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LeBron James's Career in Chapters: From Akron to Philadelphia

A guide to the stages of LeBron James's NBA career, from first overall pick in Cleveland to his 24th season with the Philadelphia 76ers.

By PlayerWikipedia Editorial Team Published

LeBron James entered the NBA in 2003 as one of the most heavily anticipated prospects in the sport's history. More than two decades later he is still playing, now in his 24th season and with his fifth NBA stint. His career is easiest to understand as a sequence of chapters, each defined by a city, a team and a particular goal.

Akron and the 2003 draft

James was born in Akron, Ohio, on 30 December 1984 and attended St. Vincent-St. Mary High School there. He skipped college and was selected first overall by his home-state Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2003 NBA draft.

Cleveland, part one (2003-2010)

In his first spell with the Cavaliers, James quickly became one of the league's best players. He won back-to-back regular-season MVP awards in 2009 and 2010, but Cleveland did not win a championship during those years.

Miami (2010-2014)

In 2010 he joined the Miami Heat, a move that changed his career. Miami won the NBA championship in 2012 and again in 2013. James was named both regular-season MVP and Finals MVP in each of those championship years.

Cleveland, part two (2014-2018)

James returned to the Cavaliers in 2014, and in 2016 Cleveland won the NBA championship and he was named Finals MVP for the third time.

Los Angeles (2018-2026)

He signed with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018 and won his fourth championship, and fourth Finals MVP, in 2020. The Lakers years also brought his biggest individual record: on 7 February 2023 he passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA's all-time leading scorer. Away from the league, he won a third Olympic gold medal with the United States in Paris in 2024, adding to his golds from 2008 and 2012.

Philadelphia (2026-present)

At the end of June 2026, James informed the Lakers that he would play elsewhere in 2026-27. In late July he announced that he was joining the Philadelphia 76ers, with reports describing a two-year deal. The 2026-27 campaign is his 24th NBA season.

Measuring the career

James's résumé includes four championships, four Finals MVP awards, four regular-season MVP awards, 22 All-Star selections and the league's career scoring record. Just as notable is his durability: few players have stayed at an elite level for so long, or been able to change teams and still remain the central figure wherever they go. Whether Philadelphia proves to be his final chapter has not been settled, and he has not announced a retirement date.

#basketball#lebron-james#nba#philadelphia-76ers

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