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LeBron James

LeBron James: See his rise from high school basketball standout to NBA legend

Updated Oct. 6, 2025, 9:11 p.m. ET
LeBron James, regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, entered the NBA straight out of high school as the number one pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003. Take a look back at the four-time NBA champ's career from high school to the Cavaliers, the Miami Heat, back to Cleveland, and most recently with the Los Angeles Lakers.
LeBron James, regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, entered the NBA straight out of high school as the number one pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003. Take a look back at the four-time NBA champ's career from high school to the Cavaliers, the Miami Heat, back to Cleveland, and most recently with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Ronald Martinez, Getty Images
17-year-old phenom LeBron James of St. Vincent-St. Mary High school (Akron, OH) during pregame warmup against Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, VA) at Cleveland State University's Convocation Center on Dec. 12, 2002.
17-year-old phenom LeBron James of St. Vincent-St. Mary High school (Akron, OH) during pregame warmup against Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, VA) at Cleveland State University's Convocation Center on Dec. 12, 2002.
Eileen Blass, USA TODAY
LeBron James (#23) of St. Vincent-St. Mary High school (Akron, OH) drives to the basket at the Palestra (Univ. of Pennsylvania) in Philadelphia on Dec. 22, 2002.
LeBron James (#23) of St. Vincent-St. Mary High school (Akron, OH) drives to the basket at the Palestra (Univ. of Pennsylvania) in Philadelphia on Dec. 22, 2002.
Eileen Blass, USA TODAY
LeBron James drives the baseline on D.J. Strawberry during a game against Mater Dei High School of Santa Ana on Jan. 4, 2003.
LeBron James drives the baseline on D.J. Strawberry during a game against Mater Dei High School of Santa Ana on Jan. 4, 2003.
Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
LeBron James, the first pick at the NBA Draft and Carmelo Anthony, projected to be third, chat before the draft.
LeBron James, the first pick at the NBA Draft and Carmelo Anthony, projected to be third, chat before the draft.
Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY
LeBron James, the first pick at the NBA Draft in NYC.
LeBron James, the first pick at the NBA Draft in NYC.
Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY
Cleveland rookie LeBron James drives the baseline on the Lakers' Kobe Bryant during first half action at Staples Center on Jan. 1, 2004.
Cleveland rookie LeBron James drives the baseline on the Lakers' Kobe Bryant during first half action at Staples Center on Jan. 1, 2004.
Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
LeBron James shows his enthusiasm near the end of regulation of Team USA vs. Greece at the 2004 Olympic Games on Aug. 17, 2004.
LeBron James shows his enthusiasm near the end of regulation of Team USA vs. Greece at the 2004 Olympic Games on Aug. 17, 2004.
Robert Scheer, USA TODAY
Nike erected this 110-foot high and 212-foot long billboard of LeBron James in November 2005 across the street from where his Cleveland Cavaliers play their home games.
Nike erected this 110-foot high and 212-foot long billboard of LeBron James in November 2005 across the street from where his Cleveland Cavaliers play their home games.
Nike
LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers heads up court agaist the Washington Wizards in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2006 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena on April 22, 2006 in Cleveland, Ohio.
LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers heads up court agaist the Washington Wizards in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2006 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena on April 22, 2006 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Gregory Shamus, Getty Images
Dwyane Wade speaks to LeBron James during their official training session of the Group D preliminary round in the World Basketball Championship in Sapporo, August 18, 2006.
Dwyane Wade speaks to LeBron James during their official training session of the Group D preliminary round in the World Basketball Championship in Sapporo, August 18, 2006.
Toshifumi Kitamura, AFP/Getty Images
Tim Duncan (R) of the San Antonio Spurs and LeBron James (L) of the Cleveland Cavaliers prepare for a play during Game Four of the NBA Finals on June 14, 2007 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
Tim Duncan (R) of the San Antonio Spurs and LeBron James (L) of the Cleveland Cavaliers prepare for a play during Game Four of the NBA Finals on June 14, 2007 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
Jeff Haynes, AFP/Getty Images
Aug. 24, 2008: Jason Kidd, LeBron James and Chris Paul celebrate their victory over Spain in the gold medal game at the Beijing Olympics.
Aug. 24, 2008: Jason Kidd, LeBron James and Chris Paul celebrate their victory over Spain in the gold medal game at the Beijing Olympics.
Greg Pearson, USAT
LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers gets in for a first quarter break away dunk in front of Antonio McDyess #24 of the Detroit Pistons in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at the Palace of Auburn Hills on April 26, 2009.
LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers gets in for a first quarter break away dunk in front of Antonio McDyess #24 of the Detroit Pistons in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at the Palace of Auburn Hills on April 26, 2009.
Gregory Shamus, Getty Images
May 9, 2009; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) leaves the court after the Cavaliers defeated the Atlanta Hawks in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals at Philips Arena.
May 9, 2009; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) leaves the court after the Cavaliers defeated the Atlanta Hawks in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals at Philips Arena.
Dale Zanine, US Presswire
LeBron James #23 and Sasha Pavlovic #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrate after James made the game winning three pointer against the Orlando Magic in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Finals.
LeBron James #23 and Sasha Pavlovic #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrate after James made the game winning three pointer against the Orlando Magic in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Gregory Shamus, Getty Images
LeBron James and ESPN's Jim Gray speak at the LeBron James' announcement of his decision to play for the Miami Heat at the Boys & Girls Club of America on July 8, 2010 in Greenwich, Connecticut.
LeBron James and ESPN's Jim Gray speak at the LeBron James' announcement of his decision to play for the Miami Heat at the Boys & Girls Club of America on July 8, 2010 in Greenwich, Connecticut.
Larry Busacca, Getty Images For Estabrook Group
LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat greets fans as he is introduced during a welcome party at American Airlines Arena on July 9, 2010 in Miami, Florida.
LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat greets fans as he is introduced during a welcome party at American Airlines Arena on July 9, 2010 in Miami, Florida.
Doug Benc, Getty Images
Chris Bosh #1, Dwyane Wade #3, and LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat are introduced to fans during a welcome party at American Airlines Arena on July 9, 2010 in Miami, Florida.
Chris Bosh #1, Dwyane Wade #3, and LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat are introduced to fans during a welcome party at American Airlines Arena on July 9, 2010 in Miami, Florida.
Doug Benc, Getty Images
LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat dunks during a game against the Washington Wizards at American Airlines Arena on November 29, 2010 in Miami, Florida.
LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat dunks during a game against the Washington Wizards at American Airlines Arena on November 29, 2010 in Miami, Florida.
Mike Ehrmann, Getty Images
LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat sits on the court as court attendants mop up liquid agaisnt the Dallas Mavericks in the second half of Game Three of the 2011 NBA Finals at American Airlines Center on June 5, 2011.
LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat sits on the court as court attendants mop up liquid agaisnt the Dallas Mavericks in the second half of Game Three of the 2011 NBA Finals at American Airlines Center on June 5, 2011.
Ronald Martinez, Getty Images
Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) dunks against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter of Game 5 in the 2012 NBA Finals at the American Airlines Arena.
Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) dunks against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter of Game 5 in the 2012 NBA Finals at the American Airlines Arena.
Robert Mayer, US Presswire
LeBron James (6) celebrates with Dwyane Wade (3) after winning the NBA championship in Game 5 of the 2012 NBA Finals at the American Airlines Arena.
LeBron James (6) celebrates with Dwyane Wade (3) after winning the NBA championship in Game 5 of the 2012 NBA Finals at the American Airlines Arena.
Steve Mitchell, US Presswire
July 27, 2012: LeBron James (left) and Kobe Bryant (right) stand on a stage during a press conference in preparation for the 2012 London Olympic Games.
July 27, 2012: LeBron James (left) and Kobe Bryant (right) stand on a stage during a press conference in preparation for the 2012 London Olympic Games.
Presse Sports, US Presswire
Aug 12, 2012: LeBron James (6) celebrates with an American flag after defeating Spain 107-100 during the men's basketball gold medal game in the London 2012 Olympic Games at North Greenwich Arena.
Aug 12, 2012: LeBron James (6) celebrates with an American flag after defeating Spain 107-100 during the men's basketball gold medal game in the London 2012 Olympic Games at North Greenwich Arena.
Rob Schumacher, USA TODAY
Dwyane Wade and LeBron James laugh and enjoy the moment as President Obama honors the NBA Champion Miami Heat at the White House on Jan. 28, 2013.
Dwyane Wade and LeBron James laugh and enjoy the moment as President Obama honors the NBA Champion Miami Heat at the White House on Jan. 28, 2013.
Jack Gruber, USAT
Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving (left) looks over at Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (right) as Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Byron Scott (center) looks on during the second half at the American Airlines Arena on Feb. 24, 2013.
Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving (left) looks over at Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (right) as Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Byron Scott (center) looks on during the second half at the American Airlines Arena on Feb. 24, 2013.
Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports
May 5, 2013: LeBron James smiles before receiving his fourth MVP award at the American Airlines Arena.
May 5, 2013: LeBron James smiles before receiving his fourth MVP award at the American Airlines Arena.
Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports
Jun 20, 2013: LeBron James holds the MVP trophy and the Larry O'Brien Championship trophy after defeating the San Antonio Spurs in Game 7 in the 2013 NBA Finals.
Jun 20, 2013: LeBron James holds the MVP trophy and the Larry O'Brien Championship trophy after defeating the San Antonio Spurs in Game 7 in the 2013 NBA Finals.
Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports
July 17, 2013: LeBron James and Savannah Brinson attend the 2013 ESPY Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live.
July 17, 2013: LeBron James and Savannah Brinson attend the 2013 ESPY Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live.
Christopher Polk/ Getty Images For ESPY
Dec. 20, 2013: LeBron James (6) salutes before a game against the Sacramento Kings at American Airlines Arena.
Dec. 20, 2013: LeBron James (6) salutes before a game against the Sacramento Kings at American Airlines Arena.
Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2014: LeBron James (6) puts on his protective mask during the first half against the New York Knicks at American Airlines Arena.
Feb 27, 2014: LeBron James (6) puts on his protective mask during the first half against the New York Knicks at American Airlines Arena.
Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports
June 5, 2014: LeBron James (6) dunks the ball during the first quarter against against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the 2014 NBA Finals at AT&T Center.
June 5, 2014: LeBron James (6) dunks the ball during the first quarter against against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the 2014 NBA Finals at AT&T Center.
Soobum Im, USA TODAY Sports
June 15, 2014: San Antonio, TX, USA; LeBron James (6) and Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra react on the sideline during the fourth quarter against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the 2014 NBA Finals at AT&T Center.
June 15, 2014: San Antonio, TX, USA; LeBron James (6) and Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra react on the sideline during the fourth quarter against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the 2014 NBA Finals at AT&T Center.
Bob Donnan, USA TODAY Sports
Sep. 26, 2014: Kevin Love (0), forward LeBron James (23) and guard Kyrie Irving (2) pose for a photo during media day at Cleveland Clinic Courts.
Sep. 26, 2014: Kevin Love (0), forward LeBron James (23) and guard Kyrie Irving (2) pose for a photo during media day at Cleveland Clinic Courts.
Ken Blaze, USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2014: Traffic backs up outside of Quicken Loans Arena where a new LeBron James mural was installed.
Oct 30, 2014: Traffic backs up outside of Quicken Loans Arena where a new LeBron James mural was installed.
David Richard, USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2014: LeBron James (23) dunks the ball against the Boston Celtics during the first half at TD Garden.
Nov 14, 2014: LeBron James (23) dunks the ball against the Boston Celtics during the first half at TD Garden.
Mark L. Baer, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 25, 2014: Dwyane Wade sizes up LeBron James during a game at American Airlines Arena.
Dec. 25, 2014: Dwyane Wade sizes up LeBron James during a game at American Airlines Arena.
Mike Ehrmann, Getty Images
Apr 23, 2015: LeBron James (23) dunks against the Boston Celtics during the second half in Game 3 of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden.
Apr 23, 2015: LeBron James (23) dunks against the Boston Celtics during the second half in Game 3 of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden.
David Butler II, USA TODAY Sports
June 16, 2015: LeBron James (23) walks off the court after losing to the Golden State Warriors in Game 6 of the NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena.
June 16, 2015: LeBron James (23) walks off the court after losing to the Golden State Warriors in Game 6 of the NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena.
Bob Donnan, USA TODAY Sports
March 10, 2016: LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers jokes with Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers during a 120-108 Cavaliers win at Staples Center.
March 10, 2016: LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers jokes with Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers during a 120-108 Cavaliers win at Staples Center.
Harry How, Getty Images
June 8, 2016: LeBron James goes up for a dunk during Game 3 of the NBA Finals against Golden State.
June 8, 2016: LeBron James goes up for a dunk during Game 3 of the NBA Finals against Golden State.
Pool Photo, USA TODAY Sports
June 19, 2016: LeBron James and Kevin Love celebrate after defeating Golden State in Game 7 of the NBA Finals for the first championship in Cavaliers history.
June 19, 2016: LeBron James and Kevin Love celebrate after defeating Golden State in Game 7 of the NBA Finals for the first championship in Cavaliers history.
Ezra Shaw, Getty Images
June 19, 2016: LeBron James (23) celebrates with Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy after beating the Golden State Warriors in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena.
June 19, 2016: LeBron James (23) celebrates with Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy after beating the Golden State Warriors in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena.
Gary A. Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports
June 19, 2016: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and J.R. Smith #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates after winning Game Seven of the 2016 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors.
June 19, 2016: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and J.R. Smith #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates after winning Game Seven of the 2016 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors.
Nathaniel S. Butler, NBAE/Getty Images
June 12, 2017: LeBron James goes up for a layup over Kevin Durant during Game 5 of the NBA Finals against Golden State.
June 12, 2017: LeBron James goes up for a layup over Kevin Durant during Game 5 of the NBA Finals against Golden State.
Kyle Terada, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 17, 2017: LeBron James wears special "Equality" shoes during a win over the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena in Washington D.C.
Dec. 17, 2017: LeBron James wears special "Equality" shoes during a win over the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena in Washington D.C.
Brad Mills, USA TODAY Sports
Jan. 23, 2018: LeBron James celebrates after scoring his 30,000 career point in a game against the San Antonio Spurs. James is the seventh player in NBA history to reach the 30,000-point milestone.
Jan. 23, 2018: LeBron James celebrates after scoring his 30,000 career point in a game against the San Antonio Spurs. James is the seventh player in NBA history to reach the 30,000-point milestone.
Soobum Im, USA TODAY Sports
February 18, 2018: LeBron James celebrates a victory against Team Stephen following the NBA All-Star Game.
February 18, 2018: LeBron James celebrates a victory against Team Stephen following the NBA All-Star Game.
Bob Donnan, USA TODAY Sports
Sept. 24, 2018: LeBron James speaks to media at UCLA Health Training Center before his first season with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Sept. 24, 2018: LeBron James speaks to media at UCLA Health Training Center before his first season with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Gary A. Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports
Jan. 25, 2020: James continued him ascent up the career scoring list, passing Lakers legend Kobe Bryant for third place.
Jan. 25, 2020: James continued him ascent up the career scoring list, passing Lakers legend Kobe Bryant for third place.
Bill Streicher, USA TODAY Sports
Jan. 25, 2020: After passing Bryant, James even got a standing ovation in Philadelphia, Bryant's hometown.
Jan. 25, 2020: After passing Bryant, James even got a standing ovation in Philadelphia, Bryant's hometown.
Bill Streicher, USA TODAY Sports
Jan. 31, 2020: LeBron James reacts during the national anthem after a pregame tribute to Kobe Bryant before playing the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center.
Jan. 31, 2020: LeBron James reacts during the national anthem after a pregame tribute to Kobe Bryant before playing the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center.
Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY Sports
Oct. 11, 2020: LeBron James smiles while holding the NBA Finals and MVP trophies after Game 6 of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena. The Los Angeles Lakers won 106-93 to win the series against the Miami Heat.
Oct. 11, 2020: LeBron James smiles while holding the NBA Finals and MVP trophies after Game 6 of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena. The Los Angeles Lakers won 106-93 to win the series against the Miami Heat.
Kim Klement, USA TODAY Sports
May 30, 2021: LeBron James (23) dunks for a basket against the Phoenix Suns during the second half in game four of the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center.
May 30, 2021: LeBron James (23) dunks for a basket against the Phoenix Suns during the second half in game four of the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center.
Gary A. Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 15, 2021: LeBron James (6) celebrates the win over the Dallas Mavericks during overtime at the American Airlines Center.
Dec. 15, 2021: LeBron James (6) celebrates the win over the Dallas Mavericks during overtime at the American Airlines Center.
Jerome Miron, USA TODAY Sports
Feb. 7, 2023: LeBron James celebrates with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar after breaking the record for all-time scoring in the NBA against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena.
Feb. 7, 2023: LeBron James celebrates with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar after breaking the record for all-time scoring in the NBA against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena.
Gary A. Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports
March 2, 2024 : Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James acknowledges the crowd after scoring his 40,000th career point against the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena in Denver.
March 2, 2024 : Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James acknowledges the crowd after scoring his 40,000th career point against the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena in Denver.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports
Aug. 10, 2024: LeBron James celebrates after the Men's Basketball Gold Medal match between France and United States of America on Day 15 of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena in Paris.
Aug. 10, 2024: LeBron James celebrates after the Men's Basketball Gold Medal match between France and United States of America on Day 15 of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena in Paris.
DeFodi Images, DeFodi Images Via Getty Images
Aug. 10, 2024: LeBron James #6 of Team USA celebrates with the gold medal during the Men's Basketball Medal Ceremony on day fifteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade Bercy Arena in Paris.
Aug. 10, 2024: LeBron James #6 of Team USA celebrates with the gold medal during the Men's Basketball Medal Ceremony on day fifteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade Bercy Arena in Paris.
RvS.Media/Monika Majer, Getty Images
Oct. 22, 2024: LeBron James #23 and Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers on defense during the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Oct. 22, 2024: LeBron James #23 and Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers on defense during the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Harry How, Getty Images
April 4, 2025: LeBron James #23 and Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers shake hands against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second quarter at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
April 4, 2025: LeBron James #23 and Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers shake hands against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second quarter at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Luke Hales, Getty Images
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