Looking back at LeBron James' 5 best seasons in the NBA with the highest points-per-game scored

LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers

LeBron James' 18-year career has been a movie, as the superstar has thrilled the NBA community with jaw-dropping performances season after season. Every season has been filled with highlight-reels and has shown an elite level of consistency.

A king was born in the NBA following LeBron James' selection as the 1st overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft. The Cleveland Cavaliers finished their 2003-04 season one spot shy of playoff action, a massive improvement from their last-place finish in the Eastern Conference the season before.

Over time in the NBA, LeBron James has continually given fans reason to dub him the greatest basketball player of all time. While that fiery debate is still ongoing, the Akron-native is easily in the top two.

LeBron James has competed at the highest level and found success, making All-Star appearances in all but his rookie season. He is the only player who has won NBA championships with three different teams and earned championship MVP in each of those championship runs.

Meanwhile, most of LeBron James' scoring success came early in his career. As he developed, he chose to given priority to passing while scoring took a back seat. Regardless, King James knows how to get buckets when push comes to shove.

As we anticipate the start of the new season, let's take a look back at LeBron James' five best seasons in the NBA with the highest point averages.


#5 2017-18 season - 27.5 PPG

LeBron James #23 playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2017-18 season
LeBron James #23 playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2017-18 season

The 2017-18 season for LeBron James was near perfect as he led the Cleveland Cavaliers to another NBA Finals. Unfortunately, he failed to win a single game against the Golden State Warriors, resulting in a sweep.

The trio of Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry was too much for him to handle. Imagine registering 51 points, eight assists, and eight rebounds in a game but still losing by 10.

youtube-cover

LeBron James finished the season with 27.5 points per game, his highest since joining the Miami Heat in 2010. He played as a power forward and led the league in games played (82) and minutes played (36.9).

Another NBA championship would have been the perfect parting gift before leaving for the LA Lakers. Regardless, the then 33-year-old played 104 games that season, the highest in the entire NBA. He also added 8.6 rebounds (joint career-best) and 9.1 assists (second highest).


#4 2008-09 season - 28.4 PPG

Lebron James and Delonte West defend against Richard Hamilton #32 of the Detroit Pistons
Lebron James and Delonte West defend against Richard Hamilton #32 of the Detroit Pistons

LeBron James' dominating performance in the 2008-09 NBA season earned him the first MVP award of his career. He led the Cavaliers to a franchise-best 66 wins, finishing as the top seed in the East.

It was an all-around dominating performance from King James throughout the season, leading the Cavaliers to several franchise records. In that same season, he became the youngest player to reach 11,000 points and 12,000 points in NBA history.

Sadly, LeBron James failed to bring a championship to Cleveland in his fourth consecutive try. Despite sweeping the Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks in the first two rounds, they fell to the Orlando Magic in the conference finals. He finished the regular season averaging 28.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.7 steals.

Also Read: Who is LeBron James’ wife, Savannah James?

#3 2009-10 season - 29.7 PPG

<a href='https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/lebron-james' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'>LeBron</a> James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers congratulates Shaquille O'Neal #33 after his basket against the Boston Celtics
LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers congratulates Shaquille O'Neal #33 after his basket against the Boston Celtics

The Cleveland Cavaliers finished the 2009-10 season as the best team in the NBA for back-to-back seasons, all thanks to LeBron James' heroics. Given his performances throughout the season, he won his second regular-season MVP award.

Their devastating NBA playoffs second-round exit was the final time Cleveland fans saw LeBron James in wine and gold, at least for the next four years. He decided to take his talents to South beach so he could favorably compete for a championship.

LeBron finished the season averaging 29.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 8.6 assists, and 1.6 steals. At the end of the 2009-10 season, he set the record for the most points by a single player in franchise history with 15,251 points.


#2 2007-08 season - 30 PPG

Paul Pierce #34 of the Boston Celtics looks to move the ball against LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers
Paul Pierce #34 of the Boston Celtics looks to move the ball against LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers

At 23, LeBron James led the league in scoring, averaging 30 points per game for the Cavs. His brilliance in the 2007-08 season preceded his consecutive MVP seasons.

The Cavs qualified for the playoffs for the third consecutive season, but fell to the eventual champions after a closely contested Game 7. LeBron James went against a stacked Boston Celtics roster that included Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo. Although they fell against a formidable opponent, it was another disappointing run in the NBA playoffs.

Added to his 30-point average, LeBron James finished the season with 7.9 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.8 steals. To date, the 2007-08 season remains the only one LeBron failed to start a game, after starting in 74 of the 75 games played.


#1 2005-06 season - 31.4 PPG

Tayshaun Prince #22 of the Detroit Pistons hugs LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers
Tayshaun Prince #22 of the Detroit Pistons hugs LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavaliers' seven-year playoff hiatus came to an end after LeBron James led the team to a third-place finish in the Eastern Conference. His 31.4-point regular-season average was enough to rally the Cavs to postseason action.

James played the most minutes of his career this season and averaged 31.4 points, seven rebounds, 6.6 assists and 1.6 steals. It was evident that LeBron was tired of the status quo and needed to make an appearance in the playoffs for the first time in his career.

The Cavs fought tooth and nail in the playoffs. They overcame the Washington Wizards in six games but fell against the Detroit Pistons in Game 7. He averaged 30.8 points in the playoffs, very impressive for a playoff debutant.

Quick Links

App download animated image Get the free App now