A 6-foot 8-inch (2.03-metre) “point forward” who was as adept at bringing the ball down the court as at playing near the basket, James presented a unique challenge for opposing teams his unmatched athleticism and well-muscled body would not have been out of place in the National Football League. Additionally, he signed an unprecedented $90 million endorsement contract with the Nike shoe company before he ever played a professional game.ĭespite the pressures brought on by these singular circumstances, James led the Cavaliers in scoring, steals, and minutes played over the course of the 2003–04 season, winning the league’s Rookie of the Year award in the process. He became a national media sensation in his junior year after appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated, where he was billed by the magazine as “The Chosen One.” James was the consensus national high-school player of the year in his senior season, and he was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the first overall selection of the 2003 NBA draft. Mary High School to three Ohio state championships in his four years on the team. Basketball (high-school player of the year) three times while leading Akron’s St. LeBron James, in full LeBron Raymone James, byname King James, (born December 30, 1984, Akron, Ohio, U.S.), American professional basketball player who is widely considered one of the greatest all-around players of all time and who won National Basketball Association (NBA) championships with the Miami Heat (20), the Cleveland Cavaliers (2016), and the Los Angeles Lakers (2020).Ī locally known basketball prodigy since elementary school, James was named Ohio’s Mr. He won a third championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016.

He won his first two championships with the Miami Heat in 20. LeBron James has won three National Basketball Association (NBA) championships.

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