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LeBron James will turn 35 later this month, and while he is still undoubtedly the NBA's biggest draw, he also remains among the best players on the planet. Playing alongside fellow All-Star Anthony Davis, James has averaged 25.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 10.8 assists per game as the Los Angeles Lakers have made an excellent 22-3 start to the 2019-20 season - and with James still leading a contending Laker team at the age of 34, it is the perfect time to reflect upon LeBron's past decade in the league.
LeBron started the decade as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, although he left the franchise in 2010 to create a Big 3 in Miami. However, after returning winning two championships with the Heat, LeBron returned to the Cavs in 2014 - and helped the team to win a first title during the 2015-16 season. LeBron left on much better terms when he headed to the Lakers in 2018, and as we approach 2020, here we will take a look at his greatest performances from the past decade.
#5 Nov 18, 2018 vs Miami Heat - 2018-19 Regular Season
After leaving the Miami Heat in 2014, James had failed to beat his old team during his second spell with the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, the superstar snapped a seven-game losing streak as he put in a vintage performance during his first return to Miami as a Laker.
After suffering a surprise defeat to the Orlando Magic the night before, LeBron got the Lakers' playoff push back on track as he dropped 51-points on his former team. James needed just 31 shots to reach the total, and he sealed his first 50+ point for the Lakers with just 17 seconds left as he drained a huge step-back three.
While not as important as some of the other games on this list, the performance proved that James meant business in Los Angeles, and it remains his best performance in a Laker jersey to date.
#4 Dec 2, 2010 vs Cleveland Cavaliers - 2010-11 Regular Season
During the 2010 offseason, James infamously announced his decision to leave the Cavaliers for the Heat through the infamous 'The Decision' television special. LeBron's decision to leave Cleveland had evoked angry responses from the Cavs fanbase, and his return in December was among the most memorable moments of the 2010-11 season.
As soon as James stepped onto his former court the boos were deafening, while a handful of fans resorted to throwing objects. Nevertheless, James managed to rise above the hostile environment to deliver a classic performance as he recorded 38 points on 15-of-25 shooting - which was enough to secure a dominant 118-90 victory for his new team. LeBron also contributed 8 rebounds and 5 assists, and his 24-point third-quarter point haul remains one of the best quarter performances of his career.
#3 June 20, 2013 vs San Antonio Spurs - NBA Finals: Game 7
The San Antonio Spurs had been the better team for much of the 2013 Finals, although Miami managed to force Game 7 following a 103-100 win in Game 6. Game 7 was tight throughout, although James once again produced a memorable performance to secure a second straight NBA title for the Heat as they overcame San Antonio's legendary Big 3 of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili.
In 45 minutes, James contributed 37 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals as he also connected with 12-of-23 field goal attempts. James also made five 3-pointers and knocked down a hugely important open jumper to put the Heat up 92-88 with just under 50 seconds remaining.
#2 June 16, 2016 vs Golden State Warriors - 2016 NBA Finals Game 6
LeBron was excellent in Game 5 of the 2016 NBA Finals as he provided his team with the hope of mounting an unlikely comeback, although his best performance of the series came in Game 6 as he helped the Cavs level the series at 3-3. While Kyrie Irving contributed an important 23 points, James delivered a masterful performance as he outperformed the reigning MVP in Steph Curry.
James finished with 41 points on 16 for 27 shooting and the then 31-year-old also contributed 8 rebounds, 11 assists, 4 steals, and 3 blocks. It was a dominant performance on both ends of the court, and it proved vital as the Cavs finally ended their wait for a championship as they defeated the Warriors in Game 7.
#1 June 7, 2012 vs Boston Celtics - Eastern Conference Finals: Game 6
Following their defeat to the Dallas Mavericks in the 2011 NBA Finals, the Heat faced elimination in the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals as they trailed 3-2 to the Boston Celtics. After controversially teaming up with Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade, the pressure on James was huge ahead of the game at Boston Garden, although the then 27-year-old produced a huge performance with his back against the wall.
While Wade and Bosh could only combine for 24 points, James took over the game as he put up 45 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 assists. 30 of his 45 points came in the first half as he crushed Boston's defense, and he finished the game shooting 19-of-26 from the field. James also dominated in Game 7 and Miami went on to secure the title after defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 4-1 in the Finals.
