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LeBron James has been a versatile defender throughout his entire NBA career, despite some seasons in which he didn't look very interested in playing on that end of the court.
'The King' is arguably the greatest player in NBA history and has probably the greatest resume ever seen in the league, given his longevity and unique achievements, both collectively and individually.
However, if there is anything missing from LeBron James' resume, it is the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. To some NBA fans and some analysts, it is common to say that LeBron James deserved to win the 2012-13 NBA DPOY.
Many believe he should've won the award over Marc Gasol due to his prowess with the 2012-13 Miami Heat in what was arguably James' greatest year.
LeBron James' 3-best NBA seasons in terms of Defensive Rating
We've also agreed with that notion, although there were some other big candidates for that award in that season. In a previous article, we mentioned LeBron James' 2012-13 NBA season as one of the biggest DPOY snubs of the 21st century.
LeBron James has made it to six All-Defensive teams in his career, including five appearances in the first team. Statistically, we will give you LeBron James' three greatest seasons, based on his yearly Defensive Rating.
Without further ado, let us take a look.
#3 LeBron James' 2006-07 NBA season
LeBron James' 2006-07 NBA season will always be remembered for being the year that finished with 'The King' leading a subpar team to the NBA Finals for the first time in his glorious career.
Of course, the biggest moments of LeBron James' 2006-07 season came in the 2007 Eastern Conference Finals against the experienced Detroit Pistons. He led the Cavaliers past a veteran-laden, former championship squad with his offensive prowess, but his defense was also extraordinary.
In the 2006-07 regular season, LeBron James put up a 100 Defensive Rating, the third-best of his career and the 14th-best in the NBA that year. It wasn't a great one when seeing the league leaders (Tim Duncan led the league at 94), and it was also fourth among the Cleveland players (behind Anderson Varejao, Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Drew Gooden).
#2 LeBron James' 2008-09 NBA season
LeBron James had a brilliant season on the defensive end of the floor on his way to his first NBA MVP-winning season, apart from his prowess on the offensive side of the basketball court.
LeBron James guided the 2008-09 Cleveland Cavaliers to a 66-16 record, the greatest in franchise history, and he did it while playing brilliant all-around basketball.
Apart from averaging 28.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game, James put up a 99 Defensive Rating, the second-best of his entire career, and the third-best of the 2008-09 season, behind Dwight Howard and Kevin Garnett.
James finished second in the NBA DPOY voting behind Dwight Howard.
#1 LeBron James' 2011-12 NBA season
LeBron James was arguably at the height of his physical powers during the 2011-12 NBA season, and he was as close to a perfect NBA player as we have seen during in the history of the league.
With the Miami Heat on its way to its first NBA championship since putting the 'Big Three' with James alongside Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, 'The King' ensured the team reached its goal while playing uniquely on both ends of the floor.
While he was starting to show his unique intelligence on the offensive side of the ball, guiding the Miami Heat's offense to great heights, LeBron James was also a terror for opposing scorers and was really able to guard anyone on the court, even if it was brief.
That 2011-12 NBA season, which was strike-shortened to 66 regular-season games, ended with LeBron James' third NBA MVP award (the third in four years) and also saw him finish with a 97 Defensive Rating, the greatest of his entire career so far.
LeBron James was ranked eighth in the entire NBA in Defensive Rating during the 2011-12 NBA season, just three points behind the leader in that department (Kevin Garnett with 94).
James had a great case to win the 2011-12 NBA DPOY award that year, as he also led the NBA in Defensive Box Plus/Minus and finished second in Defensive Win Shares.
Ultimately, 'The King' finished fourth in the NBA DPOY voting, which was won by Tyson Chandler.
In the 2012 NBA Playoffs, LeBron James guided the Miami Heat to a brilliant title run, beating the New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers, Boston Celtics and the OKC Thunder in the 2012 NBA Finals.
He had a 99 Defensive Rating in the 2012 NBA Playoffs, which is also tied for his career-best in the postseason, equalled with his number from the 2015 NBA Playoffs.
Also read: Is LeBron James playing tonight against the Sacramento Kings? | 2021-22 NBA Preseason
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