>{{cite news|title=Allen's flurry of 3s help East hold on for All-Star win|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280217032|publisher=]|accessdate=February 4, 2018|date=February 18, 2008|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> On March 21, he moved past ] as the Cavaliers' all-time leading scorer in a game against the ], doing so in over 100 less games than Daugherty.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Starkey|first1=Mike|title=LeBron James becomes Cleveland Cavaliers all-time scoring leader|url=https://www.cleveland.com/sports/2008/03/lebron_james_becomes_cleveland.html|website=The Plain Dealer|accessdate=June 23, 2020|date=March 21, 2008}}</ref> His 30 points per game were also the highest in the league, marking his first ].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Haberstroh|first1=Tom|title=LeBron James: 'Scoring not my job'|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/truehoop/miamiheat/story/_/id/8772666/lebron-james-says-lead-league-scoring-not-my-job-miami-heat|publisher=]|accessdate=February 4, 2018|date=December 26, 2012}}</ref> Despite his individual accomplishments, Cleveland's record fell from the year before to 45–37.<ref>{{cite web|title=2007–08 NBA Standings|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2008_standings.html|website=Basketball Reference|publisher=]|accessdate=February 18, 2013}}</ref> Seeded fourth in the East entering the ], the Cavaliers defeated the Wizards in the first round for the third consecutive season before being eliminated in seven games by the eventual-champion ] in the next round.<ref>{{cite web|title=2008 NBA Playoffs Summary|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2008.html|website=Basketball Reference|publisher=]|accessdate=April 13, 2013}}</ref> During the decisive seventh game in Boston, James scored 45 points and ] scored 41 in a game the ] described as a "shootout".<ref>{{cite news|title=Pierce, James duke it out as Celtics close out Cavs in Game 7|url=http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=280518002|publisher=]|accessdate=February 18, 2013|date=May 19, 2008|agency=Associated Press}}</ref>


===2017–2019: Stomach cancer, ''Stan'' & ''Faith Hope Love''===
====2008–2010: MVP seasons====
In January 2018, fans of Walker expressed concern for his health after gaunt photos appeared on social media. In March, it was announced Walker had his stomach removed in September 2017 after discovering he inherited a rare cancer-causing gene mutation called CDH1 that has been responsible for the deaths of more than 25 of his family members. Walker said “The past nine months have been a life changing journey full of ups & downs to say the least, all I’m gonna say is that I’m blessed to be alive and well.” A feature-length documentary titled "Stan" was released in March 2018.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/stan-walkers-staggering-weight-loss-explained/news-story/0ae4c6c9a7c940cae69ea156657ab897|title=Stan Walker’s staggering weight loss explained |work=]|date= 23 March 2018|accessdate=30 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/entertainment/2018/03/m-ori-have-to-evolve-to-survive-stan-walker-reflects-on-cancer-battle.html|title= 'Māori have to evolve to survive': Stan Walker reflects on cancer battle|publisher=News Hub|date=26 March 2018 |accessdate=30 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newidea.com.au/australian-idol-winner-stan-walker-has-stomach-removed-due-to-cancer-threat|title=Stan Walker horror cancer surgery |publisher=New Idea|date= 6 March 2018|accessdate=30 March 2018}}</ref>
] in April 2008. The two had a short feud after Stevenson called James "overrated"<ref name=Stevenson>{{cite web|last=MacMahon|first=Tim|title=Stevenson: LeBron beef 'pretty much over'|url=http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/mavericks/post/_/id/4678739/deshawn-stevenson-lebron-beef-pretty-much-over|publisher=]|accessdate=April 13, 2013|date=May 28, 2011}}</ref>]]
At the conclusion of the ], James finished second in ] voting and made his first ],<ref name=DPOTY09>{{cite web|title=Howard, Bryant headline 2008–09 NBA All-Defensive First Team |url=http://www.nba.com/2009/news/05/06/defensive.team/index.html |website=NBA.com |date=May 6, 2009 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090508060828/http://www.nba.com/2009/news/05/06/defensive.team/index.html |archivedate=May 8, 2009 |df= }}</ref> posting 23 ]s and a career-high 93 total blocks.<ref name="Abrams" /> He also became only the fourth ] player to lead his team in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks in a single season.<ref name=TBOB477>{{cite book|last=Simmons|first=Bill|title=The Book of Basketball|year=2009|publisher=ESPN Books|location=New York|isbn=9780345511768|page=|url=https://archive.org/details/bookofbasketball00simm/page/477}}</ref> Behind his play and the acquisition of All-Star guard ], Cleveland went a franchise record 66–16 and fell just one game short of matching the best home record in league history.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|title=LeBron sits as Cavs fail to match best home record|url=http://www.toledoblade.com/Pro/2009/04/16/LeBron-sits-as-Cavs-fail-to-match-best-home-record.html|newspaper=Toledo Blade|accessdate=February 18, 2013|date=April 16, 2009}}</ref> With final averages of 28.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game, James became the first Cavalier to win the MVP Award.<ref>{{cite web|title=James outdistances Bryant in winning Kia MVP award |url=http://www.nba.com/2009/news/05/04/mvp.release.20090504/index.html |website=NBA.com |accessdate=May 4, 2009 |date=May 4, 2009| url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090507190209/http://www.nba.com/2009/news/05/04/mvp.release.20090504/index.html |archivedate=May 7, 2009 |df= }}</ref> Reflecting on James's performance for ESPN, ] later wrote, "He's having what is arguably the greatest individual season in history, and it's time we gave him his due for it."<ref>{{cite web|last1=Hollinger|first1=John|title=PER Diem: March 24, 2009|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&page=PERDiem-090324|publisher=]|accessdate=October 8, 2017|date=March 24, 2009|website=]}}</ref>


On 26 March 2018, Walker released a 6-track ]. Upon its release, Walker said “This EP has songs I've written 11 years ago, 5 years ago, 3 years ago & now. All these songs were written in break even times in my life.”<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.maifm.co.nz/home/hip-hop-hollywood/2018/03/stan-walker-shares-his-emotional-new-ep-stan-.html|title=Stan Walker shares his emotional new EP ‘Stan’ |publisher=Mai FM|date=27 March 2018 |accessdate=30 March 2018}}</ref> On 7 December 2018, Walker released "Gimme Your Love" alongside the video which features a fly on-the-wall insight into Stan's National 2018 tour.
In the ], Cleveland swept the ] and the ] to earn a matchup with the ] in the Conference Finals.<ref name=BR2009>{{cite web|title=2009 NBA Playoffs Summary|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2009.html|website=Basketball Reference|publisher=]|accessdate=April 13, 2013}}</ref> In Game 1 of the series, James scored 49 points on 66 percent shooting in a losing effort for the Cavaliers.<ref name=ESPN /> In Game 2, he hit a game-winner to tie the series at 1–1.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|title=James' dramatic buzzer-beater drops Magic, evens series at 1–1|url=http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=290522005|publisher=]|accessdate=February 18, 2013|date=May 23, 2009}}</ref> Cleveland would lose the series in six games, and following the loss in Game 6, James immediately left the floor without shaking hands with his opponents, which was an act that many media members viewed as ].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/phil_taylor/06/02/lebron/index.html|title=LeBron sent a clear message by not shaking hands with Magic|last=Taylor|first=Phil|date=June 2, 2009|accessdate=July 18, 2010|quote=Not only would it have saved him the smattering of grief he's been getting from the media and fans the last few days, it just would have also been the right thing to do|magazine=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/02/sports/basketball/02rhoden.html|title=A Handshake Is Not Too Much to Ask, Even From a King|last=Rhoden|first=William|authorlink=William Rhoden|date=June 2, 2009|newspaper=]|accessdate=July 18, 2010|quote=It's hard for me to congratulate somebody after you just lose to them}}</ref> For the series, he averaged 38.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 8 assists per game,<ref name=ap_06082013>{{cite news|title=LeBron: Do what's best for team|date=June 8, 2013|publisher=]|agency=Associated Press|url=http://espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2013/story/_/id/9355736/2013-nba-finals-lebron-james-miami-heat-criticism-done-more-lost|accessdate=June 8, 2013}}</ref> finishing the postseason with a career playoff-high 35.3 points per game.<ref name=Reference />


In May 2019, Walker released '']'', an EP dedicated to the victims of the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.female.com.au/stan-walker-faith-hope-love-2019.htm|title=Stan Walker FAITH HOPE LOVE Tour| website=Female|date=May 2019 |accessdate=15 December 2019}}</ref>
In February of the ], James was forced into a temporary ] role following a series of injuries to players in the Cavaliers' backcourt.<ref>{{cite web|last=Schmitt Boyer|first=Mary|title=Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James glad point-guard assignment is temporary|url=http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2010/02/lebron_glad_point_guard_assign.html|website=cleveland.com|accessdate=July 18, 2013|date=February 5, 2010}}</ref> Behind his leadership, Cleveland lost no momentum, finishing the year with the best record in the league for the second consecutive season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2010.html|title=2009–10 NBA Season Summary|website=Basketball Reference|publisher=]|accessdate=July 18, 2010}}</ref> Due in part to his increased minutes as the Cavaliers' primary ball handler, James increased his statistical production, averaging 29.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 8.6 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1 block per game on 50 percent shooting en route to another MVP Award.<ref name=MPV>{{cite web|title=LeBron James Wins NBA's 2009–10 Most Valuable Player Award|url=http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/mvp_100502.html|publisher=Cleveland Cavaliers Official Website|date=May 2, 2010|accessdate=February 4, 2018}}</ref> To open ], Cleveland advanced past the ] to earn a matchup with the ] in the second round.<ref name=espn5132010>{{cite news|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=300513002|title=LeBron's triple-double not enough as Celtics move on to face Magic|agency=Associated Press|publisher=] |date=May 13, 2010|accessdate=July 15, 2010}}</ref> James was heavily criticized for not playing well in Game 5 of the series, shooting only 20 percent on 14 shots and scoring 15 points.<ref>{{cite web|last=Moore|first=Matt|title=NBA Playoffs Celtics Cavs Game 5: Celtics dominate as LeBron James fails in the big time|url=http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/05/11/nba-playoffs-celtics-cavs-game-5-celtics-dominate-as-lebron-james-fails-in-the-big-time/|publisher=]|accessdate=July 3, 2012|date=May 11, 2010}}</ref> The team suffered its worst loss in franchise history, and at the conclusion of the game, James walked off the court to a smattering of boos from Cleveland's home crowd.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=300511005|title=Celtics hand Cavaliers worst home playoff loss in team history|agency=Associated Press|publisher=]|date=May 11, 2010|accessdate=July 15, 2010}}</ref> The Cavaliers were officially eliminated from the postseason in Game 6, with James posting 27 points, 19 rebounds, 10 assists, and nine turnovers in the losing effort.<ref name=espn5132010/>


===2020: ''Impossible: My Story''===
===Miami Heat===
In 2020, Walker began releasing new singles weekly, commencing with "Mexico" on 21 February 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/au/album/mexico-feat-kings-single/1495932101|title=Mexico - single|website=Apple Music|date=21 February 2020|accessdate=21 February 2020}}</ref>
====''The Decision''====
{{Main|The Decision (TV program)}}
]|date=July 11, 2014|access-date=February 4, 2018}}</ref>]]
James became an unrestricted ] at 12:01&nbsp;am EDT on July 1, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?page=FreeAgency-100630|title=NBA Free Agency: Who's going where?|publisher=] |date=June 30, 2010|access-date=October 30, 2010}}</ref> During this time, he was contacted by several teams, including the Bulls, ], ], ], ], and Cavaliers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/lebron-james-says-he-will-join-miami-heat-070810|title=LeBron says he'll sign with Miami Heat|publisher=]|date=August 9, 2010|access-date=October 30, 2010}}</ref> On July 8, he announced on a live ESPN special titled ''The Decision'' that he would sign with the Heat.<ref>{{cite web|last=Windhorst|first=Brian|title=A look back at the fateful 'Decision'|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/truehoop/miamiheat/columns/story?columnist=windhorst_brian&page=jamesdecision-110708|publisher=]|access-date=April 27, 2013|date=July 8, 2011}}</ref> The telecast was broadcast from the ] of ] and raised $2.5&nbsp;million for the charity. An additional $3.5&nbsp;million was raised from advertising revenue, which was donated to other charities.<ref name="cleveland.com">{{cite web|date=July 12, 2010|website=cleveland.com |title= LeBron James' 'Decision' generated $6 million in ad revenue|access-date=June 10, 2012|url=http://www.cleveland.com/ohio-sports-blog/index.ssf/2010/07/lebron_james_decision_generate.html|author=Starting Blocks, The Plain Dealer}}</ref> The day before the special, fellow free agents ] and ] also announced that they would sign with Miami;<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nba.com/2010/news/07/07/wade.bosh.heat.ap/?ls=iref:nbahpt1 |title=Wade granted one of his wishes with Bosh coming to Miami |date=July 7, 2010 |work=NBA.com |agency=Associated Press |access-date=October 30, 2010 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100915005634/http://www.nba.com/2010/news/07/07/wade.bosh.heat.ap/?ls=iref%3Anbahpt1 |archivedate=September 15, 2010 |df= }}</ref> reports later arose that back in 2006 the trio had discussed among themselves their upcoming 2010 free agencies.<ref name=plaindealer20100710>{{cite news |url=http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2010/07/inside_the_decision_miamis_cou.html |title=Inside 'The Decision': Miami's coup was a 'surprise' built on long-coveted goal of James, Wade and Bosh |last=Windhorst |first=Brian |authorlink=Brian Windhorst |newspaper=] |date=July 10, 2010 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100713120048/http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2010/07/inside_the_decision_miamis_cou.html |archivedate=July 13, 2010 |access-date=November 9, 2010 |url-status=dead |df= }}</ref> James decided to join with Bosh and Wade in part so that he could shoulder less of the offensive load; he thought that his improved teammates would give him a better chance of winning an NBA championship than had he stayed in Cleveland.<ref name=thomsen>{{cite magazine|last1=Thomsen|first1=Ian|title=The Plot Starts Here&nbsp;... Showtime Starts Here|url=https://www.si.com/vault/2010/07/19/105961094/the-plot-starts-here--showtime-starts-here|magazine=]|access-date=March 8, 2018|date=July 19, 2010}}</ref> Heat president ] played a major role in selling James on the idea of playing with Bosh and Wade.<ref>{{cite web|last=Biggane|first=Brian|title=LeBron James admits Pat Riley sold him on being part of a family with Miami Heat|url=http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/sports/basketball/lebron-james-admits-pat-riley-sold-him-on-being-pa/nL8N6/|newspaper=]|access-date=July 3, 2012|date=July 10, 2010}}</ref> James would be relieved of the burden of scoring, and he thought he could be the first player since ] to average a triple-double in a season.<ref name=thomsen/>


In October 2020, Walker released an autobiography titled ''Impossible: My Story''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.booktopia.com.au/impossible-my-story-stan-walker/book/9781775541479.html|title=Impossible : My Story by Stan Walker |website=booktopia|date=7 October 2020|accessdate=9 October 2020}}</ref> A greatest hits album was released to coincide with the album.
Upon leaving the Cavaliers, James drew intense criticism from sports analysts, executives, fans, and current and former players. ''The Decision'' itself was also scrutinized and viewed as unnecessary. Many thought that the prolonged wait for James's choice was unprofessional as not even the teams courting him were aware of his decision until moments before the show.<ref name=yahoo_20100716>{{cite web |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-heatfreeagency071610 |title=Inside look at LeBron's free-agent coup |first=Adrian |last=Wojnarowski |authorlink=Adrian Wojnarowski |date=July 16, 2010 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100718140458/http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-heatfreeagency071610 |archivedate=July 18, 2010 |access-date=November 9, 2010 |quote=...&nbsp;the issue of James' immaturity and downright disrespectfulness had become a consuming topic on the march to the Olympics |url-status=dead |df= }}</ref> Upon learning that James would not be returning to Cleveland, Cavaliers owner ] published an open letter to fans in which he aggressively denounced James's actions.<ref name=Letter>{{cite press release |url=http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/gilbert_letter_100708.html |title=Open Letter to Fans from Cavaliers Majority Owner Dan Gilbert |publisher=] |date=July 8, 2010 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100710014850/http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/gilbert_letter_100708.html |archivedate=July 10, 2010 |access-date=November 9, 2010 |url-status=dead |df= }}</ref> Some angry fans of the team recorded videos of themselves burning his jersey.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://sports.nationalpost.com/2010/07/09/cleveland-plain-dealers-final-word-on-lebron-james |title=Cleveland Plain Dealer's final word on LeBron James |newspaper=] |last=Ron |first=Nurwisah |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20120714032424/http://sports.nationalpost.com/2010/07/09/cleveland-plain-dealers-final-word-on-lebron-james/ |archivedate=July 14, 2012 |date=November 9, 2010 |url-status=dead |df= }}</ref> Former NBA players, including ] and ], were also critical of James, condemning him for joining with Bosh and Wade in Miami and not trying to win a championship as "the man".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/10/sports/basketball/10heat.html?_r=1 |title=Criticism Grows as James Arrives in Miami |first1=Jonathan |last1=Abrams |first2=Catherine |last2=Shipp |newspaper=] |date=July 10, 2010 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20120915082254/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/10/sports/basketball/10heat.html?_r=2 |archivedate=September 15, 2012 |access-date=November 9, 2010 |url-status=dead |df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5391478|title=Jordan wouldn't have called Magic, Bird|publisher=] |date=July 19, 2010|access-date=July 19, 2010|author=ESPN.com News Services}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-07-20/magic-johnson-criticizes-lebron-james-says-he-wouldn-t-have-joined-bird.html |last=Rothbard |first=Barry |title=Magic Johnson Says He Wouldn't Have Joined Bird After LeBron James's Move |agency=Bloomberg L.P. |date=July 20, 2010 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100723102747/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-07-20/magic-johnson-criticizes-lebron-james-says-he-wouldn-t-have-joined-bird.html |archivedate=July 23, 2010 |access-date=November 9, 2010 |quote=From college, I was trying to figure out how to beat Larry Bird. |url-status=dead |df= }}</ref> James drew further criticism in a September interview with ] when he claimed that race might have been a factor in the fallout from ''The Decision''.<ref>{{cite news |last=Freeman |first=Mike |authorlink=Mike Freeman (columnist) |url=http://www.cbssports.com/nba/story/14047127/lambasted-lebron-conveniently-sees-hurtful-role-of-race |title=Lambasted LeBron conveniently sees hurtful role of race |publisher=] |date=September 30, 2010 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101001075600/http://www.cbssports.com/nba/story/14047127/lambasted-lebron-conveniently-sees-hurtful-role-of-race |archivedate=October 1, 2010 |access-date=November 9, 2010 |quote=He has catered to corporate America, mostly ignored issues that affect people of color, and then when so many people turned on James, he's now suddenly seeing the racial light. |url-status=dead |df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Whitlock |first=Jason |authorlink=Jason Whitlock |url=http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/LeBron-James-should-put-away-the-race-card-and-just-apologize-093010 |title=Point the finger at yourself, LeBron |publisher=] |date=September 30, 2010 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101004120418/http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/LeBron-James-should-put-away-the-race-card-and-just-apologize-093010 |archivedate=October 4, 2010 |access-date=November 9, 2010 |quote=LeBron's enablers are providing him the racial cocoon of denial. They're giving LeBron an excuse to avoid dealing with his own bad (The) Decision. |url-status=dead |df= }}</ref> As a result of his actions during the 2010 free agency period, he quickly gained a reputation as one of America's most disliked athletes, which was a radical change from prior years.<ref>{{cite news |first=Michael |last=McCarthy |title=Forbes: Vick, Tiger among most 'disliked' athletes |url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2012/02/vick-tiger-lead-list-of-americas-most-disliked-athletes-michael-vick-tiger-woods-forbes/1 |newspaper=] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120210182055/http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2012/02/vick-tiger-lead-list-of-americas-most-disliked-athletes-michael-vick-tiger-woods-forbes/1 |archivedate=February 10, 2012 |url-status=live |date=February 8, 2012 |df= }}</ref><ref name=Regret>{{cite news |first=Tom |last=Weir |title=LeBron James expresses regrets about 'The Decision' |url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2011/12/lebron-james-expresses-regrets-about-the-decision/1 |newspaper=] |date=December 6, 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108094631/http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2011/12/lebron-james-expresses-regrets-about-the-decision/1 |archivedate=January 8, 2012 |url-status=live |df= }}</ref> The phrase "taking my talents to South Beach" became a punch line for critics.<ref>{{cite news |last=Wetzel |first=Dan |title=LeBron's decisive backlash tops all stories |date=December 21, 2010 |work=] |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/top/news?slug=dw-storyoftheyear122110 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101224120529/http://sports.yahoo.com/top/news?slug=dw-storyoftheyear122110 |archivedate=December 24, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Kerasotis|first=Peter|title=For Miami Heat, High Hopes but Lower Volume|date=December 25, 2011|page=SP8|newspaper=]|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/25/sports/basketball/for-miami-heat-high-hopes-but-lower-volume.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all|access-date=June 27, 2012}}</ref> In retrospect, James has expressed some regret over his handling of ''The Decision''.<ref name=Regret /><ref>{{cite news |last=Moehringer |first=J.R. |authorlink=J. R. Moehringer |title=Into the Funhouse with King James |date=September 2010 |magazine=] |url=https://www.gq.com/sports/profiles/201009/lebron-james-september-gq-miami-heat-summer-lebronathon |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100819162817/http://www.gq.com/sports/profiles/201009/lebron-james-september-gq-miami-heat-summer-lebronathon |archivedate=August 19, 2010 |access-date=November 9, 2010 |quote=During that postmortem interview, when Moehringer asked James what he'd change if he had a do-over, James replied, 'Nothing at all.' |url-status=dead |df= }}</ref><ref name=kaplan>{{cite news|last=Kaplan|first=Thomas|title=James Faces Jeering, but Little Competition|date=November 1, 2010|newspaper=]|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/01/sports/basketball/01nets.html?_r=1&scp=5&sq=lebron%20james&st=cse|access-date=November 5, 2010|quote='If I had to go back on it, I probably would do it a little bit different,' James said before the game. 'But I'm happy with my decision.' He declined to be more specific.}}</ref>


==Musical style and inspiration==
====2010–2011: Year of media and fan scrutiny====
Walker cites ] as a main inspiration; "She's musically why I do what I do."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com.au/news/2ebd22e9-interview-stan-walker/ |title=
] as a member of the ] as ] of the Washington Wizards looks on in March 2011]]
The Aussie Idol Proves He Can't Be Broken |first=Sophie |last=Barnett |publisher=MTV News (MTV Australia) |date=9 May 2010 |accessdate=23 January 2012}}</ref> According to Jason Birchmeier of ], Walker sings predominantly ] "with an R&B style".<ref>{{Allmusic |class=artist |id=p2087788 |tab=biography |title=Stan Walker |first=Jason |last=Birchmeier |accessdate=23 January 2012}}</ref> Walker's second album, ''From the Inside Out'', drew from pop, R&B and ],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/music/news/article.cfm?c_id=264&objectid=10668730 |title=Album Review: Stan Walker ''From the Inside Out'' |first=Scott |last=Kara |work=The New Zealand Herald |publisher=APN News & Media |date=26 August 2010 |accessdate=23 January 2012}}</ref> with elements of ], ], ] and ] also present.<ref>{{Allmusic |class=album |id=r2030128 |tab=review |title=From the Inside Out |first=Jon |last=O'Brien |accessdate=23 January 2012}}</ref> He describes his third album, the more pop and ]-orientated ''Let the Music Play'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.take40.com/news/27264/listen:-stan-walker's-new-album:-'let-the-music-play'---just-released! |title=LISTEN: Stan Walker's New Album: 'Let The Music Play' - Just Released! |publisher=] |date=18 November 2011 |accessdate=23 January 2012}}</ref> as thematically his most personal. "These are my songs, my stories, my tunes, my melodies, my words, me."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/6034376/Stan-Walker-releases-third-album |title=Stan Walker releases third album |first=Bridget |last=Jones |date=25 November 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/64uBzwxVj?url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/6034376/Stan-Walker-releases-third-album |archivedate=23 January 2012 |publisher=Stuff.co.nz (Fairfax New Zealand}}</ref>
James officially signed with the Heat on July 10, 2010.<ref name="HeatContract">{{cite web|author1=ESPN.com News Services|title=Heat stars sign six-year deals|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=5368003|publisher=]|accessdate=March 10, 2018|date=July 10, 2010}}</ref> As part of the first player-created ]<ref name="lynch20170616">{{Cite web |last=Lynch |first=Andrew |last2=ET |first2=2017 at 8:35a |date=June 16, 2017 |title=The history of NBA superteams, from Wilt Chamberlain to the 2017 Warriors |url=http://www.foxsports.com/nba/gallery/nba-superteams-history-lebron-james-heat-cavaliers-warriors-061617 |access-date=October 7, 2020 |website=FOX Sports |language=en-US}}</ref> he became only the third reigning MVP to change teams and the first since ] in ].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Hochman|first=Benjamin|date=July 9, 2010|accessdate=July 13, 2010|title=LeBron James' choice puts Miami back in the game|newspaper=]|url=http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_15472852}}</ref> That evening, the Heat threw a welcome party for their new "]" at the ], an event that took on a rock concert atmosphere.<ref>{{cite news|title=Heat throw welcome party for LeBron James, Chris Bosh|date=July 9, 2010|newspaper=]|agency=Associated Press|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/heat/2010-07-09-lebron-james-welcome-party_N.htm|accessdate=November 4, 2010|quote=With 13,000 fans chanting "Yes We Did!" amid an atmosphere more suited to a rock concert than a basketball game, the Miami Heat welcomed the NBA's newest trio of superstars Friday night for a celebration unlike just about any other in team history.}}</ref> During the gathering, James predicted a dynasty for the Heat and alluded to multiple championships.<ref>{{cite interview |last1=Wade|first1=Dwyane|last2=Bosh|first2=Chris|last3=James|first3=LeBron|interviewer=]|title=On Stage Interview with Wade, Bosh and James – July 9, 2010|date=July 10, 2010|work=NBA.com|url=http://www.nba.com/heat/news/on_stage_interview_wade_bosh_james_2010_07_10.html|accessdate=June 13, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Wharton|first=David|title=Miami's upgrade status holds lessons for Clippers|date=January 10, 2012|newspaper=]|url=https://articles.latimes.com/2012/jan/10/sports/la-sp-miami-heat-20120111|accessdate=June 13, 2012}}</ref> Outside of Miami, the spectacle was not well-received, furthering the negative public perception of James.<ref>{{cite news |last=Beck |first=Howard |title=Shift in Talent Fortifies Elite Teams |page=B–12 |date=October 26, 2010 |newspaper=] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/26/sports/basketball/26stern.html?_r=1&ref=basketball |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20120909044701/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/26/sports/basketball/26stern.html?_r=2&ref=basketball |archivedate=September 9, 2012 |accessdate=November 9, 2010 |quote=In that moment on July 9, amid the pyrotechnics, the Miami Heat became a national Rorschach test. Everyone saw something: greatness, arrogance, self-indulgence, boldness, cowardice, pride, friendship, collusion, joy, cynicism, heroes, mercenaries. |url-status=dead |df= }}</ref>


==Discography==
Throughout the ], the media and opposing fanbases treated James and the Heat as villains.<ref name="Villain">{{cite web|last=Windhorst|first=Brian|title=LeBron James: No more Mr. Bad Guy|url=http://espn.go.com/nba/truehoop/miamiheat/story/_/id/7322299/lebron-james-miami-heat-says-done-villain-role|publisher=]|accessdate=June 28, 2012|date=December 7, 2011}}</ref> To begin the year, they struggled to adjust to these new circumstances, going only 9–8 after 17 games.<ref name="Herald">{{cite news|last1=Magoloff|first1=Scott|title=LeBron James: A timeline of his Miami Heat career|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nba/miami-heat/article1975142.html|newspaper=]|accessdate=March 10, 2018|date=July 12, 2014}}</ref> James later admitted that the constant negativity surrounding the team made him play with an angrier demeanor than in years past.<ref name="Villain" /> On December 2, James faced the ] in Cleveland for the first time since departing as a free agent.<ref>{{cite news |title=LeBron James returns to Cleveland |date=December 3, 2010 |publisher=] |agency=Associated Press |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/truehoop/miamiheat/news/story?id=5875623 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101204111532/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/truehoop/miamiheat/news/story?id=5875623 |archivedate=December 4, 2010 |url-status=dead |df= }}</ref> He scored 38 points and led Miami to a win while being booed every time he touched the ball.<ref>{{cite news |title=LeBron shrugs off boos in return to Cleveland to lead Heat to easy win |date=December 2, 2010 |publisher=] |agency=Associated Press |url=http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?id=301202005 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101213004249/http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?id=301202005 |archivedate=December 13, 2010 |url-status=dead |df= }}</ref> The Heat eventually turned their season around and finished as the East's second seed,<ref>{{cite web|title=2010–11 NBA Season Summary|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2011.html|website=Basketball Reference|publisher=]|accessdate=March 10, 2018}}</ref> with James averaging 26.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7 assists per game on 51 percent shooting.<ref name=Reference />
{{main|Stan Walker discography}}


* '']'' (2009)
In the ], James and his teammates found themselves matched up with the ] for the second consecutive year.<ref name=Eleven>{{cite web|title=2011 NBA Playoffs Summary|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2011.html|website=Basketball Reference|publisher=]|accessdate=February 19, 2013}}</ref> In Game 5, he scored Miami's last ten points to help seal a series-clinching win.<ref name="One Year">{{cite web|last1=Windhorst|first1=Brian|title=1. One Year Later, Sweet Turnaround For James|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/dailydime/_/page/dime-110512/daily-dime|publisher=]|accessdate=March 10, 2018|date=May 12, 2011}}</ref> After the final buzzer, he famously knelt on the court in an emotional moment, later telling reporters that it was an extremely personal victory for him and the team.<ref>{{cite news|title=Heat's LeBron James closes out Celtics in Game 5: Video|url=https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2011/05/heats_lebron_james_closes_out.html|website=cleveland.com|accessdate=June 23, 2020|date=May 12, 2011|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> The Heat eventually advanced to the ], where they were defeated by the ] in six games.<ref name=Eleven /> James received the brunt of the criticism for the loss, averaging only three points in fourth quarters in the series.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kevin Durant, Thunder pull away from Heat, win Game 1 |date=June 12, 2012 |publisher=] |agency=Associated Press |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=320612025 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614054605/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=320612025 |url-status=live |archivedate=June 14, 2012 |df= }}</ref> His Finals scoring average of 17.8 points per game signified an 8.9-point drop from the regular season, the largest point drop-off in league history.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/06/hot_corner_with_nba_title_at_s.html|title=Hot Corner: With NBA title at stake, LeBron James was a big flop|website=cleveland.com|last=Hollis|first=Charles|date=June 15, 2011|accessdate=March 10, 2018}}</ref>
* '']'' (2010)
* '']'' (2011)
* '']'' (2013)
* '']'' (2015)


== Tours ==
====2011–2013: Back-to-back championships====
'''Headlining'''
James was humbled by the Heat's loss to the Mavericks, and the experience inspired him to leave behind the villain role that he had been embracing, which helped him regain a sense of joy on the court.<ref name=Villain /> He also decided that his ] needed improvement, so he worked with ] during the off-season.<ref name="Herald" /> Behind James's significantly-expanded skillset,<ref name=Goldsberry /> Miami began the year with a franchise-best 18–6 record.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Dwork|first1=David|title=Heat top Raptors, tie best start in franchise history|url=http://www.hothothoops.com/2012/2/5/2773833/heat-top-raptors-tie-best-start-in-franchise-history|publisher=Hot Hot Hoops|accessdate=May 27, 2017|date=February 5, 2012}}</ref> He was eventually named MVP for the third time, finishing with averages of 27.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.9 steals per game on 53 percent shooting.<ref name=FMVP2>{{cite news|title=LeBron James wins 3rd NBA MVP award|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-400_162-57433236/lebron-james-wins-3rd-nba-mvp-award/|publisher=]|accessdate=June 22, 2012|agency=Associated Press|date=May 12, 2012}}</ref>
* 2011: ]
* 2012: ] (with ])
* 2013: ]
*2018: New Take Over Tour


'''Supporting act'''
]|accessdate=November 24, 2013|date=January 17, 2013|agency=Associated Press}}</ref>]]
* 2010: ]
In the second round of the ], Miami temporarily lost Chris Bosh to an abdominal injury and found themselves trailing the ] 2–1.<ref>{{cite web|author1=ESPN.com News Services|title=Roy Hibbert scores 19 and adds 18 boards as Pacers pound Heat|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=320517011|publisher=]|accessdate=March 11, 2018|date=May 17, 2012}}</ref> James responded with a 40-point, 18-rebound, and 9-assist outing in Game 4 to help even the series.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/43251/james%E2%80%99-box-score-gem-powers-heat|title=James' box score gem powers Heat|publisher=]|date=May 20, 2012|accessdate=March 10, 2018|agency=ESPN Stats & Information}}</ref> To compensate for Bosh's absence, the Heat embraced a ] lineup with James at ], which they retained even after Bosh's return in the Conference Finals against the ].<ref>{{cite news|last=Windhorst|first=Brian|title=LeBron eyeing 'point power forward' role?|date=September 29, 2012|publisher=]|url=http://www.espn.com/blog/truehoop/miamiheat/post/_/id/15258/heat-eying-point-forward-role-for-lebron|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629102746/http://www.espn.com/blog/truehoop/miamiheat/post/_/id/15258/heat-eying-point-forward-role-for-lebron|archivedate=June 29, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Vardon|first=Joe|title=LeBron James is embracing playing power forward for the Cavaliers like never before|date=March 5, 2016|website=cleveland.com|url=https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2016/03/lebron_james_is_embracing_play.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701110301/http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2016/03/lebron_james_is_embracing_play.html|archivedate=July 1, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Facing elimination in Game 6, James recorded 45 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Heat to victory in what '']'' called a "career-defining performance".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/08/sports/basketball/james-leads-heat-to-game-7-against-celtics.html |title=James Takes Game 6 Personally |newspaper=] |date=June 7, 2012| last=Beck |first=Howard |accessdate=March 10, 2018 }}</ref> Miami won Game 7 to advance to the ], earning them a matchup with the ] and James's budding rival, ].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Abdul-Jabbar|first1=Kareem|title=Finals take edge off season's start|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2012/story/_/id/8047973/2012-nba-finals-great-matchup-heat-thunder-lebron-james-kevin-durant|publisher=]|accessdate=March 11, 2018|date=June 13, 2012}}</ref> Late in Game 4 of the series, James hit a three-pointer to give the Heat a lead, helping them win the game despite missing time with leg cramps.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|title=Heat overcome Russell Westbrook's 43 points, take 3–1 Finals lead|url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=320619014|publisher=]|accessdate=February 18, 2013}}</ref> In Game 5, he registered a triple-double as Miami defeated Oklahoma City for their second-ever championship and James's first championship.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|title=LeBron James, Heat dominate Thunder to win NBA championship|url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=320621014|publisher=]|accessdate=February 18, 2013|date=June 22, 2012}}</ref> James was unanimously voted the ] with averages of 28.6 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game.<ref>{{cite news|last=Washburn|first=Gary|title=MVP clear choice|url=https://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/articles/2012/06/22/lebron_james_win_nba_finals_mvp/|newspaper=]|accessdate=June 22, 2012|date=June 22, 2012}}</ref> His full postseason run, in which he averaged 30.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, was later ranked the second best in modern NBA history by ESPN.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Pelton|first1=Kevin|title=Best playoff runs: Players 1–5|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2013/story/_/id/9357345/greatest-individual-postseasons-1-5|website=ESPN Insider|publisher=]|accessdate=May 21, 2017|date=June 10, 2013}}</ref>
* 2012: ] (supporting ])
* 2013: ] (supporting ])


== Filmography ==
In February of the ], James averaged 29.7 points and 7.8 assists per game while setting multiple shooting efficiency records.<ref>{{cite news|title=LeBron James sets NBA record in Heat's win against Blazers|url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278490|publisher=]|accessdate=May 26, 2013|date=February 13, 2013|agency=Associated Press}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/nba/dailydime/_/page/weekenddime-130301-02/weekend-dime |title=Weekend Dime |publisher=] |date=March 1, 2013 |accessdate=March 31, 2013|last=Stein|first=Marc}}</ref> That same month, the Heat also began a 27-game winning streak, which is the ].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Jhabvala|first1=Nicki|title=Timeline of the Miami Heat's Winning Streak|url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2013/03/27/sports/basketball/miami-heat-winning-streak-timeline.html|newspaper=]|accessdate=March 26, 2018}}</ref> Based on these accomplishments, James's performance was described as a "month for the ages" by ''Sports Illustrated''.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Mahoney|first=Rob|title=LeBron James' month for the ages|url=http://nba.si.com/2013/02/28/lebron-james-miami-heat-february/|magazine=]|accessdate=March 31, 2013|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130302223725/http://nba.si.com/2013/02/28/lebron-james-miami-heat-february/|archivedate=March 2, 2013}}</ref> Miami eventually finished the year with a franchise and league best 66–16 record,<ref>{{cite web|title=Miami Heat Franchise Index|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MIA/|website=Basketball Reference|publisher=]|accessdate=August 18, 2014}}</ref> and James was named MVP for the fourth time, falling just one vote shy of becoming the first player in NBA history to win the award unanimously.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nba.com/2013/news/05/05/lebron-james-wins-mvp.ap/|website=NBA.com|accessdate=March 26, 2018|date=May 6, 2013|agency=Associated Press|title=James wins 4th Kia MVP award in near unanimous vote}}</ref> His final season averages were 26.8 points, 8 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 1.7 steals per game on 56.5 percent shooting.<ref name=Reference />
{| class="wikitable"

|+Television and films
In Game 1 of the ], James scored a buzzer-beating layup to give Miami a one-point victory against the ].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400466594 |title=LeBron James' layup as time expires in OT lifts Heat past Pacers |publisher=] |date=May 22, 2013 |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Throughout the series, his supporting cast struggled significantly, and his added scoring load prompted him to compare his responsibilities to those of his "Cleveland days".<ref>{{cite web|title=LeBron James says he went back to his 'Cleveland days' in Game 5|url=https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/5/31/4382192/nba-playoffs-2013-lebron-james-third-quarter-heat-vs-pacers|publisher=]|accessdate=June 3, 2013|date=May 31, 2013|last=Garrison|first=Drew}}</ref> Despite these struggles, the Heat advanced to the ] for a meeting with the ],<ref name=2013playoffs>{{cite web|title=2013 NBA Playoffs Summary|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2013.html|website=Basketball Reference|publisher=]|accessdate=May 26, 2013}}</ref> signifying a rematch for James from his first Finals six years earlier.<ref>{{cite web|last=Golliver|first=Ben|title=Heat's LeBron James eyes Finals rematch with Spurs: 'I'm a much better player'|url=http://nba.si.com/2013/06/04/heats-lebron-james-eyes-finals-rematch-with-spurs-im-a-much-better-player/|magazine=]|accessdate=June 7, 2013|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608061314/http://nba.si.com/2013/06/04/heats-lebron-james-eyes-finals-rematch-with-spurs-im-a-much-better-player/|archivedate=June 8, 2013}}</ref> At the beginning of the series, he was criticized for his lack of aggressiveness and poor shot selection as Miami fell behind 2–3.<ref name=ap_06082013/><ref name=2013playoffs /><ref>{{cite web|last=Pelton|first=Kevin|title=What's wrong with LeBron James?|url=http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2013/story/_/page/PerDiem-130612/2013-nba-playoffs-wrong-lebron-james|publisher=]|accessdate=June 29, 2013|website=ESPN Insider|date=June 12, 2013}}</ref> In Game 6, he recorded his second triple-double of the series, including 16 fourth quarter points, to lead the Heat to a comeback victory.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ray Allen's late 3 forces OT, Heat edge Spurs to force Game 7|url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400467338|publisher=]|accessdate=June 22, 2013|agency=Associated Press|date=June 18, 2013}}</ref> In Game 7, he tied the Finals record for most points scored in a Game 7 victory, leading Miami over San Antonio with 37 points.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2013/story/_/id/9409188/2013-nba-finals-lebron-james-named-nba-finals-mvp|title= LeBron James named Finals MVP|date=June 20, 2013|publisher=]|accessdate=June 21, 2013|agency=ESPN.com News Services}}</ref> He was named Finals MVP for the second straight season, averaging 25.3 points, 10.9 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2.3 steals per game for the championship round.<ref>{{cite web|title=2013 NBA Finals Composite Box Score|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2013_finals.html|website=Basketball Reference|publisher=]|accessdate=June 22, 2013}}</ref>
! Year

! Title
====2013–2014: Final season in Miami====
! Role
On March 3 of the ], James scored a career-high and franchise-record 61 points in a game against the ].<ref name=61pts>{{cite news|title=LeBron James' 61 points in win set career, Heat records|url=http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400489766|publisher=]|accessdate=March 4, 2014|agency=Associated Press|date=March 4, 2014}}</ref> Throughout the year, he was one of the few staples for a Heat roster that used 20 different starting lineups due to injuries,<ref>{{cite news|title=Pacers get top seed in East as short-handed Heat fall to Wizards|url=http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?id=400490079|publisher=]|accessdate=May 25, 2014|agency=Associated Press|date=April 15, 2014}}</ref> finishing with averages of 27.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game on 56.7 percent shooting.<ref name=Reference /> In the second round of the ], he tied a career postseason-high by scoring 49 points in Game 4 against the ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Notebook: Heat 102, Nets 96|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20140512/MIABKN/gameinfo.html?ls=iref:nba:specialsts-LeBron-scores-49%20Heat%20take%203-1%20lead-over-Nets|website=NBA.com|accessdate=May 25, 2014|last=Appleman|first=Jake|date=May 12, 2014}}</ref> In the next round, Miami defeated the ] to earn their fourth consecutive Finals berth, becoming one of only four teams in NBA history to do so.<ref>{{cite web|last=Windhorst|first=Brian|title=Legacy grows for Miami's Big 3|url=http://espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2014/story/_/id/11011357/nba-playoffs-miami-heat-big-3-add-legacy|publisher=]|accessdate=May 31, 2014|date=June 6, 2014}}</ref> In Game 1 of the ], James missed most of the fourth quarter because of leg cramps, helping the ] take an early series lead.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Young|first1=Royce|title=Air conditioning goes out in Game 1|url=http://espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2014/story/_/id/11039853/2014-nba-finals-lebron-james-exits-game-1-loss-thigh-cramp-c-fails|publisher=]|accessdate=June 6, 2014|date=June 6, 2014}}</ref> In Game 2, he led the Heat to a series-tying victory with 35 points on a 64 percent shooting rate.<ref name=35pts>{{cite news|title=LeBron James leads all scorers with 35 points as Heat take Game 2|url=http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400559375|publisher=]|accessdate=June 8, 2014|date=June 9, 2014|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> San Antonio eventually eliminated the Heat in five games, ending Miami's quest for a three-peat.<ref>{{cite news|title=Spurs shake early deficit to snuff out Heat and win 5th NBA title|url=http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400559378|publisher=]|accessdate=August 10, 2014|date=June 16, 2014|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> For the Finals, James averaged 28.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game.<ref name=2014F>{{cite web|title=2014 NBA Finals|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2014_finals.html|website=Basketball Reference|publisher=]|accessdate=June 21, 2014}}</ref>
! class="unsortable" | Notes

===Return to the Cavaliers===
On June 25, 2014, James opted out of his contract with the Heat, and on July 1, he officially became an unrestricted free agent.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://espn.go.com/nba/truehoop/miamiheat/story/_/id/11127329/lebron-james-opt-contract-miami-heat|title=LeBron James will opt out of contract|publisher=]|date=June 24, 2014|accessdate=June 24, 2014|last=Broussard|first=Chris}}</ref> On July 11, he revealed via a first-person essay in ''Sports Illustrated'' that he intended to return to the Cavaliers.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/cavaliers/2014/07/11/lebron-james-return-cleveland-cavaliers-contract-miami-heat/12444643/|title=LeBron James rejoins Cleveland Cavaliers in free agency|newspaper=]|date=July 11, 2014|accessdate=July 11, 2014|last1=Zillgitt|first1=Jeff|last2=Amick|first2=Sam}}</ref> In contrast to ''The Decision'', his announcement to return to Cleveland was well received.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Levin|first1=Josh|title=Nice Rebound!|url=http://www.slate.com/articles/sports/sports_nut/2014/07/lebron_james_cleveland_his_2014_announcement_was_everything_his_2010_decision.html|magazine=]|accessdate=July 13, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Simmons|first1=Bill|title=God Loves Cleveland|url=http://grantland.com/features/god-loves-cleveland/|website=]|accessdate=July 13, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Lowe|first1=Zach|title=The Decision 2.0: OK, What's Next?|url=http://grantland.com/the-triangle/lebron-james-cleveland-cavaliers-aftermath-miami-heat/|website=]|accessdate=July 13, 2014}}</ref> On July 12, he officially signed with the team,<ref name="LeBron deal has eye on future cap">{{cite web|last1=Windhorst|first1=Brian|title=LeBron deal has eye on future cap|url=http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/11207703/lebron-james-deal-cleveland-cavaliers-2-years-421-million|publisher=]|accessdate=July 12, 2014|date=July 12, 2014}}</ref> who had compiled a league-worst 97–215 record in the four seasons following his departure.<ref>{{cite web|title=LeBron to Cleveland: I'm coming home|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/chi-lebron-james-cleveland-20140711-story.html|newspaper=]|accessdate=April 26, 2017|author=Bloomberg News}}</ref> A month after James's signing, the Cavaliers acquired ] from the ], forming a new star trio along with ].<ref>{{cite web|author=ESPN News Services|title=Kevin Love traded to Cavaliers|url=http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/11397368/kevin-love-traded-minnesota-timberwolves-cleveland-cavaliers|publisher=]|accessdate=December 6, 2014|date=August 23, 2014}}</ref>

====2014–2016: Ending Cleveland's championship drought====
] defends in December 2014. Later that season, James reached several passing milestones, including becoming the Cavaliers' all-time assists leader.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/12377693/lebron-james-6136th-career-assist-breaks-scottie-pippen-record|title=LeBron breaks Scottie Pippen's mark|accessdate=February 27, 2015|date=February 25, 2015|publisher=]|last=McMenamin|first=Dave}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=McMenamin|first1=Dave|title=LeBron becomes Cavs' assist leader|url=http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/12458334/lebron-james-passes-mark-price-most-assists-cleveland-cavaliers-history|publisher=]|accessdate=April 4, 2015}}</ref>]]

In January of the ], James missed two weeks due to left knee and lower back strains, which represented the longest stretch of missed games in his career.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Feldman|first1=Dan|title=LeBron James out two weeks with multiple injuries|url=http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/01/lebron-james-out-two-weeks-with-multiple-injuries/|publisher=]|accessdate=January 25, 2015|date=January 1, 2015}}</ref> In total, he played a career-low 69 games and his final averages were 25.3 points, 6 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game.<ref name=Reference /> In the second round of the ], he hit a baseline jumper at the buzzer to give Cleveland a 2–2 series tie with the ].<ref>{{cite news|title=LeBron James hits buzzer beater as Cavaliers edge Bulls|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/james-hits-buzzer-beater-lift-cavs-past-bulls-230515268--nba.html|work=]|accessdate=May 10, 2015|date=May 11, 2015|agency=]}}</ref> In the Conference Finals, the Cavaliers defeated the ] to advance to the ], making James the first player since the 1960s to play in five consecutive Finals.<ref name=Finals5 /> For most of the Finals against the ], Irving and Love were sidelined due to injury, giving James more offensive responsibilities.<ref name=Finals5>{{cite web|last1=Moore|first1=Matt|title=The crown is forever heavy: LeBron James and his Finals legacy|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/25198956/the-crown-is-forever-heavy-lebron-james-and-his-finals-legacy|publisher=]|date=May 29, 2015|accessdate=September 22, 2018}}</ref> Behind his leadership, the Cavaliers opened the series with a 2–1 lead before being eliminated in six games.<ref name=2015Finals>{{cite web|title=2015 NBA Finals|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2015-nba-finals-cavaliers-vs-warriors.html|website=Basketball Reference|publisher=]|accessdate=June 18, 2015}}</ref> Despite the loss, he received serious consideration for the Finals MVP Award,<ref>{{cite web|title=Neck and neck: Just how close was Finals MVP voting?|url=http://www.foxsports.com/nba/story/andre-iguodala-wins-finals-mvp-lebron-james-7-4-vote-total-golden-state-warriors-champs-061615|publisher=]|accessdate=July 24, 2016|date=June 17, 2015}}</ref> averaging 35.8 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game for the championship round.<ref name=2015Finals />

During the ], James was criticized for his role in several off-court controversies, including the midseason firing of Cavaliers' coach ].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Windhorst|first1=Brian|title=For NBA coaches, is LeBron James really a big professional hazard?|url=http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14663758/windhorst-lebron-coach-killer|publisher=]|accessdate=June 22, 2016|date=January 28, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=SN Staff |title=LeBron not interested in discussing whether he unfollowed Cavs|url=http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/story/_/id/15039111/lebron-james-not-interested-discussing-whether-unfollowed-cavs-twitter|publisher=]|accessdate=June 22, 2016|date=March 22, 2016}}</ref> Despite these distractions, Cleveland finished the year with 57 wins and the best record in the East.<ref name="2016season">{{cite web|title=2015–16 NBA Season Summary|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2016.html|website=Basketball Reference|publisher=]|accessdate=June 22, 2016}}</ref> James's final averages were 25.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game on 52 percent shooting.<ref name=Reference /> In the ], the Cavaliers advanced comfortably to the ], losing only two games en route to a rematch with the ],<ref name=2016season /> who were coming off a record-setting 73-win season.<ref>{{cite web|title=Chase for 73: Warriors one for the ages now|url=http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14329436/nba-golden-state-warriors-surpass-1995-96-chicago-bulls|publisher=]|accessdate=June 22, 2016|date=April 7, 2016|author=ESPN.com}}</ref> To begin the series, Cleveland fell behind 3–1, including two blowout losses.<ref name="2016finals">{{cite web|title=2016 NBA Finals|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2016-nba-finals-cavaliers-vs-warriors.html|website=Basketball Reference|publisher=]|accessdate=June 22, 2016}}</ref> James responded by registering back-to-back 41 point games in Games 5 and 6, leading the Cavaliers to two consecutive wins to stave off elimination.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Azande|first1=J.A.|title=LeBron James' transcendent performance sets Game 7 stage|url=http://espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2016/story/_/id/16270831/lebron-james-giant-night-sets-stage-game-7|publisher=]|accessdate=June 22, 2016|date=June 17, 2016}}</ref> In Game 7, he posted a triple-double and made a number of key plays, including ] on ],<ref>{{cite web|last1=McMenamin|first1=Dave|title=When LeBron swooped in and changed the course of Cavs' history|url=http://espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2016/story/_/id/16544563/nba-finals-2016-oral-history-lebron-chasedown-block|publisher=]|accessdate=June 29, 2016|date=June 27, 2016}}</ref> as Cleveland emerged victorious, winning the ] and becoming the first team in NBA history to come back from a 3–1 series deficit in the Finals.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bontemps|first1=Tim|title=Cavaliers end over 50 years of Cleveland sports heartbreak with first NBA championship|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/cavaliers-beat-warriors-in-game-7-of-nba-finals-win-franchises-first-title/2016/06/19/e33bbfdc-366c-11e6-a254-2b336e293a3c_story.html|newspaper=]|accessdate=June 22, 2016|date=June 19, 2016}}</ref> James became just the third player to record a triple-double in an NBA Finals Game 7,<ref>{{cite news|title=LeBron James wins NBA Finals MVP for 3rd time|url=http://www.nba.com/2016/news/06/19/lebron-james-finals-mvp.ap/index.html|agency=Associated Press|website=NBA.com|date=June 19, 2016|accessdate=June 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160621054930/http://www.nba.com/2016/news/06/19/lebron-james-finals-mvp.ap/index.html|archive-date=June 21, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> and behind series averages of 29.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, 8.9 assists, 2.3 blocks, and 2.6 steals per game,<ref name=2016finals /> he also became the first player in league history to lead both teams in all five statistical categories for a playoff round, culminating in a unanimous Finals MVP selection.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Dan|first1=Feldman|title=LeBron James becomes first player on record to lead series in points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks|url=http://nba.nbcsports.com/2016/06/20/lebron-james-becomes-first-player-on-record-to-lead-series-in-points-rebounds-assists-steals-and-blocks/|publisher=]|accessdate=June 22, 2016|date=June 20, 2016}}</ref>

====2016–2018: End of second stint in Cleveland====
The ] was marred by injuries and unexpected losses for the Cavaliers;<ref>{{cite web|last1=McMenamin|first1=Dave|title='Fantasy' no more: LeBron James gives Cavs' season a wake-up call|url=http://www.espn.com/blog/cleveland-cavaliers/post/_/id/3553/fantasy-no-more-lebron-james-gives-cavs-season-a-wake-up-call|publisher=]|accessdate=April 24, 2017|date=January 26, 2017}}</ref> James later described it as one of the "strangest" years of his career.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Vardon|first1=Joe|title=LeBron James posts second straight triple-double, Cavs snap three-game skid 116–104 over Magic|url=http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2017/03/lebron_james_tristan_thompson_12.html|website=Cleveland.com|accessdate=April 24, 2017|date=March 12, 2017}}</ref> Following a January defeat to the ], he publicly criticized Cleveland's front office for constructing a team that he felt was too "top heavy", for which he received countercriticism.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Joseph|first1=Adi|title=Cavs should send LeBron on in-season vacation after latest rant|url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2017/01/lebron-james-break-vacation-cavaliers-cleveland-complaints|newspaper=]|accessdate=April 24, 2017|date=January 24, 2017}}</ref> The Cavaliers finished the season as the East's second seed, with James averaging 26.4 points and career highs in rebounds (8.6), assists (8.7), and turnovers (4.1) per game.<ref name=Reference /> In Game 3 of the first round of the ], he registered 41 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists against the ], leading Cleveland to a comeback victory after trailing by 25 points at halftime, representing the largest halftime deficit overcome in NBA playoff history.<ref>{{cite web|last1=McMenamin|first1=Dave|title=LeBron James leads Cleveland to historic comeback win|url=http://www.espn.com/blog/cleveland-cavaliers/post/_/id/3980/lebron-james-leads-cleveland-to-historic-comeback-win|publisher=]|accessdate=April 24, 2017|date=April 21, 2017}}</ref> In Game 5 of the Conference Finals against the ], James scored 35 points and surpassed Michael Jordan as the ].<ref>{{cite news|title=James passes Jordan, Cavs back in Finals with 135–102 win|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400953698|publisher=]|date=May 25, 2017|accessdate=May 25, 2017|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> The Cavaliers won the game and the series, advancing to their third consecutive ] against the ], who had signed James's rival Kevin Durant during the off-season.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Maloney|first1=Jack|title=Cavaliers set for third straight NBA Finals vs. Warriors after bouncing Celtics|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/cavaliers-head-to-third-straight-finals-after-eliminating-celtics-in-game-5/|publisher=]|accessdate=August 5, 2017|date=May 26, 2017}}</ref> Behind averages of 33.6 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists per game, James became the first player to average a triple-double in the Finals, but Cleveland was defeated in five games.<ref>{{cite web|title=LeBron James Becomes 1st Player to Average Triple-Double in NBA Finals History|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2715326-lebron-james-becomes-1st-player-to-average-triple-double-in-nba-finals-history|website=]|date=June 13, 2017|accessdate=June 13, 2017|last=Zucker|first=Joseph}}</ref>

] in October 2017. The two were teammates in Cleveland for three seasons.<ref name="Kyrie" />]]
Prior to the start of the ], the Cavaliers overhauled their roster by trading ] to the ], who requested a trade in part because he no longer wanted to play with James.<ref name="Kyrie">{{cite web |last1=West |first1=Jenna |title=Report: Kyrie Irving Never Wanted LeBron James to Return to the Cavaliers |url=https://www.si.com/nba/2018/07/06/kyrie-irving-did-not-want-lebron-james-cleveland-cavaliers-return-asked-trade |accessdate=August 15, 2018 |date=July 6, 2018|magazine=]}}</ref> After a slow start to the year, Cleveland rebounded by winning 18 of 19 games in December.<ref>{{cite news |title=In special shoes, LeBron's triple-double leads Cavs past Wiz |url=http://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/id/400975191 |publisher=] |accessdate=August 15, 2018 |date=December 17, 2017|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Their turnaround began with a victory over the ] where James scored 57 points, which represented the second-highest point total of his career and tied a franchise record.<ref>{{cite news|title=LeBron James scores 57, Cavaliers top Wiz 130–122, end skid|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400974873|publisher=]|date=November 3, 2017|accessdate=November 3, 2017|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> In January, the Cavaliers had a losing record, and James was criticized for his lackluster effort.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Vejar |first1=Alex |title=LeBron James finished January with worst plus-minus of his career |url=https://clutchpoints.com/cavs-news-lebron-james-finished-january-with-worst-plus-minus-of-his-career/ |website=ClutchPoints |accessdate=August 15, 2018 |date=February 1, 2018}}</ref> Following another round of trades in February, Cleveland returned to form and James reached a number of historical milestones; for example, on March 30, he set an NBA record with 867 straight games scoring in double digits.<ref>{{cite news|title=LeBron breaks Jordan record as Cavs down Pelicans 107–102|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975877|publisher=]|date=March 30, 2018|accessdate=March 30, 2018|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> James eventually finished the season with averages of 27.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, and a career-high 9.2 assists and 4.2 turnovers per game.<ref name=Reference /> In the ], he guided the Cavaliers to another Finals rematch with the ].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/ct-spt-lebron-james-cavaliers-celtics-20180527-story.html |newspaper=]|title=LeBron James reaches eighth straight NBA Finals as Cavaliers beat Celtics 87–79 in Game 7|date=May 27, 2018|accessdate=August 15, 2018}}</ref> Along the way, he had some of the most memorable moments of his career, including a game-winning shot against the ] and another against the ].<ref>{{cite web |title=LeBron James' career playoffs buzzer-beaters |url=http://www.nba.com/article/2018/04/26/lebron-james-career-playoff-buzzer-beaters |website=NBA.com |accessdate=August 15, 2018 |date=May 6, 2018|author=NBA.com Staff}}</ref> In the first game of the ], James scored a playoff career-high 51 points, but Cleveland was defeated in overtime.<ref>{{cite news|title=Warriors withstand James' 51 points to win NBA Finals Game 1|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401034613|publisher=]|date=May 31, 2018|accessdate=May 31, 2018|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Following the defeat, James injured his hand after punching a wall in the locker room, which hindered his effectiveness for the remainder of the series.<ref>{{cite web |last1=McMenamin |first1=Dave |title=LeBron James says he 'pretty much played the last three games with a broken hand' |url=http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/23739593/lebron-james-cleveland-cavaliers-played-significant-hand-injury |publisher=] |accessdate=August 15, 2018 |date=June 9, 2018 |last2=Windhorst |first2=Brian}}</ref> The Cavaliers lost the series in four games, with James averaging 34 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 10 assists per game for the Finals.<ref>{{cite web |title=2018 NBA Finals – Cavaliers vs. Warriors |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2018-nba-finals-cavaliers-vs-warriors.html |website=Basketball Reference |publisher=] |accessdate=August 15, 2018}}</ref>

===Los Angeles Lakers===
====2018–2019: Injury and playoff miss====
]]]
On June 29, 2018, James opted out of his contract with the Cavaliers and became an unrestricted free agent.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Maloney |first1=Jack |title=LeBron James opts out of Cavaliers contract and hits NBA free agency, report says |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lebron-james-opts-out-of-cavaliers-contract-and-hits-nba-free-agency-report-says/ |publisher=] |accessdate=August 16, 2018 |date=June 29, 2018}}</ref> On July 1, his management company, ], announced that he would sign with the ];<ref>{{cite news |title=LeBron James agrees to four-year, $154-million contract with Los Angeles Lakers |url=http://www.nba.com/article/2018/07/01/lebron-james-agrees-four-year-deal-los-angeles-lakers |website=NBA.com |accessdate=July 3, 2018 |date=July 1, 2018}}</ref> the deal was officially completed on July 9.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/lakers/releases/180709-lakers-sign-lebron-james|title=Lakers Sign LeBron James|website=NBA.com|date=July 9, 2018|accessdate=July 9, 2018}}</ref> In an interview with ''Sports Illustrated'', James's agent, Rich Paul, explained, "In 2010, when he went to Miami, it was about championships. In 2014, when he went back to Cleveland, it was about delivering on a promise. In 2018, it was just about doing what he wants to do."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jenkins |first1=Lee |title=Fit For The King: LeBron James and the Lakers Form Hollywood's Ultimate Marriage |url=https://www.si.com/nba/2018/07/11/lebron-james-lakers-cavaliers-heat-rich-paul-magic-johnson-rajon-rondo |accessdate=August 16, 2018 |date=July 11, 2018 |magazine=]}}</ref> Reaction to the move was more positive than his original departure from the Cavaliers, albeit still mixed, as some onlookers felt that Los Angeles was not his optimal destination.<ref>{{cite web |last1=McMenamin |first1=Dave |title='They just had to not f--- it up': The NBA's mixed reaction to the Lakers landing LeBron James |url=http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/24072900/the-wide-ranging-reaction-lebron-james-leaving-cleveland-cavaliers-los-angeles-lakers-nba |publisher=] |accessdate=August 16, 2018 |date=July 29, 2018 |last2=Youngmisuk |first2=Ohm}}</ref>

The Lakers expected James to make them championship contenders again after having missed the playoffs since ] and not appearing in the Finals since ].<ref>{{cite news|first1=Martin|last1=Rogers|first2=Jeff|last2=Zillgitt|title=What went wrong for LeBron James, Lakers in Year 1?|date=March 13, 2019|newspaper=USA Today|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2019/03/13/lebron-james-lakers-nba-postseason-what-went-wrong/3099129002/|accessdate=October 8, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Calum|last=Trenaman|title=NBA Finals: LeBron James finding new ways to define greatness|date=September 30, 2020|website=CNN.com|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/09/29/sport/nba-finals-lebron-james-los-angeles-lakers-nba-finals-spt-intl/index.html|accessdate=October 8, 2020}}</ref> Following his signing, the team rounded out their roster with a controversial collection of playmakers and veterans. As a result, to begin the ], the team struggled to find effective lineups and recorded only two wins through their first seven games.<ref name="Wasted">{{cite web |last1=McMenamin |first1=Dave |title=How the Lakers wasted Year 1 of LeBron |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/26335718/how-lakers-wasted-year-1-lebron |publisher=] |accessdate=July 14, 2019 |date=April 9, 2019}}</ref> In November, they began a turnaround, which included two of James's strongest performances of the season. On November 14, he registered 44 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists in a victory against the ],<ref>{{cite web |title=LeBron James passes Wilt Chamberlain for fifth on NBA's all-time scoring list |url=http://www.nba.com/article/2018/11/15/lebron-james-wilt-chamberlain-all-time-nba-scoring-list |website=NBA.com |accessdate=November 15, 2018 |date=November 15, 2019 |author=NBA.com Staff}}</ref> and four days later he scored a season-high 51 points in a win over the ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401070916|title=LeBron James scores 51 points, Lakers roll past Heat 113–97|publisher=]|date=November 18, 2018|accessdate=November 19, 2018|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> After blowing out the ] on Christmas Day, Los Angeles improved their record to 20–14, but James suffered a groin injury,<ref name=ap_01312019/> the first major injury of his career.<ref>{{cite news|first=Ben|last=Golliver|title=First LeBron James, now Anthony Davis: The time to pity the Lakers has passed|date=June 15, 2019|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nba/first-lebron-james-now-anthony-davis-the-time-to-pity-the-lakers-has-passed/2019/06/15/71aaaddc-8fc0-11e9-8f69-a2795fca3343_story.html|accessdate=October 8, 2020}}</ref> He ultimately missed a career-high 17 consecutive games, and the Lakers fell out of playoff contention without him.<ref name=ap_01312019>{{cite news|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401071442|title=With LeBron back, Lakers outlast Clippers in OT 123–120|publisher=]|date=January 31, 2019|accessdate=February 1, 2019|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> The team was unable to recover and failed to qualify for the postseason, marking the first time that James missed the playoffs since 2005 and the first time he failed to reach the Finals since 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/los-angeles-lakers-eliminated-nba-playoffs-brooklyn-nets-dangelo-russell-050319377.html|title=Lakers officially eliminated from NBA postseason contention by D'Angelo Russell and the Nets|publisher=]|date=March 22, 2019|accessdate=March 22, 2019|first=Jack|last=Baer}}</ref> On March 7, the Lakers announced that James would begin a minutes restriction,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/article/2019/03/07/los-angeles-lakers-lebron-james-minutes-restriction|title=Report: Lakers, LeBron agree to minutes restriction|author=From NBA Twitter and media reports|website=NBA.com|access-date=March 9, 2019|date=March 7, 2019}}</ref> and on March 30, he was officially ruled out for the remainder of the season.<ref>{{cite news |title=Lakers shut down LeBron James for rest of season |url=https://www.nba.com/article/2019/03/30/lakers-lebron-james-done-season |website=NBA.com |accessdate=July 14, 2019 |date=March 30, 2019 |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> James's final averages were 27.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game, and despite his inconsistent campaign, he was ultimately named to the ], marking the first time in 12 years that he did not make the All-NBA First Team.<ref name=Reference />

====2019–2020: Fourth NBA championship====
During the offseason, the Lakers hired ] as their new head coach, and traded the majority of their young core to the ] for All-Star big man ].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ganguli |first1=Tania |last2=Turner |first2=Broderick |title=Lakers to acquire NBA superstar Anthony Davis in trade with Pelicans |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-anthony-davis-lakers-pelicans-trade-20190614-story.html |newspaper=] |accessdate=March 9, 2020 |date=June 15, 2019}}</ref> James immediately embraced Los Angeles's much-improved roster by transforming his playing style, moving to full-time point guard and competing with a more consistent defensive effort.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Windhorst |first1=Brian |title=LeBron James has approached this Los Angeles Lakers season differently |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/page/beatsow28825669/lebron-james-approached-los-angeles-lakers-season-differently |publisher=] |accessdate=March 9, 2020 |date=March 3, 2020}}</ref> Behind James's leadership, the Lakers opened the ] with a 17–2 record, matching the best start in franchise history.<ref>{{cite news |title=Lakers romp to 10th straight victory, 125–103 over Wizards |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401160921 |publisher=] |accessdate=March 9, 2020 |date=November 30, 2019 |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> On January 25, James passed team legend ] for third on the ], the day before ] in a helicopter crash.<ref name="third">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/basketball/51254093 |title=LeBron James Surpasses Kobe Bryant in NBA's All-Time Scoring List |publisher=BBC |date=January 26, 2020 |accessdate=January 26, 2020}}</ref> In early March, James led Los Angeles to a victory over the ] in a matchup of conference leaders, followed by a streak-breaking win against the ],<ref>{{cite web |title=LeBron & Co. snap Clippers' streak at 6 with 112-103 victory |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401161590 |publisher=] |accessdate=July 22, 2020 |date=March 8, 2020|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> before the season was suspended due to the ]. With play set to resume in the confined ], he referred to the situation as a prison sentence.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/07/30/sport/nba-bubble-disney-world-florida-spt-intl/index.html|title=No sex and no fans, but the beer is flowing fast in the NBA 'bubble'|first=Don Riddell|last=CNN|website=CNN}}</ref> James ended the season as the ] for the first time in his career after averaging 10.2 assists per game.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://lakersnation.com/lakers-news-lebron-james-wins-first-career-nba-assists-title/2020/08/14/|title=Lakers News: LeBron James Wins First Career NBA Assists Title|website=Lakers Nation|last=Hansford|first=Corey|date=August 14, 2020|accessdate=August 15, 2020}}</ref>

In the ], James led the Lakers to the ], defeating his former team ] in six games. He was named the Finals MVP for the fourth time in his career.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lebron-james-wins-fourth-nba-finals-mvp-award-becomes-first-player-to-earn-honor-with-three-different-teams/ |title=LeBron James wins fourth NBA Finals MVP award, becomes first player to earn honor with three different teams |website=CBS Sports |date=October 11, 2020 }}</ref> At 35 years and 287 days old, he became the second-oldest player in NBA history to win the award, behind ], who was 38 years and 54 days old when he won in 1985.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hoopshype.com/gallery/nba-finals-oldest-mvp-history-ever/|title=The oldest Finals MVPs in NBA history (featuring LeBron James at No. 2)|website=HoopsHype|date=October 11, 2020|accessdate=October 12, 2020}}</ref> James is the only player in NBA history to have won the Finals MVP award with three different teams<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/lebron-james-history-finals-mvps-3-nba-franchises|title=LeBron James makes history, wins Finals MVP with 3 different franchises|website=NBA.com|date=October 10, 2020|access-date=October 11, 2020}}</ref> and the fourth player to become NBA champion with three different franchises.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/2020/10/12/923066357/lebron-james-becomes-4th-player-to-win-nba-championship-with-3-different-teams|title=LeBron James Becomes 4th Player To Win NBA Championship With 3 Different Teams|agency=NPR|date=October 12, 2020|accessdate=October 15, 2020}}</ref>

==National team career==
] at the ] in Beijing en route to the gold medal]]
James made his debut for the ] at the ] in ].<ref name=USA>{{cite web|title=LeBron James Bio|url=http://www.usabasketball.com/bios/james_lebron.html|publisher=USA Basketball|accessdate=February 26, 2013}}</ref> He spent the Games mostly on the bench,<ref name="Bench">{{cite news|last=Thamel|first=Pete|title=After Sitting in 2004, Ready to Stand and Deliver|date=July 28, 2008|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/28/sports/olympics/28hoops.html|accessdate=February 26, 2013}}</ref> averaging 14.6 minutes per game with 5.8 points and 2.6 rebounds per game in eight games.<ref name=USA /> Team USA finished the competition with a bronze medal, becoming the first U.S. basketball team to return home without a gold medal since adding active NBA players to their lineup.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|title=U.S.: 3-for-24 from 3-point range|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/summer04/basketball/news/story?id=1859825|publisher=]|accessdate=February 26, 2013}}</ref> James felt his limited playing time was a "lowlight" and believed he was not given "a fair opportunity to play".<ref name="Bench" /> His attitude during the Olympics was described as "disrespectful" and "distasteful" by columnists ] and ], respectively.<ref name=wojnarowski_08122012>{{cite news |last=Wojnarowski |first=Adrian |title=Season of LeBron ends with Olympic gold medal |date=August 12, 2012 |work=] |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--season-of-lebron-ends-with-olympic-gold-medal.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120815052130/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--season-of-lebron-ends-with-olympic-gold-medal.html |archivedate=August 15, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Vecsey |first=Peter |title=Get Coach K For Olympic Team |date=February 6, 2005 |newspaper=New York Post |url=http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/item_AOiebnsvbVGVhHtVvRuvrM |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130406044907/http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/item_AOiebnsvbVGVhHtVvRuvrM |archivedate=April 6, 2013 |url-status=live |df= }}</ref>

At the ] in ], 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.<ref name="usabbb">{{cite web |url=http://www.usabasketball.com/seniormen/2006/06_mwc_cumulative_stats.html |title=2006 USA Men's World Championship Team (8–1) |publisher=USA Basketball |accessdate=May 1, 2007 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070513145308/http://www.usabasketball.com/seniormen/2006/06_mwc_cumulative_stats.html |archivedate=May 13, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |website=NBA.com |url=http://www.nba.com/nuggets/news/anthony_usa_captain_081706.html |title=Carmelo Anthony Named One of Three USA World Championship Team Captains |accessdate=May 7, 2007 |date=August 17, 2006}}</ref> The team finished the tournament with an 8–1 record, winning another bronze medal.<ref name="usabbb"/> James's behavior was again questioned, this time by teammate ], who confronted James during tryouts regarding his treatment of staff members.<ref name=wojnarowski_08122012/><ref>{{cite news |last=Wojnarowski |first=Adrian |title=Team USA's declaration of independence |date=September 3, 2007 |work=] |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-teamusa090307 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305224654/https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-teamusa090307 |archivedate=March 5, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Before naming James to the ], Team USA managing director ] and coach ] gave James an ultimatum to improve his attitude, and he heeded their advice.<ref name=wojnarowski_08122012/><ref>{{cite news|last=Helin|first=Kurt|title=USA Basketball president lauds LeBron James' maturity|date=August 14, 2012|publisher=]|url=http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/08/14/usa-basketball-president-lauds-lebron-james-maturity/|accessdate=February 26, 2013}}</ref> At the ], he averaged 18.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game, including a 31-point performance against Argentina in the championship game, the most ever by an American in an Olympic qualifier.<ref>{{cite news |publisher=] |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/olybb/news/story?id=3002435 |title=James' record outing highlights Team USA's dominance in title game |date=September 2, 2007 |accessdate=September 3, 2007 |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Team USA went 10–0, winning the gold medal and qualifying for the ] in ], China.<ref name=USA /> James credited the team's attitude and experience for their improvement, saying: "I don't think we understood what it meant to put on a USA uniform and all the people that we were representing in 2004. We definitely know that now."<ref>{{cite web |title=LeBron: Now I Understand What It Means to Be an Olympian |url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=245620 |accessdate=February 26, 2013 |date=August 8, 2008 |author=The Sports Network |publisher=]|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728022140/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=245620|archivedate=July 28, 2013|url-status=dead|df=}}</ref> At the Olympics, Team USA went unbeaten, winning their first gold medal since ].<ref name=Morgan2016>{{cite web|last=Morgan|first=Chris|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2016/08/that-one-time-they-lost-on-the-team-usa-mens-baske.html|title=That One Time They Lost: On the Team USA Men's Basketball Disaster in Athens|magazine=]|date=August 17, 2016|accessdate=February 20, 2018}}</ref> In the final game, James turned in 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists against Spain.<ref name=Spain>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/olympics/games/2008-08-24-USA-ESP/|title=United States vs. Spain, August 24, 2008 – Final Round|accessdate=February 20, 2018|website=Basketball Reference|publisher=]}}</ref>

James did not play at the ] but rejoined Team USA for the ] in ], England.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Reuters|title=LeBron, Kobe return to U.S. team for London Games|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-07-07/sports/sns-rt-us-teambre867002-20120707_1_carmelo-anthony-thunder-lebron-james|newspaper=]|accessdate=July 8, 2012|date=July 7, 2012}}</ref> He became the leader of the team, with Bryant, who would soon be 34, stepping back.<ref name=ap_column>{{cite news |title=Column: Going out in style – 'K Boys' golden again |date=August 12, 2012 |publisher=] |agency=Associated Press |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=oly&id=8262281 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714233540/http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=oly&id=8262281 |archivedate=July 14, 2014 |url-status=live |df= }}</ref> James facilitated the offense from the post and perimeter, called the defensive sets, and provided scoring when needed.<ref>{{cite news |last=Freeman |first=Eric |title=The Team USA Reputations Index: How the gold medal changes our opinions of these players |date=August 13, 2012 |work=] |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/team-usa-reputations-index-gold-medal-changes-opinions-140024134--nba.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120815201907/http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/team-usa-reputations-index-gold-medal-changes-opinions-140024134--nba.html |archivedate=August 15, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> During a game against ], he recorded the first triple-double in U.S. Olympic basketball history with 11 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists.{{refn|Assists were recorded as an official Olympic statistic starting in 1976.<ref name=triple_double>{{cite web |title=LeBron James Tallies First Triple-Double In U.S. Olympic History To Power USA To Semifinals With 119–86 Win Against Australia |date=August 8, 2012 |publisher=USA Basketball |url=http://www.usabasketball.com/mens/national/12_moly_game_06.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120810210413/http://www.usabasketball.com/mens/national/12_moly_game_06.html |archivedate=August 10, 2012 |url-status=dead |df= }}</ref>|group=lower-alpha}} Team USA went on to win their second straight gold medal, again defeating Spain in the final game.<ref name="Spain2">{{cite web |last1=Stein |first1=Marc |title=Team USA as good as gold again |url=http://www.espn.com/olympics/summer/2012/basketball/story/_/id/8262102/2012-olympics-team-usa-good-gold-again |publisher=] |accessdate=October 14, 2018 |date=August 12, 2012}}</ref> James contributed 19 points in the win, becoming the all-time leading scorer in U.S. men's basketball history.<ref name=USA /><ref name=Spain2 /> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2012/08/12/u-s-surges-past-spain-late-claims-second-straight-olympic-gold-medal/|title=U.S. Surges Past Spain Late, Claims Second Straight Olympic Gold Medal|first=Sekou|last=Smith|date=August 12, 2012|accessdate=August 13, 2012|website=NBA.com}}</ref> Afterwards, Krzyzewski said James "is the best player, he is the best leader and he is as smart as anybody playing the game right now."<ref>{{cite news |last=Deveney |first=Sean |title=Olympics 2012: The golden era of LeBron James |date=August 12, 2012 |magazine=] |url=http://aol.sportingnews.com/olympics/story/2012-08-12/olympics-2012-lebron-james-team-usa-spain-carmelo-anthony-london-games-us-gold-m |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120812231144/http://aol.sportingnews.com/olympics/story/2012-08-12/olympics-2012-lebron-james-team-usa-spain-carmelo-anthony-london-games-us-gold-m |archivedate=August 12, 2012 |url-status=dead |df= }}</ref>

==Player profile==
Standing {{convert|6|ft|9|in|m|2}} tall and weighing {{convert|250|lbs|kg|0}}, James has played the majority of his career at the ] and ] positions,<ref>. Basketball-Reference.com. Retrieved on May 29, 2020.</ref> but has also been deployed at the other positions when necessary.<ref name=Simmons>{{cite web|last=Simmons|first=Bill|title=LeBron Makes LeLeap|url=http://grantland.com/features/lebron-makes-leleap/|website=]|accessdate=June 22, 2012}}</ref> James shifted to point guard while with the Lakers beginning in the 2019–20 season. His playing style, which is athletic and versatile, has drawn comparisons to ] Oscar Robertson, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan.<ref name=Goldsberry>{{cite web|last=Goldsberry|first=Kirk|title=The Evolution of King James|url=http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/9109245/how-lebron-james-transformed-game-become-highly-efficient-scoring-machine|website=]|accessdate=April 21, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Davis|first=Nate|title=Jalen Rose, Warren Sapp scoff at notion of LeBron in NFL|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2011/11/jalen-rose-warren-sapp-scoff-at-notion-of-lebron-james-playing-in-nfl/1?csp=34sports|newspaper=USA Today|accessdate=June 23, 2012|date=November 17, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Sports Illustrated's Fittest 50|url=https://www.si.com/edge/photos/2014/08/05/sports-illustrated-fittest-50-athletes-sports#50|website=Sports Illustrated|accessdate=August 10, 2014}}</ref><ref name="nbastat"/><ref name="comp">{{cite news|last=DuPree|first=David|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/playoffs/2006-04-20-james-cover_x.htm|title=King James' next conquest|work=USA Today|date=April 21, 2006|accessdate=August 21, 2006}}</ref> As of September 2020, James's career averages are 27.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game.<ref name=Reference>{{cite web|title=LeBron James NBA & ABA Stats|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jamesle01.html|website=Basketball Reference|publisher=]|accessdate=April 21, 2013}}</ref> Since 2011, he has been ranked the best player in the NBA by ESPN and ''Sports Illustrated''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Windhorst |first1=Brian |title=LeBron James is still the undefeated champ of #NBArank |url=http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/20703687/cleveland-cavaliers-lebron-james-remains-undefeated-champ-nbarank |publisher=] |accessdate=September 15, 2018 |date=September 15, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=SI's Top 100 NBA Players of 2019: How Long Will LeBron James Remain on Top? |url=https://www.si.com/nba/video/2018/09/13/top-100-nba-players-how-long-will-lebron-james-remain-top |accessdate=September 15, 2018 |date=September 13, 2018 |magazine=]}}</ref>

===Offense===
]|accessdate=November 24, 2013}}</ref>]]
As an 18-year-old rookie, James led the Cavaliers in scoring.<ref>{{cite web|title=2003–04 Cleveland Cavaliers Roster and Stats|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CLE/2004.html|website=Basketball Reference|publisher=]}}</ref> He holds numerous "youngest to" distinctions,<ref>{{cite news|title=James receives 78 of 118 first-place votes|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1786166|publisher=]|accessdate=May 7, 2007|date=April 21, 2004|agency=Associated Press}}</ref><ref name="usabio">{{cite web|publisher=USA Basketball|url=http://www.usabasketball.com/biosmen/lebron_james_bio.html|title=USA Basketball: LeBron James Bio |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070514045140/http://www.usabasketball.com/biosmen/lebron_james_bio.html|archivedate=May 14, 2007}}</ref> including being the youngest player to score 30,000 career points.<ref>{{cite web |author1=ESPN Staff |title=LeBron James' path to 30,000 career regular-season points |url=http://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/22134348/lebron-james-path-30000-career-regular-season-points |publisher=] |accessdate=September 15, 2018 |date=January 2018}}</ref> During his first stint in Cleveland, he was primarily used as an on-ball ], and although his shooting tendencies were perimeter-oriented,<ref name=Goldsberry /> he established himself as one of the best ] and finishers in basketball.{{cn|date=June 2020}} His combination of speed, quickness, and size often created matchup problems for opposing teams because he was capable of blowing by larger defenders and overpowering smaller ones.<ref name="Evolution">{{cite magazine|last1=Mahoney|first1=Rob|title=Then And Now: The Evolution Of LeBron James|url=https://www.si.com/nba/2016/12/07/lebron-james-cavaliers-heat-dwyane-wade-chris-bosh-kyrie-irving|magazine=Sports Illustrated|accessdate=April 8, 2017}}</ref> These qualities became more apparent in transition, where he developed a reputation for grabbing defensive rebounds and then beating the defense downcourt for ] baskets.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Simmons|first1=Bill|title=50 Shades of Westbrook|url=https://theringer.com/the-russell-westbrook-problem-54e59db48117|publisher=The Ringer|accessdate=April 8, 2017}}</ref> Around this time, James was frequently criticized for not having a reliable ] or post game.<ref>{{cite news |last=Araton |first=Harvey |title=With Stars Aplenty, Heat Looks for Leader |date=March 8, 2011 |page=B11 |newspaper=] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/08/sports/basketball/08dribble.html?_r=1&scp=16&sq=miami+heat&st=nyt |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20120907181706/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/08/sports/basketball/08dribble.html?_r=2&scp=16&sq=miami+heat&st=nyt |archivedate=September 7, 2012 |url-status=dead |df= }}</ref> Teams would try to exploit these weaknesses by giving him space in the half court and forcing him to settle for three-pointers and long two-pointers, a strategy famously used by Spurs coach ] in the 2007 Finals, where James converted on only 36 percent of his field goals in four games.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Zillgitt|first1=Jeff|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/playoffs/2013/06/04/lebron-james-miami-heat-vs-san-antonio-spurs-2007-finals-cleveland-cavaliers/2390097/|title=LeBron James '50 times better' than in 2007 NBA Finals|newspaper=USA Today|accessdate=April 8, 2017}}</ref>

In Miami, Heat coach ] changed James's role to a more unconventional one.<ref name=Goldsberry /> James spent more time in the post and improved his shot selection and accuracy on jump shots.<ref name=Goldsberry /><ref>{{cite web|last=Haberstroh|first=Tom|title=Is LeBron James an elite shooter?|url=http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/story/_/page/PerDiem-130225/nba-lebron-james-shooting-star|publisher=ESPN|accessdate=June 17, 2013}}{{subscription required}}</ref> He also learned how to work as an off-ball cutter in the Heat's "pass-happy" offense.<ref>{{cite web|last=Lowe|first=Zach|title=The Miami Juggernaut|url=http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/9098417/how-miami-heat-went-historic-winning-streak-came-dominate-league|website=]|accessdate=April 21, 2013}}</ref> Behind these improvements, James's overall scoring efficiency rose to historically great levels.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Levy|first1=Ian|title=What Drives LeBron James' Scoring Efficiency?|url=http://hardwoodparoxysm.com/2014/04/29/drives-lebron-james-scoring-efficiency/|publisher=Hardwood Paroxysm|access-date=April 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409111401/http://hardwoodparoxysm.com/2014/04/29/drives-lebron-james-scoring-efficiency/|archive-date=April 9, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> During this time, ESPN's Tom Haberstroh called James's free-throw shooting his biggest weakness, describing it as "average".<ref name=Haber>{{cite web|last=Haberstroh|first=Tom|title=Miami Heat: 2013–14 roster (Subscription required)|url=http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/preview2013/story/_/page/2013-14-mia-preview/miami-heat-player-profiles|publisher=ESPN Insider|accessdate=September 20, 2013}}</ref> Upon returning to the Cavaliers, James began to experience subtle age-related declines in productivity,<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Shoals|first1=Bethlehem|title=LeBron James Is Underrated and Overlooked|url=https://www.gq.com/story/lebron-james-is-underrated-and-overlooked|magazine=GQ|accessdate=April 9, 2016}}</ref> posting his lowest scoring averages since his rookie season in 2015 and 2016.<ref name=Reference /><ref>{{cite web|last1=Engelmann|first1=Jeremias|title=NBA has co-MVPs this season|url=http://espn.go.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/15160735/nba-co-mvps-season|publisher=ESPN Insider|accessdate=April 9, 2016}}</ref> His shooting also temporarily regressed, and he briefly ranked as the NBA's worst high-volume shooter from outside the paint.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=johnschuhmann|author=John Schuhmann|number=681848369392828416|date=December 29, 2015|title=The worst high-volume shooters from outside the paint, a list topped by LeBron James &amp; Kobe Bryant.}}</ref> Despite these changes, he remained an elite offensive player who beat defenses with body control, strength, and varying attacking speeds.<ref name=Evolution />

For most of his career, James has controlled the offense as the primary ball handler on his team.<ref>{{cite news|last=Windhorst|first=Brian|title=LeBron James takes control of the Lakers|date=November 28, 2018|website=ESPN.com|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/25384727/lebron-james-takes-control-lakers|accessdate=November 28, 2018}}</ref> His playmaking ability is generally considered one of his premier skills, and some analysts rank him among the greatest passers in NBA history.<ref name=Lowe2>{{cite web|last1=Lowe|first1=Zach|title=The Decision 2.0: OK, What's Next?|url=http://grantland.com/the-triangle/lebron-james-cleveland-cavaliers-aftermath-miami-heat/|website=Grantland}}</ref> By exploiting his size, vision, and the attention he garners from opposing defenses,<ref name=Rosenberg>{{cite magazine|last=Rosenberg|first=Michael|title=Don't hate LeBron, enjoy him; he's most gifted player in NBA history |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/michael_rosenberg/05/21/lebron/index.html|magazine=Sports Illustrated|accessdate=June 7, 2013|date=May 21, 2012}}</ref> James creates easy points for his teammates with accurate assists.<ref name=Mahoney>{{cite magazine|last=Mahoney|first=Rob|title=The Case For: LeBron James as Most Valuable Player|url=http://nba.si.com/2013/04/16/lebron-james-mvp-nba-2013/|magazine=Sports Illustrated|accessdate=June 7, 2013|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130527070601/http://nba.si.com/2013/04/16/lebron-james-mvp-nba-2013/|archivedate=May 27, 2013}}</ref> He executes unconventional passes, including after leaving his feet and through defensive traffic.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Windhorst|first1=Brian|title=LeBron James' unprecedented season of sharing has arrived|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/18159427/why-lebron-james-cooking-more-dishes|publisher=ESPN|accessdate=January 15, 2017}}</ref> His uncanny tendency to find the open man has helped force NBA teams to incorporate some elements of ] into their schemes to better cover the weak side of the court and prevent James from passing to open shooters.<ref name=Evolution /> Early in James's career, he was criticized for overpassing in pressure situations; specifically, for passing instead of shooting in the waning seconds of close games.<ref>{{cite news |last=Morre |first=Matt |title=Heat 93, Pacers 91: LeBron is clutch, then not clutch, clutch enough? |date=March 10, 2012 |work=CBSSports.com |url=http://www.cbssports.com/nba/blog/eye-on-basketball/17717241/heat-93-pacers-91-lebron-is-clutch-then-not-clutch-clutch-enough |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130407000005/http://www.cbssports.com/nba/blog/eye-on-basketball/17717241/heat-93-pacers-91-lebron-is-clutch-then-not-clutch-clutch-enough |archivedate=April 7, 2013 |url-status=dead |df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Jackson |first=Scoop |title=LeBron's stomach-turning stigma |date=March 8, 2012 |publisher=ESPN.com |url=http://espn.go.com/espn/commentary/story/_/page/jackson-120308/lebron-james-passing-last-second-shots-earns-long-lasting-stigma |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309191029/http://espn.go.com/espn/commentary/story/_/page/jackson-120308/lebron-james-passing-last-second-shots-earns-long-lasting-stigma |archivedate=March 9, 2012 |url-status=dead |df= }}</ref> However, as his career progressed, James's clutch performance was viewed more favorably.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Pane|first1=Neil|title=LeBron May Be The Most Clutch Playoff Shooter Of His Generation|url=http://fivethirtyeight.com/datalab/lebron-may-be-the-most-clutch-playoff-shooter-of-his-generation/|accessdate=May 22, 2015}}</ref>

===Defense===
At the beginning of James's NBA career, he was considered a poor defensive player,<ref>{{cite web|title=LeBron against the all-time greats|url=http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/page/5-on-5-120301/nba-lebron-james-all-time-greats|publisher=ESPN|accessdate=June 11, 2013}}</ref> but he improved steadily through the years. In 2009, he became proficient at the chase-down block, which involves coming in from behind the opposition in transition to block their shot.<ref name="Abrams">{{cite news|last=Abrams|first=Jonathan|title=On Defense, James Is Closer Than He Appears|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/06/sports/basketball/06cavs.html?_r=0|newspaper=]|accessdate=June 11, 2013|date=May 5, 2010}}</ref> In Miami, he developed into a more versatile defensive player, and the Heat relied on him to guard all five positions.<ref>{{cite web|last=Haberstroh|first=Tom|title='Point center' LeBron James fourth in DPOY|url=http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/miamiheat/post/_/id/13790/point-center-lebron-james-fourth-in-dpoy|publisher=ESPN|accessdate=June 11, 2013}}</ref> Along with ] and Dwyane Wade, Miami used James in an ultra-aggressive defensive scheme,<ref>{{cite web|last=Lowe|first=Zach|title=Lights, Cameras, Revolution|url=http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/9068903/the-toronto-raptors-sportvu-cameras-nba-analytical-revolution|website=]|accessdate=June 11, 2013}}</ref> with James cheating off the ball to help out inside or get into rebounding position.<ref>{{cite web|last=Harper|first=Zach|title=LeBron James' defensive assignment allows versatility for Miami Heat|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nba/blog/eye-on-basketball/22290433/heatpacers-lebron-james-defensive-assignment-allows-versatility|publisher=CBS Sports|accessdate=June 11, 2013}}</ref> Beginning in 2014, some analysts reported a regression in his defensive impact, stemming from a lack of effort and expected age-related declines.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Haberstroh|first1=Tom|title=Who's the real plus-minus MVP?|url=http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/10754836/nba-does-real-plus-minus-say-league-most-valuable-player?refresh=true?ex_cid=InsiderTwitter_haberstrohMVPRPM|publisher=ESPN Insider|accessdate=June 8, 2014|url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref name="WPDecline">{{cite news|last1=Partnow|first1=Seth|title=Here's proof LeBron James is exiting the prime of his career|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fancy-stats/wp/2016/01/05/heres-proof-lebron-james-is-exiting-the-prime-of-his-career/|newspaper=The Washington Post|accessdate=August 7, 2016}}</ref> During his second stint in Cleveland, his defense progressively declined. After missed drives on offense, he often dawdled back on defense while complaining to the referees; he provided less help off the ball, and was less aggressive in ].<ref>{{cite news|last=Duncan|first=Nate|title=NBA No-Defense Team: Carmelo Anthony, Enes Kanter and Regular Season LeBron James get the big honors|date=June 12, 2018|work=The Athletic|url=https://theathletic.com/383038/2018/06/12/nba-no-defense-team-carmelo-anthony-enes-kanter-and-regular-season-lebron-james-get-the-big-honors/|url-access=subscription|accessdate=March 5, 2019|quote=His regular-season work has increasingly lagged during his Cleveland years, but even as recently as last season the overall numbers were solid.}}</ref> James himself admitted to taking plays off at times, referring to this approach as "chill mode".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Pelton|first1=Kevin|title=LeBron's 'chill mode' hurting Cavs|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/12102220/nba-why-lebron-james-chill-mode-hurting-cleveland-cavaliers|publisher=ESPN|accessdate=April 8, 2017}}</ref> He eventually developed a reputation for raising his defensive level in the playoffs, which some analysts referred to as "Playoff LeBron".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Alamar |first1=Ben |title=It's defense that makes 'Playoff LeBron' a thing |url=http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/23027889/playoff-impact-lebron-james-felt-mainly-defense-nba |publisher=] |accessdate=September 15, 2018 |date=April 6, 2018}}</ref>

==Legacy==
] in 2017.]]
James left high school as one of the most ] NBA prospects of all-time.{{refn|See ],<ref name="Jones2003" />{{rp|142}} ],<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bilas|first1=Jay|title=Did 'LeBron Mania' go too far?|url=http://www.espn.com/columns/bilas_jay/1477784.html|publisher=]|date=December 17, 2002|accessdate=August 6, 2017}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite news|last1=Broussard|first1=Chris|title=James Answers the Hype with Standout Debut|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/10/30/sports/basketball-james-answers-hype-with-standout-debut.html|newspaper=]|date=October 30, 2003|accessdate=August 6, 2017}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite web|last1=Smith|first1=Sam|title=Hype over LeBron doesn't match Alcindor's|url=http://a.espncdn.com/nba/columns/smith_sam/1475855.html|publisher=]|date=December 12, 2003|accessdate=August 6, 2017}}</ref> and ].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ford|first1=Chad|title=Top 25 draft prospects since 2000|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/draft2014/insider/story/_/id/11099139/nba-draft-lebron-james-leads-rank-top-25-draft-prospects-last-15-years|publisher=]|date=June 18, 2014|accessdate=August 6, 2017|website=]}}</ref>|group=lower-alpha}} Upon entering the NBA, he made an immediate impact and was voted Rookie of the Year in his debut season.<ref>{{cite web |title=NBA Rookie of the Year Award Winners |url=http://www.nba.com/history/awards/rookie-of-the-year |website=NBA.com |accessdate=October 14, 2018}}</ref> As of June 2020, he has been named to 16 All-NBA Teams, including 13 times on the first team, which are both NBA records.<ref name=botemps_09162020>{{cite news|first=Tim|last=Bontemps|title=Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James sets record with 16th selection to All-NBA team|date=September 16, 2020|website=ESPN.com|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29899984/los-angeles-lakers-lebron-james-sets-record-16th-selection-all-nba-team|accessdate=September 17, 2020}}</ref> His four MVP awards are matched only by Jordan, ], ], and ]; James and Russell are the only players to win four MVP awards in a five-year span.<ref>{{cite web|title=LeBron takes 2013 Kia Most Valuable Player award|url=http://www.nba.com/2013/news/05/05/lebron-2013-mvp-award/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt3b|website=NBA.com|accessdate=May 5, 2013|date=May 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130507235207/http://www.nba.com/2013/news/05/05/lebron-2013-mvp-award/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt3b|archive-date=May 7, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> James has also won four Finals MVP Awards,<ref>{{cite web |title=NBA Finals MVP Award Winners |url=http://www.nba.com/history/awards/finals-mvp |website=NBA.com |accessdate=October 14, 2018}}</ref> and earned All-Defensive honors every season from 2009 to 2014.<ref name=Reference /> While James has never won the Defensive Player of the Year Award, he has finished second in the voting twice and lists it as one of his main goals.<ref name=DPOTY09 /><ref>{{cite news |last=Wallace |first=Michael |title=LeBron James wins 4th MVP award |date=May 5, 2013 |publisher=] |url=http://espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2013/story/_/id/9244504/lebron-james-miami-heat-1-vote-shy-unanimous-mvp-honor |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130505201808/http://espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2013/story/_/id/9244504/lebron-james-miami-heat-1-vote-shy-unanimous-mvp-honor |archivedate=May 5, 2013 |url-status=live |df= }}</ref> His teams have appeared in the Finals ten times and won four championships. His ten Finals appearances are tied for third all-time.{{efn|Tied with Abdul-Jabbar behind Russell (12) and ] (11) of the Celtics.<ref>{{cite news|title=LeBron James one win away from history: 10th NBA Finals apperance|date=September 26, 2020|website=NBCSports.com|agency=Associated Press|url=https://nba.nbcsports.com/2020/09/26/lebron-james-one-win-away-from-history-10th-nba-finals-apperance/|accessdate=October 9, 2020}}</ref>}} Some analysts have criticized him for not having a better Finals record, while others have defended him, arguing that James usually performed well but his team was defeated by superior competition.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Paine|first1=Neil|title=Where This Year's Cavs Rank Among LeBron's NBA Finals Supporting Casts|url=http://fivethirtyeight.com/datalab/where-this-years-cavs-rank-among-lebrons-nba-finals-supporting-casts/|website=]|accessdate=August 7, 2016|date=June 1, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Haberstroh|first1=Tom|title=LeBron's 2–4 Finals record is one of his greatest achievements|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/15882307/what-lebron-james-losing-nba-finals-record-really-means-nba|publisher=]|accessdate=August 7, 2016|date=June 2, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Lowe|first1=Zach|title=The Rematch: An NBA Finals preview|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/15888230/this-matchup-cavs-warriors-what-saw-2015|publisher=]|accessdate=August 7, 2016|date=June 2, 2016}}</ref>

James is widely considered to be one of the greatest basketball players ever. In February 2016, he was ranked fifth by ''Sports Illustrated'';<ref>{{cite web |last1=McCullum |first1=Jack |title=SI's 50 greatest players in NBA history |url=https://www.si.com/nba/2016/02/09/michael-jordan-lebron-james-stephen-curry-nba-greatest |accessdate=October 14, 2018 |date=February 8, 2016 |magazine=]}}</ref> in March 2016, he was ranked third by ESPN;<ref>{{cite web|title=All-Time #NBArank: Counting down the greatest players ever|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/page/nbarankalltime/greatest-players-ever|publisher=]|accessdate=May 27, 2017|date=March 3, 2016}}</ref> in February 2017, he was ranked second by ];<ref>{{cite web|title=CBS Sports' 50 greatest NBA players of all time: Where do LeBron, Curry rank?|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/cbs-sports-50-greatest-nba-players-of-all-time-where-do-lebron-curry-rank/|publisher=CBS Sports|accessdate=February 18, 2017|author= |date=February 17, 2017}}</ref> in December 2017, he was ranked second by ];<ref>{{cite web|last1=Lynch|first1=Andrew|title=Ranking the 25 greatest players in NBA history|url=http://www.foxsports.com/nba/gallery/ranking-the-25-greatest-players-in-nba-history-100716|publisher=]|accessdate=October 14, 2018|date=December 25, 2017}}</ref> in February 2018, he was ranked second by '']'';<ref>{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Top 100: The Greatest Players of All Time |magazine=] |location= United States|publisher= Page, Dennis S.|date= February 23, 2018}}</ref> and in 2019, he was ranked second by '']''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bailey |first1=Andy |title=Bleacher Report's All-Time Player Rankings: NBA's Top 50 Revealed |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2854727-bleacher-reports-all-time-player-rankings-nbas-top-50-revealed |website=] |accessdate=March 31, 2020 |date=2019}}</ref> NBA analyst ], who spent his career covering James, said, "No one has ever had as much hype as James has had to live up to, and James has delivered on every last drop."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Windhorst |first1=Brian |title=All-Time #NBArank: LeBron No. 3 |url=http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/page/nbarank3/all-nbarank-3 |publisher=] |accessdate=October 14, 2018 |date=February 10, 2016}}</ref> On December 29, 2019, the ] named James as its Male Athlete of the Decade for the 2010s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-12-29/the-king-reigns-lebron-james-is-ap-s-male-athlete-of-decade|title=The King Reigns: LeBron James Is AP's Male Athlete of Decade|last=|first=|date=|website=www.bloomberg.com|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=December 30, 2019}}</ref>

James is also discussed within the context of being the greatest basketball player of all time, which has resulted in frequent comparisons to Michael Jordan.<ref name="GOAT debate"/> In a 2016 interview with ''Sports Illustrated'', James acknowledged that his motivation was surpassing Jordan as the greatest.<ref name="Quinn">{{cite web|last=Quinn |first=Sam|title=LeBron James' quest to catch Michael Jordan faces an obstacle both utterly unparalleled and strangely familiar|work=]|date=March 25, 2020 |accessdate=April 1, 2020|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lebron-james-quest-to-catch-michael-jordan-faces-an-obstacle-both-utterly-unparalleled-and-strangely-familiar/}}</ref> In February 2018, '']'' spent an entire week devoted to both players, with ] ultimately concluding that Jordan was still ahead.<ref>{{cite web |author1= |title=Jordan-LeBron Week|url=https://www.theringer.com/nba/2018/2/20/17029830/lebron-vs-jordan-week |website=] |accessdate=October 14, 2018 |date=February 19, 2018}}</ref> In polls, James has ranked second behind Jordan.<ref name="Manrique">{{cite web|last=Manrique|first=Bruno|title=NBA players overwhelmingly vote Michael Jordan as the GOAT over LeBron James, Kobe Bryant|work=ClutchPoints|date=April 8, 2019|accessdate=April 6, 2020|url=https://clutchpoints.com/nba-news-players-overwhelmingly-vote-michael-jordan-goat-over-lebron-james-kobe-bryant/}}</ref><ref name="Parrish">{{cite web|last=Parrish|first=Gary|title=Candid Coaches: Who's the real GOAT -- Michael Jordan or LeBron James?|work=]|date=August 31, 2018|accessdate=April 1, 2020|url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/candid-coaches-whos-the-real-goat-michael-jordan-or-lebron-james/}}</ref><ref name="Davis">{{cite web|last=Davis|first=Scott|last2=Hickey|first2=Walt|last3=Yutong|first3=Yuan|title=Most Americans think Michael Jordan is the 'GOAT' over LeBron James, and it's not even close|work=]|date=March 18, 2019|accessdate=April 1, 2020|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/jordan-lebron-goat-debate-americans-jordan-2019-3}}</ref> The results strongly correlate with age, with older voters more commonly choosing Jordan.<ref name="Parrish"/><ref name="Davis"/> Davis ''et al.'' of '']'' stated, "The data would suggest that younger, more-engaged NBA fans lean toward James, as he's still playing. Older generations who watched Jordan play and tune in less today lean toward Jordan."<ref name="Davis"/> Referring to James as the best challenger to Jordan's status as the greatest basketball player of all time, Sam Quinn of CBS Sports stated that "the margin for error where Jordan is involved is overwhelmingly slim" and that "in the rings-obsessed basketball discourse", Jordan having more titles and an "unblemished Finals record holds significant weight."<ref name="Quinn"/>

==Off the court==
===Personal life===
James has three children with Savannah Brinson, his high school sweetheart: ] (b. 2004),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://heavy.com/sports/2015/06/lebron-james-kids-children-family-sons-daughter-savannah-brinson/|title=LeBron James' Kids: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know|last=Amato|first=Laura|website=Heavy.com|accessdate=October 7, 2015}}</ref> Bryce (b. 2007), and Zhuri (b. 2014).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2014/07/07/sport/lebron-james-fast-facts/|title=LeBron James Fast Facts|author=CNN Library|publisher=CNN|accessdate=August 18, 2014}}</ref> James proposed to Brinson on December 31, 2011,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://articles.latimes.com/2012/jan/01/sports/la-sp-newswire-20120102|title=LeBron James and Savannah Brinson are engaged|work=Los Angeles Times|author=Wire Reports|date=January 1, 2012|accessdate=January 2, 2012}}</ref> and the two were married on September 14, 2013 in ], ].<ref>{{cite news|last=Reynolds|first=Tim|title=LEBRON WEDS GIRLFRIEND IN SAN DIEGO|date=March 21, 2015|url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/ap-source-lebron-weds-girlfriend-san-diego|work=Associated Press|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130918100116/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/ap-source-lebron-weds-girlfriend-san-diego|archivedate=September 18, 2013}}</ref>

During his stint with the Heat, James resided in ], where he bought a $9&nbsp;million three-story mansion overlooking ].<ref>{{cite news|last=Carter|first=Nicole|title=Miami heat: LeBron James buys $9M mansion in Coconut Grove, Fla|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/real-estate/miami-heat-lebron-james-buys-9m-mansion-coconut-grove-fla-article-1.470576|newspaper=NY Daily News|accessdate=July 4, 2012|date=December 9, 2010|location=New York}}</ref> In November 2015, James bought a 9,350 square-foot (870 m<sup>2</sup>) East Coast-style mansion in ] for about $21&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite news |title=LeBron James Snags Brentwood Mansion for $21 Million |work=Variety |date=November 10, 2015 |url=https://variety.com/2015/dirt/real-estalker/lebron-james-buys-brentwood-manse-1201635639/ }}</ref>

James rescued fellow basketball player ] from the water during a boating excursion in the ] with ] and ] when Anthony was carried away from the boat by the current.<ref>{{Cite web|date=August 18, 2020|title=LeBron recalls Melo ocean rescue ahead of series|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29683739/lebron-james-recounts-role-carmelo-anthony-ocean-rescue-ahead-lakers-blazers-series|access-date=August 19, 2020|website=ESPN.com|language=en}}</ref> Anthony described the incident in an ] session in March 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Polacek|first=Scott|title=LeBron James Recalls Rescuing Carmelo Anthony During Bahamas Vacation|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2905148-lebron-james-recalls-rescuing-carmelo-anthony-during-bahamas-vacation|access-date=August 19, 2020|website=Bleacher Report|language=en}}</ref>

James invests heavily in his health. He has a heavy exercise regimen, and dietary habits that are atypical for a top athlete.<ref> https://www.menshealth.com.au/lebron-james-dirty-diet</ref>

===Public image===
By 2015, James was considered by many people, including his fellow NBA players, to be the "face of the NBA".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Vardon|first1=Joe|title=LeBron James is the 'face' of the NBA, but is Stephen Curry next?|url=http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2015/02/lebron_james_stephen_curry_fac.html|publisher=Cleveland.com|accessdate=February 16, 2015}}</ref> His opinions have yielded significant influence on people who make important league decisions; for example, in 2014 he asked commissioner ] to increase the duration of the All-Star break, and the request was granted the following season.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Feldman|first1=Dan|title=LeBron James reportedly asked Adam Silver for longer All-Star break, fewer back-to-backs|url=http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/30/lebron-james-reportedly-asked-adam-silver-for-longer-all-star-break-fewer-back-to-backs/|publisher=NBC Sports|accessdate=February 16, 2015}}</ref> On February 13, 2015, James was elected the first vice president of the ] (NBPA).<ref>{{cite web|last1=Pollakoff|first1=Brett|title=Report: LeBron James elected Vice President of NBA Players Association|url=http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/02/13/report-lebron-james-elected-vice-resident-of-nba-players-association/|publisher=NBC Sports|accessdate=February 16, 2015}}</ref>

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| footer = The WWI ] poster and the April 2008 '']'' cover with James and ], which critics said referenced the earlier poster<ref name="npr 3/27/08">{{Cite news|date=March 27, 2008|title=Some Call LeBron James' 'Vogue' Cover Offensive|newspaper=National Public Radio|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=89151096}}</ref><ref name=Lsbmcwhi/>
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Throughout his career, James has been ranked by ''Forbes'' as one of the world's most influential athletes,<ref name=":0">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.forbes.com/2010/04/21/lance-armstrong-endorsements-business-sports-influential-athletes.html |title=The Most Influential Athletes|magazine=] |date=April 21, 2010}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite magazine|title=Most Influential Athletes 2013|url=https://www.forbes.com/pictures/eddf45kkml/lebron-james-4/|magazine=Forbes|accessdate=July 27, 2013|first=Tom|last=Van Riper}}</ref> and in 2017, he was listed by '']'' as one of the ].<ref name=":2">{{cite magazine|last1=Dove|first1=Rita|title=LeBron James: Time 100|url=http://time.com/collection/2017-time-100/4742755/lebron-james/|magazine=Time|accessdate=May 21, 2017}}</ref> During his first stint with the Cavaliers, he was adored by local fans, and ] displayed a giant Nike-produced banner of James on its world headquarters.<ref>{{cite web|last=Cho|first=Janet|title=Sherwin-Williams replaces LeBron poster with Cleveland skyline|url=http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2010/10/sherwin-williams_replaces_lebr.html|publisher=Cleveland.com|accessdate=July 1, 2012}}</ref> Despite their affection for James, Cleveland fans and critics were frequently annoyed when he sported a Yankees hat when he attended ] baseball games versus the ].<ref name="MLB.com">{{cite web|first=David|last=Briggs|publisher=MLB.com|date=October 5, 2007|title=LeBron spurns Tribe, sports Yanks cap|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071004&content_id=2250946&vkey=ps2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb}}</ref> Following his actions during the 2010 free agency period and, more specifically, ''The Decision'', he was listed as one of most disliked athletes in the US.<ref>. ]; February 7, 2012.</ref> By 2013, his 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.<ref>{{cite web|last=Rovell|first=Darren|title=LeBron James NBA's most popular|url=http://espn.go.com/nba/truehoop/miamiheat/story/_/id/9512608/poll-shows-lebron-james-passes-kobe-bryant-nba-most-popular-player|publisher=ESPN|accessdate=July 27, 2013}}</ref> In 2014, he was named the most popular male athlete in America by the Harris Poll.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Harper|first1=Zach|title=LeBron James is finally the most popular male athlete in America|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/24625627/lebron-james-is-finally-the-most-popular-male-athlete-in-america|publisher=CBS Sports|accessdate=July 25, 2014}}</ref> He has led the league in jersey sales six times.<ref>{{cite web|last=Rovell|first=Darren|title=LeBron James tops jersey sale|url=http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/10795792/lebron-james-miami-heat-tops-nba-jersey-sales|publisher=ESPN|accessdate=April 27, 2014}}</ref>

] associated with James is highly sought after. Two of James's ]s are among the most expensive ]s ever sold at auction. One of those cards also briefly held the record for the ] when it sold for $1.8&nbsp;million at auction in July 2020.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Acquavella |first1=Katherine |title=LeBron James rookie card sells for modern-day record $1.8 million at auction |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lebron-james-rookie-card-sells-for-modern-day-record-1-8-million-at-auction/ |accessdate=August 28, 2020 |work=CBSSports.com |publisher=] |date=July 20, 2020 |language=en}}</ref> A ] rookie card broke the record for a modern-day card the following month.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Beer |first1=Tommy |title=Mike Trout Rookie Card Sells For $3.93 Million, Breaking The All-Time Record |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/tommybeer/2020/08/23/mike-trout-rookie-card-sells-for-393-million-breaking-the-all-time-record/#5d0f4674238b |accessdate=August 28, 2020 |work=] |date=August 23, 2020 |language=en}}</ref> All jerseys worn in the 2020 NBA All-Star Game were auctioned by the NBA and NBPA to raise funds for charity. James's jersey sold for $630,000, setting a record for a modern-day sports jersey.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mueller |first1=Rich |title=LeBron's 2020 All-Star Game Jersey Sets Record Price |url=https://www.sportscollectorsdaily.com/lebrons-2020-all-star-game-jersey-sets-record-price/ |accessdate=August 28, 2020 |work=Sports Collectors Daily |date=March 8, 2020}}</ref>

In March 2008, James became the first black man{{emdash}}and third man overall after ] and ]{{emdash}}to appear on the cover of '']'', when he posed with ].<ref>{{cite news|author=Chronicle News Services|title=NBA: LeBron becomes third man on Vogue cover|url=http://www.chron.com/sports/rockets/article/NBA-LeBron-becomes-third-man-on-Vogue-cover-1785218.php|newspaper=Houston Chronicle|accessdate=February 26, 2013}}</ref> In response, ESPN columnist ] considered the cover offensive and "memorable for the wrong reasons", describing the demeanor of James and his holding Bündchen as a reference to classic imagery of the movie monster ], a dark savage capturing his light-skinned love interest.<ref name="npr 3/27/08"/><ref name=Lsbmcwhi>{{cite news|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=hill/080320&sportCat=nba&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab3pos1|date=March 21, 2008|title=LeBron should be more careful with his image|publisher=ESPN.com|accessdate=October 13, 2010|last=Hill|first=Jemele|authorlink=Jemele Hill|quote=But this cover gave you the double-bonus of having LeBron and Gisele strike poses that others in the blogosphere have noted draw a striking resemblance to the racially charged image of King Kong enveloping his very fair-skinned lady love interest.}}</ref>

===Media figure and business interests===
James is represented by ] ] of Klutch Sports.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=LeBron James&nbsp;– Forbes|url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/lebron-james/|magazine=Forbes|accessdate=June 9, 2013}}</ref> His first agent was ], whom he left in 2005 for ]. Rose joined ] (CAA) in 2007, and he worked with fellow CAA agent ], who represented Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, to bring James to Miami in 2010. James left CAA for Paul in 2012.<ref>{{cite news |last=Windhost |first=Brian |title=LeBron chooses Rich Paul as agent |date=September 13, 2012 |work=ESPN.com |url=http://espn.go.com/nba/truehoop/miamiheat/story/_/id/8372301/miami-heat-lebron-james-parts-caa-leon-rose-hires-friend-rich-paul-new-agent |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913154342/http://espn.go.com/nba/truehoop/miamiheat/story/_/id/8372301/miami-heat-lebron-james-parts-caa-leon-rose-hires-friend-rich-paul-new-agent |archivedate=September 13, 2012 |url-status=live |df= }}</ref> James, Paul, Maverick Carter, and Randy Mims—all childhood friends—formed agent and sports-marketing company LRMR after James left Goodwin. LRMR handles James's marketing, including the marketing of ''The Decision'', for which it was criticized.<ref>{{cite news |last=Freeman |first=Eric |title=On LeBron James' bold move to leave CAA, and the league-wide implications that could result |date=September 13, 2012 |work=yahoo.com |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/lebron-james-bold-move-leave-caa-league-wide-130137478--nba.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913184114/http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/lebron-james-bold-move-leave-caa-league-wide-130137478--nba.html |archivedate=September 13, 2012 |url-status=live |df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=] |first=Lisa |title=LeBron James's Magnum-sized, Ultrashiny, Nike-powered Lawn Mower to the Next Century |date=July 6, 2010 |magazine=Esquire |url=http://www.esquire.com/features/75-most-influential/lebron-james-1008-2 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080919202551/http://www.esquire.com/features/75-most-influential/lebron-james-1008-2 |archivedate=September 19, 2008 |url-status=dead |df= }}</ref>

Throughout his career, James has taken a unique approach to his NBA contracts, usually opting to sign shorter-term deals in order to maximize his earnings potential and flexibility;<ref>{{cite web|last1=Windhorst|first1=Brian|title=LeBron James transitioning from businessman to a business, man|url=http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14339246/nba-lebron-james-transitioning-businessman-business-man|publisher=ESPN|accessdate=May 8, 2016}}</ref><ref name=HeatContract /><ref>{{cite web|last=Winderman|first=Ira|url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2010-07-08/sports/sfl-lebron-james-decision-070810_1_james-and-bosh-dwyane-wade-lebron-james|title=Sun Sentinel: LeBron James to join Chris Bosh, Heat's Dwyane Wade|website=SunSentinel|date=July 8, 2010|accessdate=July 7, 2013}}</ref> for example, in 2006, he and the Cavaliers negotiated a three-year, $60&nbsp;million contract extension instead of the four-year maximum as it allotted him the option of seeking a new contract worth more money as an unrestricted free agent following the 2010 season.<ref name="contract">{{cite web|title=LeBron officially signs contract extension with Cavs |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2523410 |publisher=ESPN.com|accessdate=May 7, 2007}}</ref> This move ultimately allowed James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh to sign together with the Heat.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Megdal|first1=Howard|title=LeBron James, decisions, and how Carmelo Anthony squandered all his leverage|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lebron-james-decisions-and-how-carmelo-anthony-squandered-all-his-leverage/|publisher=CBS Sports|accessdate=February 20, 2017}}</ref> During his second stint in Cleveland, he began opting out and re-signing on new contracts after each season in order to take advantage of higher salaries resulting from the NBA's rising salary cap.<ref name="LeBron deal has eye on future cap"/><ref>{{cite web|title=LeBron James Opts Out of Contract|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/lebron-james-has-opted-out-his-contract-1987162|website=International Business Times|accessdate=June 29, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/releases/james-signing-150710|title=Cavaliers Re-sign Forward LeBron James|website=NBA.com|date=July 10, 2015|accessdate=July 11, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Sam|first1=Amick|title=LeBron James gets two-year contract with Cavaliers|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/cavaliers/2015/07/09/lebron-james-two-year-contract--cavaliers/29916673/|newspaper=USA Today|accessdate=May 8, 2016}}</ref> In 2016, he signed with the Cavaliers on a three-year deal,<ref>{{cite web|title=Cavaliers And LeBron James Sign Multi-Year Contract|url=http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/releases/james-signing-2016|website=NBA.com|date=August 12, 2016|accessdate=August 12, 2016}}</ref> becoming the highest-paid player in the league for the first time in his career.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bradley|first1=Pat|title=NBA Scoreboard Stats Standings Teams Players Odds LeBron James Just Became NBA's Highest-Paid Player For First Time Ever|url=http://nesn.com/2016/08/lebron-james-just-became-the-nbas-highest-paid-player-for-the-first-time-ever/|publisher=NESN|accessdate=September 2, 2016}}</ref>

James has signed numerous endorsement contracts; some of the companies that he has done business with are ],<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Adams|first1=Ariel|title=You Can Now Buy The $51,500 LeBron James Limited Edition Watch By Audemars Piguet|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/arieladams/2013/09/27/you-can-now-buy-the-51500-lebron-james-limited-edition-watch-by-audemars-piguet/#178fa4d05739|magazine=Forbes|accessdate=May 27, 2017}}</ref> ],<ref name=Endorsements /> ],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2012/03/05/us-dunkinbrands-idUSTRE8240HX20120305 |title=Dunkin' aims at China with pork donuts, LeBron James |date=March 5, 2012 |accessdate=June 5, 2012 |work=Reuters}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|title=James to endorse for McDonald's|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4867029|publisher=ESPN.com|accessdate=July 4, 2012}}</ref> ],<ref name=Endorsements>{{cite news|last=Highkin|first=Sean|title=Magic Johnson thinks LeBron doesn't have enough endorsements|url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2013/05/magic-johnson-thinks-lebron-doesnt-have-enough-endorsements/|newspaper=USA Today|accessdate=June 9, 2013}}</ref> ]<ref name="StateFarm-USAToday">{{cite news|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/money/advertising/2008-02-13-lebron-state-farm_N.htm|title=LeBron James enters partnership with State Farm|date=February 13, 2008|work=USA Today|accessdate=October 27, 2009}}</ref> and ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thedrum.com/news/2017/05/28/beats-dre-signs-ufc-star-conor-mcgregor-endorsement-deal-it-moves-deeper-popular|title=Beats by Dre signs UFC star Conor McGregor to endorsement deal as it moves deeper into popular culture|work=The Drum|access-date=December 25, 2017|language=en}}</ref> Coming out of high school, he was the target of a three-way bidding war among Nike, ], and ],<ref>{{cite web|last=Rovell|first=Darren|title=LeBron James Signs New Deal With Nike|url=https://www.cnbc.com/id/36120334|publisher=CNBC|accessdate=June 9, 2013}}</ref> eventually signing with Nike for approximately $90&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite web|last=Berman|first=John|title=Is LeBron James Worth $90 Million?|url=https://abcnews.go.com/WNT/story?id=129682&page=1#.UbT7ihw1btI|publisher=ABC News|accessdate=June 9, 2013}}</ref> His signature shoes have performed well for Nike.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Eagle|first=Ben|title=LeBron James reportedly leads all NBA players in U.S. shoe sales|url=http://nba.si.com/2013/05/23/lebron-james-shoes-kobe-bryant-carmelo-anthony/|magazine=Sports Illustrated|accessdate=June 9, 2013|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609004455/http://nba.si.com/2013/05/23/lebron-james-shoes-kobe-bryant-carmelo-anthony/|archivedate=June 9, 2013}}</ref> In 2011, ] became the sole global marketer of his rights, and as part of the deal, he was granted a minority stake in the English ] football club ],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703280904576246640754493456 |title=LeBron James in Deal With Fenway Sports |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=April 6, 2011 |accessdate=April 6, 2011 |first=Matthew |last=Futterman}}</ref> who he has claimed his support for.<ref>{{cite web|title=10 famous Liverpool fans from North America|url=http://www.lfctour.com/news/latest-news/10-famous-liverpool-fans-from-north-america|publisher=]|accessdate=November 20, 2015|date=April 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202171515/http://www.lfctour.com/news/latest-news/10-famous-liverpool-fans-from-north-america|archive-date=February 2, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> As a result of James's endorsement money and NBA salary, he has been listed as one of the world's highest-paid athletes.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Full List: The World's 50 Highest-Paid Athletes|url=https://www.forbes.com/2011/05/31/highest-paid-athletes_slide_4.html|magazine=Forbes|accessdate=July 2, 2012|first=Kurt|last=Badenhausen}}</ref> In 2013, he surpassed Kobe Bryant as the highest paid basketball player in the world, with earnings of $56.5&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Golliver |first=Ben |title=LeBron James passes Kobe Bryant on SI's 'Fortunate 50' highest-earning athletes list |url=http://nba.si.com/2013/05/15/lebron-james-passes-kobe-bryant-on-sis-fortunate-50-highest-earning-athletes-list/ |magazine=Sports Illustrated |accessdate=May 26, 2013 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607175346/http://nba.si.com/2013/05/15/lebron-james-passes-kobe-bryant-on-sis-fortunate-50-highest-earning-athletes-list/ |archivedate=June 7, 2013 }}</ref> In 2014, James realized a profit of more than $30&nbsp;million as part of ]'s acquisition of ]; he had originally struck a deal to get a small stake in the company at its inception in exchange for promoting its headphones.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Windhorst|first1=Brian|title=Heat look to target Carmelo Anthony|url=http://espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2014/story/_/id/11068709/miami-heat-discussing-options-target-carmelo-anthony-free-agency|website=ESPN|accessdate=June 21, 2014}}</ref> In 2015, he was ranked the sixth highest earning sportsperson,<ref>{{cite news|title=The World's Highest-Paid Celebrities|url=https://www.forbes.com/celebrities/list/#tab:overall|agency=Forbes|date=November 15, 2015}}</ref> and third highest in 2016 (after ] and ]).<ref>{{cite magazine|title=The World's Highest Paid Athletes List 2016|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbespr/2016/06/08/forbes-releases-the-worlds-highest-paid-athletes-list-2016/#6f45059a1bb9|magazine=Forbes|date=June 15, 2016}}</ref> James has stated that he would like to own an NBA team in the future, albeit in a hands-off capacity.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/lebron-james-my-dream-is-to-actually-own-an-nba-team-news.23533.html|title=LeBron James: "My Dream Is To Actually Own An NBA Team"|publisher=}}</ref> In 2011, James co-founded the designer retail store UNKNWN in Miami, Florida.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gq.com/story/lebron-james-new-store-unknwn|title=LeBron James New Store UNKNWN|publisher=}}</ref>

James and comedian ] co-hosted the 2007 ].<ref>{{cite web|author=ESPN.com news services|title=LeBron, Kimmel to co-host ESPY Awards|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2814649|publisher=ESPN.com|accessdate=February 26, 2013}}</ref> In other comedic pursuits, he hosted the 33rd-season premiere of '']''.<ref>{{cite web|title=SNL Transcripts: LeBron James|url=http://snltranscripts.jt.org/07/07a.phtml|publisher=SNL Transcripts|accessdate=February 26, 2013}}</ref> He has also tried his hand at acting, appearing in a cameo role on the ] series '']''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lebron James Matt Damon "Entourage" Cameo October 4|url=http://www.popcrunch.com/lebron-james-matt-damon-entourage-cameo-oct-4/|publisher=Pop Crunch|accessdate=July 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120703054256/http://www.popcrunch.com/lebron-james-matt-damon-entourage-cameo-oct-4/|archive-date=July 3, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2015, he played himself in the ] film '']'',<ref>{{cite web|last1=Smith|first1=Troy L.|title=LeBron James filming 'Trainwreck' with Amy Schumer and other movie projects|url=http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2014/08/lebron_james_filming_trainwrec.html|publisher=Cleveland.com|accessdate=August 31, 2014}}</ref> receiving positive reviews for his performance.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/the-greatest-movie-performance-by-an-active-professional-basketball-player | title=The Greatest Movie Performance by an Active Professional Basketball Player | website=] | date=July 20, 2015 | accessdate=July 21, 2015}}</ref> That same year, James's digital video company, Uninterrupted, raised $15.8&nbsp;million from ] and ] to help expand the company's efforts to bring athlete-created content to fans. It is hosted on ] and is used by several other athletes including ] tight end ] and ] cornerback ].<ref>{{cite web|title=LeBron James's confessional video web site for athletes gets investment from Turner and Warner Bros|url=http://mashable.com/2015/12/03/lebron-james-uninterrupted/#oROYKPAwhqqV|website=Mashable|accessdate=December 3, 2015}}</ref>

James and his business partner Maverick Carter own production company ],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/lebron-james-springhill-entertainment-signs-810489|title=LeBron James' SpringHill Entertainment Signs Deal With Warner Bros|website=]|date=July 22, 2015|accessdate=May 16, 2016}}</ref> whose first work was the ] documentary '']'', which was released in 2009 and chronicled James's high school years.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Levin|first=Josh|title=Self-Love and Basketball|url=http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/movies/2009/10/selflove_and_basketball.html|magazine=Slate|accessdate=February 26, 2013}}</ref> Series produced by SpringHill include ] game show '']'',<ref>Peter, Josh (October 17, 2018). '']''. Retrieved January 9, 2019.</ref> the ] sports documentaries ''Becoming'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/12306217/disney-xd-picks-full-season-show-produced-lebron-james-company|title=Disney XD picks up 'Becoming'|date=February 10, 2015|publisher=ESPN|first=Brian|last=Windhorst|accessdate=May 16, 2016}}</ref> ] sitcom '']'',<ref>{{cite web|title=King of Comedy: Trailer for LeBron's new sitcom released|url=http://www.foxsports.com/nba/story/lebron-james-sitcom-survivors-remorse-official-trailer-released-starz-miami-heat-061014|publisher=Fox Sports|accessdate=August 31, 2014}}</ref> and animated web series '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.houstonpress.com/slideshow/the-lebrons-season-2-kickoff-party-with-lebron-james-6307123|title=The LeBrons: Season 2 Kickoff Party with LeBron James|website=Houston Press|date=February 18, 2013|accessdate=May 16, 2016}}</ref> In 2016, ] aired an unscripted series hosted by James called ''Cleveland Hustles'', where four up-and-coming Northern Ohio entrepreneurs will be financed on the condition of revitalizing a neighborhood in Cleveland.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20160401/NEWS/160409954/lebron-james-reality-tv-show-cleveland-hustles-to-premiere-aug-24|title=LeBron James' reality TV show 'Cleveland Hustles' to premiere Aug. 24|website=Crain's Cleveland Business|date=April 1, 2016|accessdate=May 16, 2016}}</ref> In the 2017 ], a 60-minute ] documentary entitled ''The Carter Effect'' was executive produced by James and Maverick Carter along with rapper ] and Future the Prince.<ref>{{cite web|title="The Carter Effect" Trailer|url=http://cowbellkingdom.com/the-carter-effect-trailer/|website=cowbellkingdom.com|accessdate=August 24, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Look: LeBron, business partner dine with Drake|url=https://www.thescore.com/news/1355475|website=theScore.com|accessdate=August 24, 2017}}</ref> In February 2018 it was announced that James's production company will produce a new film in the '']'' series with James expected to make a cameo.<ref>{{cite web|title=LeBron James' production company to remake 1990 hit 'House Party'|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/lebron-james-production-company-remake-1990-hit-house/story?id=53053707|website=ABC.com|accessdate=February 13, 2017}}</ref> Later that month, ] journalist ] told James to "Shut up and dribble" as a response to his political agendas.<ref>Sullivan, Emily (February 19, 2018). '']''. Retrieved January 8, 2019.</ref> This largely contributed to James creating a ] series looking at the changing role of athletes in the current political and cultural climate, aptly named, ''Shut Up and Dribble'' on ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/24304977/lebron-james-adds-show-documentary-tv-portfolio|title=LeBron doc 'Shut Up and Dribble' set to air on TV|work=ESPN.com|access-date=August 7, 2018|language=en}}</ref>

During the 2019 off-season, James filed for a trademark (through a shell company) on the term "]" for use in downloadable audio/visual works, podcasts, social media, online marketing, and entertainment services.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/04/style/lebron-james-taco-tuesday-trademark.html|title=LeBron James, a Fan of Tacos, Seeks to Trademark ‘Taco Tuesday’|first=Daniel|last=Hernandez|date=September 4, 2019|via=NYTimes.com}}</ref> This was related to James's use of the term on ] for his family's taco dinners. The request was denied by the ], stating that Taco Tuesday was "a commonplace term, message or expression widely used by a variety of sources that merely conveys an ordinary, familiar, well-recognized concept or sentiment."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/11/style/lebron-taco-tuesday-trademark.html |title=LeBron James Tried to Trademark 'Taco Tuesday,' but Got Swatted Away |last=Zaveri |first=Mihir |date=September 11, 2019 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US |access-date=September 13, 2019}}</ref>

As of September 2019, James is the ].<ref>{{cite web|first=J.|last=Clement|url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/421169/most-followers-instagram/|title=Instagram accounts with the most followers worldwide as of September 2019 (in millions)|work=]|date=September 2, 2019|accessdate=September 10, 2019}}</ref>

===Music===
In February 2019, it was revealed that James would executive produce rapper ]'s new album '']''. A ] press release said the intent of the album is "celebrating black excellence and focusing on the power of education and entrepreneurship." The press release also says the title "challenges the notion that the only way out of the inner city is either to become a rapper or a ball player".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/2-chainz-rap-or-go-to-the-leauge-album-art/|title=2 Chainz Reveals Cover Art for 'Rap Or Go To The League'|date=February 26, 2019|website=Highsnobiety|language=en-US|access-date=November 11, 2019}}</ref>

===Activism===
], and ] tape a public service announcement in January 2014]]
James is an active supporter of ], including ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite web|title=LeBron James Charity Work, Events and Causes|url=http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/lebron-james|publisher=Look to the Stars|accessdate=July 1, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/lebron-james-shoes-children-with-disabilities/|title=LeBron James Just Delivered Nikes He Helped Design for Kids With Disabilities|work=Global Citizen|access-date=December 25, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.enstarz.com/articles/127725/20151217/lebron-james-news-cleveland-cavaliers-star-pays-respect-to-a-fan-in-the-middle-of-a-game.htm|title=Inspiring Videos: Cleveland Cavaliers Star LeBron James Pays Respect To A Fan In The Middle Of A Game|last=EnStars|date=December 17, 2015|work=Enstarz|access-date=December 25, 2017}}</ref> He also has his own charity foundation, the LeBron James Family Foundation, which is based in Akron.<ref>{{cite web|title=The LeBron James Family Foundation to Unveil its Brand New Website, LeBronJamesFamilyFoundation.org|url=http://www.nba.com/heat/community/the_lebron_james_family_founda_2012_05_01.html|publisher=NBA.com|accessdate=July 1, 2012}}</ref> Since 2005, the foundation has held an annual bike-a-thon to raise money for various causes.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|title=LeBron's bike event stresses education|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/truehoop/miamiheat/news/story?id=6741900|publisher=ESPN.com|accessdate=July 1, 2012}}</ref> In 2015, James announced a partnership with the University of Akron to provide scholarships for as many as 2,300 children beginning in 2021.<ref>{{cite web|author1=ESPN.com news services|title=LeBron James, Akron to fund 4-year scholarships for I Promise students|url=http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/13437404/lebron-james-university-akron-fund-4-year-scholarships-promise-students|publisher=ESPN|accessdate=October 3, 2015}}</ref> In 2016, he donated $2.5&nbsp;million to the ] ] to support an exhibit on ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/18070104/lebron-james-cleveland-cavaliers-donates-25-million-smithsonian-muhammad-ali-exhibit |title=LeBron James donates $2.5 million to Smithsonian's Muhammad Ali exhibit | date=November 17, 2016 |website=] |access-date=November 17, 2016}}</ref> In 2017, he received the ] from the NBA for his "outstanding service and dedication to the community."<ref>{{cite web|title=LeBron James Wins PBWA's 2016–17 J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award|url=http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/releases/pbwa-citizenship-award-170521|publisher=Cleveland Cavaliers Official Website|accessdate=May 21, 2017}}</ref> In November of that same year, the Akron School Board approved the "]", a public elementary school created in a partnership with the LeBron James Family Foundation to help struggling elementary school students stay in school.<ref>Associated Press (November 28, 2017). '']''. Retrieved January 8, 2019.</ref> James later reflected that it was his most important professional accomplishment of his life. The school officially opened on July 30, 2018.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Singer |first1=Michael |title=LeBron James: Opening school is my most important professional accomplishment |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2017/11/30/lebron-james-opening-school-most-important-professional-accomplishment/909374001/ |website=USA Today |accessdate=August 8, 2018}}</ref>

Throughout his career, James has taken stances on controversial issues. On several occasions, he mentioned a feeling of obligation to effect change using his status.<ref name=Sterling>{{cite web|last=Wallace|first=Michael|title=LeBron: No place for Sterling|url=http://espn.go.com/nba/truehoop/miamiheat/story/_/id/10845651/nba-lebron-james-scores-most-telling-point-sterling|publisher=ESPN|accessdate=April 27, 2014}}</ref> Those include the ],<ref>{{Cite news|date=May 28, 2007|title=James Draws Criticism For Stand on Darfur Issue|publisher=Yahoo|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AuUKIgRXZ7o9QUghAK6qsoM5nYcB?slug=stcavaliersjamesdarfur&prov=st&type=lgns}}</ref><ref name="nytdarfur">{{Cite news|last=Beck|first=Howard|date=May 16, 2007|accessdate=June 8, 2007|title=Cavalier Seeks Players' Support for Darfur|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/16/sports/basketball/16cavaliers.html}}</ref><ref name="csm">{{Cite news|accessdate=June 7, 2007|title=On Darfur, LeBron James drops the ball|newspaper=Christian Science Monitor|url=http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0524/p09s01-coop.html?page=1|last=Zimmerman|first=Jonathan}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Smith|first=Shelley|date=May 16, 2008|title=LeBron speaking out on Darfur|newspaper=ESPN|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3398947&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab5pos2}}</ref> the ],<ref>{{cite web|last=Hill|first=Jemele|title=The Heat's hoodies as change agent|url=http://espn.go.com/espn/commentary/story/_/page/hill-120326/lebron-james-other-athletes-protest-trayvon-martin-shooting-show-change-agent-power-sports|publisher=ESPN|accessdate=April 27, 2014}}</ref> the now-former NBA owner ]'s racist comments in 2014,<ref name=Sterling /> the ] verdict,<ref>{{cite web|last1=McMenamin|first1=Dave|title=LeBron James: Bigger issues at play|url=http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/11938106/lebron-james-others-comment-ferguson-decision|publisher=ESPN|accessdate=December 11, 2014}}</ref> and the ].<ref>{{cite web|last1=McMenamin|first1=Dave|title=LeBron, Irving in 'I Can't Breathe' tees|url=http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/12001456/lebron-james-kyrie-irving-cleveland-cavaliers-kevin-garnett-deron-williams-brooklyn-nets-wear-breathe-shirt-reference-eric-garner|publisher=ESPN|accessdate=December 11, 2014}}</ref> Following a ] incident at his Los Angeles home in 2017, James expressed, "being black in America is tough. We got a long way to go for us as a society and for us as African Americans until we feel equal in America."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ward-Henninger |first1=Colin |title=Cavs' LeBron James responds to racist graffiti on house with powerful statement |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/cavs-lebron-james-responds-to-racist-graffiti-on-house-with-powerful-statement/ |website=CBS Sports |accessdate=August 8, 2018}}</ref> Later on that year, in the aftermath of the ], James questioned the "]" slogan and said, "It's sad what's going on in Charlottesville. Is this the direction our country is heading? Make America Great Again huh?" He then said that "Our youth deserve better!!"<ref>{{cite web |last1=Tsuji |first1=Alysha |title=LeBron James saddened by Charlottesville: 'Make America Great Again huh?!' |url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/2017/08/lebron-james-charlottesville-sad-comment-twitter-politics-nba |website=For The Win |publisher=USA Today |accessdate=August 8, 2018}}</ref> James also called Trump a "bum" after the president rescinded a White House invitation to ].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bonesteel |first1=Matt |author2=Marissa Payne |title=LeBron James sticks up for Stephen Curry, calls President Trump a 'bum' |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2017/09/23/lebron-james-sticks-up-for-stephen-curry-calls-president-trump-a-bum/ |website=The Washington Post |accessdate=August 8, 2018}}</ref> During a 2018 interview with ] journalist ], James accused Trump for attempting to divide the country with sports, suggesting that "sports has never been something that divides people it's always been something that brings someone together." He declared he would "never sit across from him. I'd sit across from ] though."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gaydos |first1=Ryan |title=LeBron: Trump is using sports to 'divide' the country |url=https://nypost.com/2018/07/31/lebron-trump-is-using-sports-to-divide-the-country/ |website=New York Post |accessdate=August 8, 2018}}</ref> In response, Trump tweeted, "LeBron James was just interviewed by the dumbest man on television, Don Lemon. He made LeBron look smart, which isn't easy to do."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lieu |first1=Amy |title=Trump tweet slams LeBron James, Don Lemon over CNN interview |url=http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2018/08/04/trump-tweet-slams-lebron-james-don-lemon-over-cnn-interview.html |website=Fox News |accessdate=August 8, 2018}}</ref> James has supported ] in the aftermath of his participation in the ], saying that he was being blackballed from a new contract in the National Football League, and that he would hire him if he owned a football team.<ref>{{cite web |last1=McMenamin |first1=Dave |title=LeBron James feels that Colin Kaepernick is being blackballed by NFL |url=http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/21474704/lebron-james-agrees-colin-kaepernick-being-blackballed |website=ESPN |accessdate=November 20, 2017}}</ref> He has worn his clothing in a show of support several times.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Thanawalla |first1=Ali |title=LeBron James shows support for Colin Kaepernick before Lakers-Kings game |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/kings/lebron-james-shows-support-colin-kaepernick-lakers-kings-game |website=NBC Sports |accessdate=October 4, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Folley |first1=Aris |title=LeBron James, Kevin Durant sport jerseys in support of Kaepernick for Super Bowl weekend |url=https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/in-the-know/428205-lebron-james-kevin-durant-sport-jerseys-in-support-of |website=The Hill |accessdate=February 2, 2019}}</ref>

In June 2008, James donated $20,000 to a committee to ].<ref name="insidehoops">{{cite web|url=http://www.insidehoops.com/blog/?p=1529|title=Lebron donates cash to Obama|website=InsideHoops.com|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=May 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522122453/http://www.insidehoops.com/blog/?p=1529|archive-date=May 22, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> Later that year, James gathered almost 20,000 people at the ] for a viewing of Obama's 30-minute '']'' television advertisement.<ref name="msnbc.msn.com">{{cite news|url=http://www.today.com/id/27455428|title=Jay-Z, LeBron James get out vote for Obama|work=msnbc|date=October 30, 2008}}</ref> The advertisement was shown on a large screen above the stage, where ] later held a free concert.<ref name="msnbc.msn.com"/> In November 2016, James endorsed and campaigned for ] for the ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/lebron-comments-on-donald-trump-minorities-and-women-please-know-this-isnt-the-end-news.25339.html |title=Lebron James lets fans know Love, genuine LOVE and FAITH they'll get through |last=Rooney |first=Kyle |date=November 8, 2016 |website=Hotnewhiphop |access-date=November 8, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/nov/06/hillary-clinton-campaign-voter-turnout-swing-states |title=LeBron James praises 'President Hillary Clinton' at Cleveland rally |last=Siddiqui |first=Sabrina |date=November 6, 2016 |website=The Guardian |access-date=March 22, 2019}}</ref>

During the ], a statement James made about a now-deleted tweet<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vox.com/2019/10/7/20902700/daryl-morey-tweet-china-nba-hong-kong|title=The raging controversy over the NBA, China, and the Hong Kong protests, explained|last=Yglesias|first=Matthew|date=October 7, 2019|website=Vox|language=en|access-date=October 16, 2019}}</ref> by ], in which Morey expressed support for the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong, became the subject of controversy. James said Morey was "misinformed".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/lakers/2019/10/14/lebron-james-addresses-daryl-morey-china-tweet-clarifies-remark/3982048002/|title=LeBron James says Rockets GM Daryl Morey 'misinformed' on China tweet, then clarifies remark|last=Medina|first=Mark|website=USA TODAY|language=en|access-date=October 16, 2019}}</ref> He has taken various other stands on issues regarding sports such as the Kaepernick controversy and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28731746/lebron-james-calls-rob-manfred-handling-astros-scandal-fix-sake-sports|title=LeBron urges Manfred to 'listen to your players'|date=February 18, 2020|website=ESPN.com|language=en|access-date=February 18, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/lebron-james-standing-national-anthem-nba-impact-2018-5|title=LeBron James' early-season declaration that he would stand for the national anthem reportedly had a big impact around the NBA|last=Davis|first=Scott|last2=May 27|first2=2018|website=Business Insider|language=en-US|access-date=February 18, 2020}}</ref>
] on ''The Shop'' when Newsom signed the ] in 2019.]]
In August 2020, James wore a modified ] that called for the arrest of the police officers involved in the ].<ref>{{Cite web|last=CNN|first=Jill Martin|title=Lakers wear red MAGA-like hats but the message asks for justice for Breonna Taylor|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/18/us/lakers-breonna-taylor-hats-spt-trnd/index.html|access-date=August 19, 2020|website=CNN}}</ref> On August 19, 2020 he announced his intentions to campaign for ] and his running-mate ] in advance of the ].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Folley|first=Aris|date=August 19, 2020|title=LeBron James says he plans to campaign for Biden and Harris|url=https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/in-the-know/512770-lebron-james-says-he-plans-to-campaign-for-biden-and-harris|access-date=August 19, 2020|website=TheHill|language=en}}</ref> James spoke in support of the "More Than A Vote" movement and encouraged members of the African-American community to vote.<ref>{{Cite web|last=CNN|first=George Ramsay|title=LeBron James speaks out against voter suppression with 'More Than A Vote' campaign|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/08/18/sport/lebron-james-voter-suppression-nba-spt-intl/index.html|access-date=August 19, 2020|website=CNN}}</ref> He said that "People in our community have been just lied to for so many years. We have people that have had convictions in the past, that’ve been told they cannot vote because they got a conviction. That is voter suppression."<ref>{{Cite web|title=LeBron James Is Fighting to Make Sure Felons Know They Can Vote|url=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/5dz49z/lebron-james-is-fighting-to-make-sure-felons-know-they-can-vote|access-date=August 19, 2020|website=www.vice.com|language=en}}</ref>

On August 27, James and his Lakers teammates as well as the ] began boycotting the ] to protest the ].<ref>{{Cite web|date=August 27, 2020|title=The Milwaukee Bucks' boycott should be celebrated forever|url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/2020/08/the-milwaukee-bucks-boycott-should-be-celebrated-forever|access-date=August 29, 2020|website=For The Win|language=en-US}}</ref> In response, senior White House advisor ] stated that he was planning to reach out to James regarding the boycott. Following a players' committee to discuss the boycott, James and others reached out to Barack Obama, who reportedly advised them to continue playing and finish that year's NBA season.<ref>{{Cite web|date=August 29, 2020|title=LeBron, CP3 advised by Obama during stalemate|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29762633/lebron-james-chris-paul-received-advice-barack-obama-stalemate|access-date=August 29, 2020|website=ESPN.com|language=en}}</ref>
{{clear}}

==NBA career statistics==
{{NBA player statistics legend|champion=y|leader=y}}

===Regular season===
{{NBA player statistics start}}
|- |-
| 2013–2015 || '']'' || Himself || TV series judge/mentor
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2003}}
| style="text-align:left;"| ]
| 79 || 79 || 39.5 || .417 || .290 || .754 || 5.5 || 5.9 || 1.6 || .7 || 20.9
|- |-
| 2013 || '']'' || Turei ||
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2004}}
| style="text-align:left;"| ]
| 80 || 80 || style="background:#cfecec;"| 42.4* || .472 || .351 || .750 || 7.4 || 7.2 || '''2.2''' || .7 || 27.2
|- |-
| 2015 || '']'' || Benjy<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=11303351|title=Stan Walker's outrageous new dance movie|work=The New Zealand Herald|date=3 August 2014|accessdate=14 July 2015}}</ref> ||
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2005}}
| style="text-align:left;"| ]
| 79 || 79 || '''42.5''' || .480 || .335 || .738 || 7.0 || 6.6 || 1.6 || .8 || '''31.4'''
|- |-
| 2016 || '']'' || Ron ||
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2006}}
| style="text-align:left;"| ]
| 78 || 78 || 40.9 || .476 || .319 || .698 || 6.7 || 6.0 || 1.6 || .7|| 27.3
|- |-
|2017
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2007}}
|'']''
| style="text-align:left;"| ]
|Matai
| 75 || 74 || 40.4 || .484 || .315 || .712 || 7.9 || 7.2 || 1.8 || '''1.1''' || style="background:#cfecec;" | 30.0*
|
|- |-
|2018
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2008}}
|]
| style="text-align:left;"| ]
|Rhys Stewart
| 81 || 81 || 37.7 || .489 || .344 || '''.780''' || 7.6 || 7.2 || 1.7 || '''1.1''' || 28.4
|- |
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2009}}
| style="text-align:left;"| ]
| 76 || 76 || 39.0 || .503 || .333 || .767 || 7.3 || 8.6 || 1.6 || 1.0 || 29.7
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2010}}
| style="text-align:left;"| ]
| 79 || 79 || 38.8 || .510 || .330 || .759 || 7.5 || 7.0 || 1.6 || .6 || 26.7
|-
|style="text-align:left;background:#afe6ba;"|{{nbay|2011}}†
|style="text-align:left;"|]
|62||62||37.5||.531||.362||.771||7.9||6.2||1.9||.8||27.1
|-
|style="text-align:left;background:#afe6ba;"|{{nbay|2012}}†
|style="text-align:left;"|]
|76||76||37.9||.565||'''.406'''||.753||8.0||7.3||1.7||.9||26.8
|-
|style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2013}}
|style="text-align:left;"|]
|77||77||37.7||'''.567'''||.379||.750||6.9||6.4||1.6||.3||27.1
|-
|style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2014}}
|style="text-align:left;"|]
|69||69||36.1||.488||.354||.710||6.0||7.4||1.6||.7||25.3
|-
|style="text-align:left;background:#afe6ba;"|{{nbay|2015}}†
|style="text-align:left;"|]
|76||76||35.6||.520||.309||.731||7.4||6.8||1.4||.6||25.3
|-
|style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2016}}
|style="text-align:left;"|]
|74||74|| style="background:#cfecec;"| 37.8*||.548||.363||.674||8.6||8.7||1.2||.6||26.4
|-
|style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2017}}
|style="text-align:left;"|]
|'''82'''||'''82'''|| style="background:#cfecec;"| 36.9*||.542||.367||.731||'''8.6'''||9.1||1.4||.9||27.5
|-
|style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2018}}
|style="text-align:left;"|]
|55||55|| 35.2||.510||.339||.665||8.5||8.3||1.3||.6||27.4
|-
|style="text-align:left;background:#afe6ba;"|{{nbay|2019}}†
|style="text-align:left;"|]
|67||67|| 34.6||.493||.348||.693||7.8||style="background:#cfecec;"| '''10.2'''*||1.2||.5||25.3
|- class="sortbottom"
|style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|'''Career'''
|1,265||1,264||38.4||.504||.344||.734||7.4||7.4||1.6||.8||27.1
|- class="sortbottom"
|style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|'''All-Star'''
|16||16||28.8||.525||.328||.725||6.3||6.0||1.2||.4||24.1
|} |}


==Awards and nominations==
===Playoffs===
{| class="wikitable"
{{NBA player statistics start}}
|- |-
! Year
|style="text-align:left;"|]
! Type
|style="text-align:left;"|]
! Award
|13||13||'''46.5'''||.476||.333||.737||8.1||5.8||1.4||.7||30.8
! Result
|- |-
|rowspan="9"|2010
|style="text-align:left;"|]
|Waiata Māori Awards<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nzmusic.org.nz/news/artist/2010-waiata-maori-award-winners-announced-2/ |title=2010 Waiata Maori Award Winners Announced |publisher=Nzmusic.org.nz |accessdate=20 December 2010}}</ref>
|style="text-align:left;"|]
|Radio Airplay Record of the Year
|20||20||44.7||.416||.280||.755||8.1||8.0||1.7||.5||25.1
|{{won}}
|- |-
| ]<ref>{{cite web|last=Knox|first=David|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2010/08/kids-choice-awards-2010-nominees.html |title=Kids' Choice Awards: 2010 Nominees |date=16 August 2010 |accessdate=20 December 2010}}</ref>
|style="text-align:left;"|]
| Fresh Aussie Musos
|style="text-align:left;"|]
| {{nom}}
|13||13||42.5||.411||.257||.731||7.8||7.6||1.8||1.3||28.2
|- |-
|rowspan="4"| ]<ref name="nz music awards 2010">{{cite news|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/4207684/Gin-Wigmore-scoops-music-awards |title=Gin Wigmore scoops music awards |publisher=Stuff.co.nz (Fairfax New Zealand) |accessdate=7 October 2010}}</ref>
|style="text-align:left;"|]
| ] Peoples' Choice
|style="text-align:left;"|]
| {{won}}
|14||14||41.4||.510||.333||.749||9.1||7.3||1.6||.9||'''35.3'''
|- |-
| Highest Selling New Zealand Single ("Black Box")
|style="text-align:left;"|]
| {{won}}
|style="text-align:left;"|]
|11||11||41.8||.502||.400||.733||9.3||7.6||1.7||'''1.8'''||29.1
|- |-
| ] ("Black Box")
|style="text-align:left;"|]
| {{won}}
|style="text-align:left;"|]
|21||21||43.9||.466||.353||.763||8.4||5.9||1.7||1.2||23.7
|- |-
| International Achievement Award
|style="text-align:left;background:#afe6ba;"|]†
| {{won}}
|style="text-align:left;"|]
|'''23'''||'''23'''||42.7||.500||.259||.739||9.7||5.6||1.9||.7||30.3
|- |-
|rowspan="3"|]<ref name="ARIA 2010 noms">{{cite web|url=http://www.take40.com/news/20335/2010-aria-nominations-announced---full-list-here! |title=2010 ARIA Nominations Announced |publisher=]. MCM Entertainment |accessdate=28 September 2010}}</ref>
|style="text-align:left;background:#afe6ba;"|]†
| Most Popular Australian Album (''Introducing... Stan Walker'')
|style="text-align:left;"|]
| {{nom}}
|'''23'''||'''23'''||41.7||.491||.375||.777||8.4||6.6||1.8||.8||25.9
|- |-
| Most Popular Australian Single ("Black Box")
|style="text-align:left;"|]
| {{nom}}
|style="text-align:left;"|]
|20||20||38.2||'''.565'''||.407||'''.806'''||7.1||4.8||1.9||.6||27.4
|- |-
|Most Popular Australian Artist
|style="text-align:left;"|]
|{{nom}}
|style="text-align:left;"|]
|20||20||42.2||.417||.227||.731||'''11.3'''||8.5||1.7||1.1||30.1
|- |-
|rowspan="8"|2011
|style="text-align:left;background:#afe6ba;"|]†
|Nickelodeon Australian Kids Choice Awards<ref>{{cite web|last=Barnett|first=Sophie|url=http://www.mtv.com.au/news/d889a9ba-australian-kids-choice-awards-2011-nominations/|title=Aussie KCA's 2011!|publisher=]. ]|date=15 August 2011|accessdate=15 August 2011}}</ref>
|style="text-align:left;"|]
|Fave Song ("Loud")
|21||21||39.1||.525||.340||.661||9.5||7.6||'''2.3'''||1.3||26.3
|{{nom}}
|- |-
|rowspan="3"|]<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1111/S00048/vodafone-new-zealand-music-awards-2011-winners.htm |title=Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards 2011 Winners |publisher=] |date=4 November 2011 |accessdate=11 February 2012}}</ref>
|style="text-align:left;"|]
|Best Male Solo Artist (''From the Inside Out'')
|style="text-align:left;"|]
|{{nom}}
|18||18||41.3||'''.565'''||'''.411'''||.698||9.1||7.8||1.9||1.3||32.8
|- |-
|Vodafone Peoples' Choice
|style="text-align:left;"|]
|{{nom}}
|style="text-align:left;"|]
|22||22||41.9||.539||.342||.746||9.1||'''9.0'''||1.4||1.0||34.0
|- |-
|Radio Airplay Record of the Year ("Choose You")
|style="text-align:left;background:#afe6ba;"|]†
|{{won}}
|style="text-align:left;"|]
|21||21||36.3||.560||.370||.720||10.8||8.8||1.2||0.9||27.6
|- |-
|ARIA Music Awards<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.take40.com/news/26418/2011-aria-nominations-announced---full-list-here!|title=2011 ARIA Nominations Announced – Full List Here!|publisher=Take 40 Australia. Mcm Entertainment|date=12 October 2011|accessdate=15 October 2011}}</ref>
|- class="sortbottom"
|Most Popular Australian Artist
|style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career
|{{nom}}
|260||260||41.6||.496||.335||.741||9.0||7.2||1.7||1.0||28.8
|}

== Awards and honors ==
{{Main|List of career achievements by LeBron James}}
]
<!--THIS SECTION IS FOR ADDING THE MAIN CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS OF LEBRON JAMES. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ADD ANY DETAILED STATS OR NOTES TO THE SUBPAGE: CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS OF LEBRON JAMES -->

;NBA<ref name=Reference />

* 4× ]: {{nbay|2011|end}}, {{nbay|2012|end}}, {{nbay|2015|end}}, {{nbay|2019|end}}
* 4× ]: {{nbay|2011|end}}, {{nbay|2012|end}}, {{nbay|2015|end}}, {{nbay|2019|end}}
* 4× ]: {{nbay|2008|end}}, {{nbay|2009|end}}, {{nbay|2011|end}}, {{nbay|2012|end}}
* 16× ]: {{nasg|2005}}, {{nasg|2006}}, {{nasg|2007}}, {{nasg|2008}}, {{nasg|2009}}, {{nasg|2010}}, {{nasg|2011}}, {{nasg|2012}}, {{nasg|2013}}, {{nasg|2014}}, {{nasg|2015}}, {{nasg|2016}}, {{nasg|2017}}, {{nasg|2018}}, {{nasg|2019}}, {{nasg|2020}}
* 3× ]: {{nasg|2006}}, {{nasg|2008}}, {{nasg|2018}}
* 16× ] selection:
** 13× First team: {{nbay|2005|end}}, {{nbay|2007|end}}, {{nbay|2008|end}}, {{nbay|2009|end}}, {{nbay|2010|end}}, {{nbay|2011|end}}, {{nbay|2012|end}}, {{nbay|2013|end}}, {{nbay|2014|end}}, {{nbay|2015|end}}, {{nbay|2016|end}}, {{nbay|2017|end}}, {{nbay|2019|end}}
** 2× Second team: {{nbay|2004|end}}, {{nbay|2006|end}}
** Third team: {{nbay|2018|end}}
* 6× ] selection:
** 5× First team: {{nbay|2008|end}}, {{nbay|2009|end}}, {{nbay|2010|end}}, {{nbay|2011|end}}, {{nbay|2012|end}}
** Second team: {{nbay|2013|end}}
* ]: {{nbay|2003|end}}
* ]: {{nbay|2003|end}}
* ]: {{nbay|2007|end}}
* ]: {{nbay|2019|end}}
* 3× ]: {{nbay|2006|end}}, {{nbay|2016|end}}, {{nbay|2017|end}}
* ]: {{nbay|2016|end}}

;National team<ref>{{cite web|title=LeBron James|url=http://www.usabasketball.com/bios/james_lebron.html|publisher=USA Basketball Official Website|accessdate=June 22, 2013}}</ref>

* 2× ] winner: 2008, 2012
* 2004 Olympic Bronze Medal winner
* 2006 ] Bronze Medal winner
* 2007 ] Gold Medal winner
* 2012 ]
* Commemorative banner in Miami's ] (for his 2012 gold medal won as a member of the Miami Heat)

;High school<ref name=Prospect />

* 2003 National Champion
* 3× ] Champion: 2000, 2001, 2003
* 2003 ]<ref>{{cite web|title=Andrew Wiggins Named Naismith Player of the Year; Quincy Lewis Named Coach of the Year|url=http://www.slamonline.com/online/college-hs/high-school/2013/02/andrew-wiggins-named-naismith-player-of-the-year-quincy-lewis-named-coach-of-the-year/|publisher=SLAM Online|accessdate=July 4, 2013}}</ref>
* 2× ] 2002, 2003
* 2× ''USA Today'' High School Player of the Year 2002, 2003
* 3× ]: 2001, 2002, 2003
* 3× ]: 2001, 2002, 2003
* 2× PARADE High School Player of the Year: 2002, 2003
* 2003 ]<ref>{{cite web|last=Grimala|first=Michael|title=Shabazz Muhammad is McDonald's POY|url=http://espn.go.com/high-school/boys-basketball/story/_/id/7681234/shabazz-muhammad-2012-mcdonald-boys-player-year|publisher=ESPN|accessdate=July 4, 2013}}</ref>
* 2003 ]<ref>{{cite web|title=McDonald's High School Basketball All American Teams|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/mcdonalds.html|website=Basketball Reference|publisher=]|accessdate=July 4, 2013}}</ref>
* 2003 ]
* 2003 ] ]<ref name=Cleveland />
* 2003 ]<ref name=Cleveland>{{cite web|title=Cleveland Cavaliers choose LeBron James with No. 1 pick in 2003: NBA Draft rewind|url=http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2013/06/cleveland_cavaliers_choose_leb.html|publisher=Cleveland.com|accessdate=July 4, 2013}}</ref>
* Number 23 retired by St. Vincent-St. Mary<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.cincinnati.com/preps/2003/02/20/wwwlebron.html|title=James' Number Retired|publisher=Associated Press via cincinnati.com|accessdate=February 20, 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030223200824/http://cincinnati.com/preps/2003/02/20/wwwlebron.html|archive-date=February 23, 2003|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* St. Vincent-St. Mary Hall of Fame (class of 2011)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stvm.com/athletics/lebron_james_arena.php|title=LeBron James Arena|publisher=St. Vincent-St. Mary High School|accessdate=April 25, 2015|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150428014638/http://www.stvm.com/athletics/lebron_james_arena.php|archivedate=April 28, 2015}}</ref>
* St. Vincent-St. Mary home basketball court named The LeBron James Arena<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stvm.com/athletics/lebron_james_arena.php|title=LeBron James Arena|publisher=St. Vincent St. Mary|accessdate=June 26, 2016|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160706085332/http://www.stvm.com/athletics/lebron_james_arena.php|archivedate=July 6, 2016}}</ref>

;Other

* ] (2010s)
* 3× ] (2013, 2016, 2018)<ref>{{cite news|last=Negley|first=Cassandra|title=LeBron James selected AP Male Athlete of 2018 after 'most significant' year|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/lebron-james-selected-ap-male-athlete-year-significant-year-183819356.html|work=Yahoo Sports|accessdate=January 21, 2019|date=December 27, 2018}}</ref>
* 2× '']'' ] (2012, 2016)<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Jenkins|first=Lee|title=Miami Heat's LeBron James named SI's Sportsman of the Year|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/magazine/sportsman/12/02/lebron-james-2012-sportsman/index.html|magazine=Sports Illustrated|accessdate=July 19, 2013|date=December 3, 2012}}</ref>
* 2012 ]<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Sporting News Athlete of the Year 2012|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/story/2012-12-18/lebron-james-athlete-of-the-year-2012-photos-miami-heat-mvp-finals-olympics|magazine=Sporting News|accessdate=July 19, 2013|date=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310201228/http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/story/2012-12-18/lebron-james-athlete-of-the-year-2012-photos-miami-heat-mvp-finals-olympics/|archive-date=March 10, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* 3× ] (2006, 2009, 2010)<ref>{{cite web|title=James, Nash share Sporting News MVP award|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2443137|publisher=ESPN|accessdate=June 22, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=NBA & ABA Sporting News MVP Award Winners|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/tsn_mvp.html|publisher=Basketball Reference|accessdate=August 5, 2019}}</ref>
* 2004 ]<ref>{{cite web|title=NBA & ABA Sporting News Rookie of the Year Award Winners|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/tsn_roy.html|website=Basketball Reference|publisher=]|accessdate=June 22, 2013}}</ref>
* ] (2000s)<ref>{{cite magazine|title=The NBA All-Decade Team|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/2000s/12/03/nba.all.decade.team/|magazine=Sports Illustrated|accessdate=July 19, 2013|date=December 15, 2009}}</ref>
* 6× Cleveland Sports Awards Professional Athlete of the Year: 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2015, 2016<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandsportsawards.com/Events/Sports-Awards-15/SA-15-Details/Finalists|title=Finalists & Past Winners|publisher=Cleveland Sports Awards|accessdate=January 28, 2016}}</ref>
* 19× ] winner in various categories (15 individually, four as part of a team)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/espys/2016/story/_/id/17061236/2016-espy-awards|title=2016 ESPY Awards|publisher=]|accessdate=July 14, 2016}}</ref>
* 2× ] winner: 2012, 2013
* 2011–12 ] winner, 2018–19 ] winner, 2019 ] winner, 2019 ] winner, and 2019–20 ] champion (as part owner of ])
* 2017 ] – ]
* South Main Street in downtown Akron renamed King James Way<ref name="Akron">{{cite news|url=http://www.ohio.com/news/local/akron-designates-downtown-street-king-james-way-1.692548|title=Akron designates downtown street "King James Way"|newspaper=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624035440/http://www.ohio.com/news/local/akron-renames-downtown-street-king-james-way-mayor-announces-during-lebron-james-celebration-30-000-people-attend-event-1.692548|archive-date=June 24, 2016|accessdate=June 23, 2016}}</ref>
* Six-story commemorative banner in downtown Akron<ref name = "Akron" />
* Honorary lockers at ]'s football and basketball facilities<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/other/story/lebron-james-now-has-honorary-locker-at-ohio-state-090313|title=LeBron James has honorary locker at OSU|publisher=]|accessdate=September 3, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://cavaliers.247sports.com/Bolt/LOOK-LeBron-James-has-football-locker-at-Ohio-State-46662092|title=LeBron James has football locker at OSU|publisher=Cavaliers 24/7|accessdate=August 16, 2016}}</ref>

==Filmography==

=== Film ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|- |-
|]] Awards<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stanwalker.com.au/newsEvents/home.do?newsId=20030829007130|title=Stan Nominated For The V Oz Artist Award|publisher=Stanwalker.com.au|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/62r8oyHE6?url=http://stanwalker.com.au/newsEvents/home.do?newsId=20030829007130|archivedate=31 October 2011}}</ref>
! Year
|]
! Title
|{{nom}}
! Role
! class="unsortable"|Notes
|- |-
|rowspan="2"|Poprepublic.tv IT List Awards<ref>{{cite web|last=Manser|first=Robert|url=http://www.poprepublic.tv/the-news/883-2011-it-list-awards-nominees-announced|title=2011 IT List Awards Nominees Announced|publisher=Poprepublic.tv. AKA Entertainment|date=31 December 2011|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/64NtFsJ27?url=http://www.poprepublic.tv/the-news/883-2011-it-list-awards-nominees-announced|archivedate=2 January 2012}}</ref>
| 2008
|Single of 2011 – "Galaxy" <small>(with Jessica Mauboy)</small>
|'']''
|{{nom}}
| rowspan="3" | Himself
|
|- |-
|Australian Male Artist
| 2009
|{{nom}}
|'']''
|
|- |-
|rowspan="5"|2012
| 2015
|]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-09-26/deadly-award-winners27-list/4280790|title=2012 Deadly Award Winners' List|publisher=] (ABC)|date=26 September 2012|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6AxPNUUbd?url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-09-26/deadly-award-winners27-list/4280790|archivedate=26 September 2012}}</ref>
|'']''
|Single of the Year – "Galaxy" <small>(with Jessica Mauboy)</small>
|
|{{won}}
|- |-
|ARIA Music Awards<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ariaawards.com.au/news/22/aria-nominations-announced-for-2012|title=Winners & Nominees Announced – 26th ARIA Awards 2012|publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA)|date=3 October 2012|accessdate=3 October 2012}}</ref>
| 2018
|Song of the Year – "Galaxy" <small>(with Jessica Mauboy)</small>
|'']''
|{{nom}}
| Gwangi
|Voice role
|- |-
|Channel Awards<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ozartist.vmusic.com.au/|title=Channel V Oz Artist of the Year 2012|publisher=]|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6BPGPChYD?url=http://ozartist.vmusic.com.au/|archivedate=14 October 2012}}</ref>
| 2021
|'']'' |]
|{{nom}}
| Himself
| Post-production
|}

=== Television ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|- |-
|New Zealand Music Awards<ref>{{cite web|last=Suo|first=Jenny|url=http://www.3news.co.nz/Vodafone-New-Zealand-Music-Award-2012-finalists-announced/tabid/418/articleID/271365/Default.aspx|title=Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards 2012 Finalists Announced|work=]|publisher=|date=3 October 2012|accessdate=17 October 2012}}</ref>
! Year
|Vodafone Peoples' Choice
! Title
|{{nom}}
! Role
! class="unsortable"|Notes
|- |-
|Poprepublic.tv IT List Awards<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.poprepublic.tv/vote/it-list-awards-2012|title=IT List Awards 2012|publisher=Poprepublic.tv. AKA Entertainment|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6DNgzyMMb?url=http://www.poprepublic.tv/vote/it-list-awards-2012|archivedate=2 January 2013|format=requires registration}}</ref>
|| 2004
|Favourite Australian Male Artist
|'']''
|{{nom}}
| rowspan="7" | Himself
| Episode: "]"
|- |-
|2013
| 2007
|Poprepublic.tv Awards<ref>{{cite web|last=Manser|first=Robert|url=http://poprepublic.tv/the-news/latest-uncategorised-news/1298-poprepublic-tv-awards-nominations-announced|title=Poprepublic.tv Awards Nominations Announced|publisher=Poprepublic.tv. AKA Entertainment|date=25 January 2014|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6MwobvDNK?url=http://poprepublic.tv/the-news/latest-uncategorised-news/1298-poprepublic-tv-awards-nominations-announced|archivedate=27 January 2014}}</ref>
|'']''
|Favourite Australian Male Artist
| Episode: LeBron James/ Kanye West
|{{nom}}
|- |-
| rowspan="2" | 2009 |rowspan="2"| 2014
|rowspan="2"| ]
|'']''
|World's Best Song (''The Complete Collection'')<ref>{{cite web|url=http://vote.worldmusicawards.com/selectnomination.asp?cat=1|title=Nomination for World's Best Song|publisher=]|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6Nf2tKs8D?url=http://vote.worldmusicawards.com/selectnomination.asp?cat=1|archivedate=25 February 2014}}</ref>
| Episode: "]"
|{{nom}}
|- |-
|World's Best Video (''The Complete Collection'')<ref>{{cite web|url=http://vote.worldmusicawards.com/selectnomination.asp?cat=3|title=Nomination for World's Best Video|publisher=World Music Awards|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6KFWm0XZp?url=http://vote.worldmusicawards.com/selectnomination.asp?cat=3|archivedate=9 October 2013}}</ref>
| '']''
|{{nom}}
| Episode: "]"
|- |-
| 2011–2014
|'']''
|Lead role
|-
| 2015
|'']''
| Episode: "]"<ref>{{cite web|last1=Zillgitt|first1=Jeff|title=LeBron James' show 'Survivor's Remorse' begins second season|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2015/08/22/lebron-james-tv-show-survivors-remorse-begins-second-season/32199521/|website=usatoday.com|date=June 30, 2018|accessdate=June 30, 2018}}</ref>
|-
| 2016
|'']''
| Episode: "]"
|-
| 2018
|'']''
| 4 episodes
|
|-
| 2020
|'']''<ref>. CNN. May 16, 2020. Retrieved May 29, 2020.</ref>
|Host
|Also executive producer
|} |}

==See also==
{{Portal|Sports}}
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==Notes==
{{Reflist|group=lower-alpha}}


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}
{{reflist}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite book |last=Freedman |first=Lew |authorlink=Lew Freedman |year=2008 |title=LeBron James: A Biography |url=https://books.google.com/?id=qXkq1n1VpHgC |location=Westport, CT |publisher=Greenwood Press |isbn=978-0-313-34361-2 }}
* {{cite book |last=Morgan |first=David Lee |year=2003 |title=LeBron James: The Rise of a Star |location=Cleveland |publisher=Gray & Co. |isbn=978-1-886228-74-0 |url=https://archive.org/details/lebronjamesriseo00morg }}
* {{cite book |last=Pluto |first=Terry |last2=Windhorst |first2=Brian |year=2007 |title=The Franchise: Lebron James and the Remaking of the Cleveland Cavaliers |url=https://archive.org/details/franchiselebronj0000plut |url-access=registration |location=Cleveland |publisher=Gray & Co |isbn=978-1-59851-028-7 }}


==External links== ==External links==
{{Commons category|Stan Walker}}
{{Sister project links|n=Category:LeBron James|commons=Category:LeBron James|wikt=no|v=no|b=no|s=no}}
*{{Official website}}
{{basketballstats|nba=lebron_james|bbr=j/jamesle01}}

* {{Official website|http://www.lebronjames.com}}
* {{IMDb name|1429908}} {{Stan Walker}}
{{Australian Idol}}
* {{NYTtopic|people/j/lebron_james}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2012}}


{{Los Angeles Lakers current roster}}
{{LeBron James}}
{{Navboxes|list=
{{Mr. Basketball USA}}
{{Naismith Prep Player of the Year Award}}
{{USA Today National Basketball Player of the Year}}
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{{McDonald's All-American Game Boys MVP}}
{{Jordan Brand Classic All-American Boys Game MVP}}
{{2003 NBA Draft}}
{{NBA NumberOne Draft Picks}}
{{NBA Rookies of the Year}}
{{NBA All-Star Game MVP Award}}
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{{Authority control}} {{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:James, Lebron}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Walker, Stan}}
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Revision as of 00:11, 19 October 2020

For those of a similar name, see Stanley Walker (disambiguation).

Australian-born New Zealand singer

Stan Walker
Walker at the Raglan Christmas in the Park 2015Walker at the Raglan Christmas in the Park 2015
Background information
Born (1990-10-23) 23 October 1990 (age 34)
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Genres
Occupation(s)Singer, actor, television personality
Instrument(s)Vocals, guitar
Years active2009–present
LabelsSony Music Australia
Websitewww.stanwalker.com.au
Musical artist

Stan Walker (born 23 October 1990) is an Australian-born New Zealand recording artist, actor, and television personality. In 2009, Walker was the winner of the seventh and last season of Australian Idol. He subsequently signed a recording contract with Sony Music Australia. In December 2009, Walker released his debut studio album, Introducing Stan Walker, which included the hit single, "Black Box". The album debuted at number three on the Australian ARIA Albums Chart and was certified platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). It also appeared on the New Zealand Albums Chart at number two and was certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand (RIANZ).

In 2010, Walker released his second studio album, From the Inside Out, which spawned the hit singles, "Unbroken" and "Choose You". The album debuted at number one on the New Zealand Albums Chart and number two on the ARIA Albums Chart. In November 2011, Walker released his third studio album, Let the Music Play, which debuted at number 18 on the ARIA Albums Chart and number 12 in New Zealand, and spawned the hit single "Loud". During his career, Walker has won five New Zealand Music Awards and has received five ARIA Music Award nominations. Walker was a judge on the first and second season of The X Factor NZ in 2013 and 2015. He made his acting debut in the New Zealand film, Mt Zion (2013), and played the role of Benjy in the 2015 New Zealand film, Born to Dance.

Life and career

1990–2009: Early life

Stan Walker was born on 23 October 1990 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia to parents Ross and April Walker. He is Māori and is from the Tūhoe and Ngāti Tūwharetoa tribes in New Zealand. Walker grew up on a marae in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand. In New Zealand, he attended Fairfield Intermediate and Hamilton Boys' High School in Hamilton, and boarded at New Plymouth Boys' High School. Walker has compared his early life to that portrayed in the 1994 New Zealand film, Once Were Warriors, which tells the story of an urban Māori family and their problems with poverty, alcoholism and domestic violence. His father was repeatedly jailed for beating his wife, April, and five children, including Walker. This led to Walker smoking marijuana and thieving. Walker was also sexually abused by a relative over a nine-month period. His parents were drug dealers and both have spent time in jail for drug offences.

Stan walker
Walker in 2013

At the age of 15, Walker started going to church, after hearing a testimony of a girl who had a similar family background to his. Walker says his passion for music and church made him a "good boy" again. After several violent episodes, Walker and his family moved back to Australia and settled in Coolangatta, Queensland. In 2009, Walker lost a daughter when his then-girlfriend suffered a miscarriage. He had planned to call his baby, Ataahua, which is Māori for "beautiful", and wears her name as a tattoo on his neck. Before Walker had entered Australian Idol, he was a shop assistant at a menswear shop in Coolangatta.

Walker says that moving to Australia helped him get over the 'shame buzz' and pursue a career in entertainment.

2009: Australian Idol and Introducing... Stan Walker

Main article: Australian Idol (season 7)

In 2009, Walker auditioned for the seventh season of Australian Idol, singing John Legend's "Ordinary People" at his Brisbane audition. He received praise from the judges and progressed through to the theatre rounds receiving more recognition from the judges, with Kyle Sandilands saying, "You're the only person after the auditions that I ever told anyone about; family, friends other people that I run into. I only told them about you." After all three theatre rounds were over, it was announced that Walker had made it into the top twenty four semi-finals. Walker was a part of the first group to perform in the semi-finals. The following evening, it was announced that the first two contestants to be put through to the final top twelve according to viewer votes, were Walker and fellow contestant Kate Cook.

Throughout the season, Walker was praised continually for his voice and for the daring song choices he took with his performances. One of his most highly praised performances on the show was of the Prince song, "Purple Rain", which received a standing ovation from the judging panel and the audience. The grand final was held on 22 November 2009 at the Sydney Opera House. After the viewer votes had been tallied, it was announced that the winner was Walker. He is the first person of New Zealand descent to win Australian Idol. After coming out of Australian Idol as the winner, Walker signed to Sony Music Australia and received an artist's development fund worth $200,000. During this time, he established his own company called, Stan Walker Music Pty Ltd, which is run by his mother, April. The company was set up in order to negotiate his contract with Sony Music and not end up like past Australian Idol contestant Damien Leith, who claimed he did not make any money from his Winners Journey release.

Walker's debut single, "Black Box", was released digitally following his win on Australian Idol on 22 November. The song peaked at number two on the ARIA Singles Chart and was certified double platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), for selling 140,000 copies. It also peaked at number one on the New Zealand Singles Chart and was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand (RIANZ), for selling 30,000 copies. Walker's debut studio album, Introducing... Stan Walker, was released on 8 December 2009, three days ahead of its original release date. The album featured the selected songs Walker had performed as part of the top twelve on Australian Idol, as well the two original songs, "Black Box" and "Think of Me", which was produced by the first Australian Idol winner, Guy Sebastian. Introducing... Stan Walker debuted at number three on the ARIA Albums Chart and was certified platinum by the ARIA. It also made its debut on the New Zealand Albums Chart at number two and was certified triple platinum by the RIANZ, for selling 45,000 copies.

2010–2012: From the Inside Out and Let the Music Play

In April 2010, Walker flew to Haiti to help Compassion Australia's relief effort of the 2010 Haiti earthquake as an ambassador. Walker's second studio album, From the Inside Out, was released on 20 August 2010. The album debuted at number two on the ARIA Albums Chart. In New Zealand, it debuted at number one on the New Zealand Albums Chart, and became Walker's first number-one album in the country. Eventually, From the Inside Out was certified platinum by the RIANZ. "Unbroken" was released as the album's lead single on 12 April 2010. On the New Zealand Singles Chart, the song peaked at number nine and was certified gold. In Australia, "Unbroken" peaked at number 23 on the ARIA Singles Chart and was certified gold. In June 2010, Walker featured on New Zealand rapper Young Sid's single, "Stuck in a Box". The album's second single, "Choose You", was released on 20 July 2010. The song peaked at number three on the New Zealand Singles Chart and was certified platinum. It also appeared on the ARIA Singles Chart at number 16 and was certified platinum. "Homesick", featuring rapper Kayo, was released as the album's third and final single on 29 October. It peaked at number 21 on the New Zealand Singles Chart and was certified gold. This single did not chart in Australia.

Walker and Jessica Mauboy performing during the Galaxy Tour in January 2012.

In November 2010, Walker served as a support act for the Summerbeatz tour in Australia, touring alongside Flo Rida, Jay Sean, Akon and Ciara, among other artists. He performed at the Parachute music festival in January 2011. In February 2011, Walker held his first headlining tour in New Zealand.

Walker's third studio album, Let the Music Play, was released on 18 November 2011. It debuted at number 18 on the ARIA Album Chart and number 12 on the New Zealand Albums Chart. Its lead single, "Loud", was released on 2 May 2011. The song peaked at number nine on the ARIA Singles Chart and was certified platinum. On the New Zealand Singles Chart, "Loud" peaked at number eight and was certified gold. The album's second single, "Light It Up", featuring Static Revenger, was released on 16 September 2011. The song peaked at number 23 on the New Zealand Singles Chart and has reached number 45 on the ARIA Singles Chart. In October 2011, Walker was featured on Jessica Mauboy's single, "Galaxy", which peaked at number 13 on the ARIA Singles Chart. Walker and Mauboy embarked on their Galaxy Tour across Australia in January 2012, to celebrate the release of the song. The tour ended in February 2012.

In March 2012, "Music Won't Break Your Heart" was released as the third single from Let the Music Play and it peaked at number 25 in Australia and number 32 in New Zealand. In May 2012, Walker became a supporting act for Nicki Minaj on the Australian leg of her Pink Friday Tour.

2013–2016: The X Factor, acting debut, Inventing Myself and Truth & Soul

On 6 November 2012, it was announced that Walker would be a judge on the first season of the New Zealand version of The X Factor in 2013. Walker made his acting debut playing the lead role of Turei in the New Zealand film, Mt Zion, about a young Māori musician who seeks to open for Bob Marley's 1979 Auckland show, but his dream clashes with his family's ideals. When speaking of his role in the film, Walker told Herald Sun, "They approached me ... the script is so good, it's basically who I was six years ago ... It's definitely the main reason I wanted to get involved.". The film was released on 6 February 2013. Walker recorded "Take It Easy" for the film's soundtrack; the song was released as a single in December 2012 and was also included in Walker's greatest hits album, The Complete Collection.

Walker opened for Beyoncé's The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour in October 2013 for the Auckland and Perth concerts and three of the four Sydney concerts, following Iggy Azalea pulling out of these dates. Walker's fourth studio album, Inventing Myself, was released on 25 October 2013. In August 2014, Walker featured with other New Zealand artists on the charity single "Song for Everyone". His fifth studio album Truth & Soul, featuring a collection of soul covers, was released in Australia on 17 April 2015.

Walker returned to The X Factor NZ in 2015 alongside returning judge Melanie Blatt and new judges Natalia Kills and Willy Moon. Following the first night of live shows both Kills and Moon were fired from the panel following rude comments made to a contestant and were replaced by Natalie Bassingthwaite and Shelton Woolwright. Walker placed runner-up with his contestant Nyssa Collins.

In 2015, he appeared with rugby player Israel Dagg and actor Rip Torn in a Men In Black themed safety ad for Air New Zealand.

2017–2019: Stomach cancer, Stan & Faith Hope Love

In January 2018, fans of Walker expressed concern for his health after gaunt photos appeared on social media. In March, it was announced Walker had his stomach removed in September 2017 after discovering he inherited a rare cancer-causing gene mutation called CDH1 that has been responsible for the deaths of more than 25 of his family members. Walker said “The past nine months have been a life changing journey full of ups & downs to say the least, all I’m gonna say is that I’m blessed to be alive and well.” A feature-length documentary titled "Stan" was released in March 2018.

On 26 March 2018, Walker released a 6-track self-titled EP. Upon its release, Walker said “This EP has songs I've written 11 years ago, 5 years ago, 3 years ago & now. All these songs were written in break even times in my life.” On 7 December 2018, Walker released "Gimme Your Love" alongside the video which features a fly on-the-wall insight into Stan's National 2018 tour.

In May 2019, Walker released Faith Hope Love, an EP dedicated to the victims of the Christchurch mosque shootings.

2020: Impossible: My Story

In 2020, Walker began releasing new singles weekly, commencing with "Mexico" on 21 February 2020.

In October 2020, Walker released an autobiography titled Impossible: My Story. A greatest hits album was released to coincide with the album.

Musical style and inspiration

Walker cites Beyoncé as a main inspiration; "She's musically why I do what I do." According to Jason Birchmeier of Allmusic, Walker sings predominantly pop music "with an R&B style". Walker's second album, From the Inside Out, drew from pop, R&B and hip hop, with elements of electro, glam metal, pop-rap and funk also present. He describes his third album, the more pop and dance-orientated Let the Music Play, as thematically his most personal. "These are my songs, my stories, my tunes, my melodies, my words, me."

Discography

Main article: Stan Walker discography

Tours

Headlining

Supporting act

Filmography

Television and films
Year Title Role Notes
2013–2015 The X Factor New Zealand Himself TV series judge/mentor
2013 Mt Zion Turei
2015 Born to Dance Benjy
2016 Hunt for the Wilderpeople Ron
2017 The Stolen Matai
2018 Chasing Comets Rhys Stewart

Awards and nominations

Year Type Award Result
2010 Waiata Māori Awards Radio Airplay Record of the Year Won
Nickelodeon Australian Kids Choice Awards Fresh Aussie Musos Nominated
New Zealand Music Awards Vodafone Peoples' Choice Won
Highest Selling New Zealand Single ("Black Box") Won
Radio Airplay Record of the Year ("Black Box") Won
International Achievement Award Won
ARIA Music Awards Most Popular Australian Album (Introducing... Stan Walker) Nominated
Most Popular Australian Single ("Black Box") Nominated
Most Popular Australian Artist Nominated
2011 Nickelodeon Australian Kids Choice Awards Fave Song ("Loud") Nominated
New Zealand Music Awards Best Male Solo Artist (From the Inside Out) Nominated
Vodafone Peoples' Choice Nominated
Radio Airplay Record of the Year ("Choose You") Won
ARIA Music Awards Most Popular Australian Artist Nominated
Channel Awards Channel V Oz Artist of the Year Nominated
Poprepublic.tv IT List Awards Single of 2011 – "Galaxy" (with Jessica Mauboy) Nominated
Australian Male Artist Nominated
2012 Deadly Awards Single of the Year – "Galaxy" (with Jessica Mauboy) Won
ARIA Music Awards Song of the Year – "Galaxy" (with Jessica Mauboy) Nominated
Channel Awards Channel V Oz Artist of the Year Nominated
New Zealand Music Awards Vodafone Peoples' Choice Nominated
Poprepublic.tv IT List Awards Favourite Australian Male Artist Nominated
2013 Poprepublic.tv Awards Favourite Australian Male Artist Nominated
2014 World Music Awards World's Best Song (The Complete Collection) Nominated
World's Best Video (The Complete Collection) Nominated

References

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  82. "Channel V Oz Artist of the Year 2012". Channel V Australia. Archived from the original on 14 October 2012.
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  86. "Nomination for World's Best Song". World Music Awards. Archived from the original on 25 February 2014.
  87. "Nomination for World's Best Video". World Music Awards. Archived from the original on 9 October 2013.

External links

Stan Walker
Studio albums
Compilations
Extended plays
Singles
Featured singles
Other songs
Tours
Australian Idol
Seasons
Winners
Winners' singles
Runners-up
Notable contestants
Other personalities
Related articles

Categories: