LeBron James at 40: Relive the Top Moments of His Iconic Career!

In honor of LeBron James’s 40th birthday this past Monday, Sports Illustrated revisits the illustrious journey of The King, capturing his career through a series of captivating images and magazine covers, along with game highlights and unforgettable performances. Here’s a look at 40 of LeBron’s most significant moments, presented in chronological order.

1. “The Chosen One”

It began on February 18, 2002, with “The Chosen One,” Sports Illustrated’s inaugural cover featuring LeBron James. Journalist Grant Wahl introduced the world to the high school sensation, already being hailed as “the next Michael Jordan.” The photoshoot, captured by Michael J. Le Brecht II, marked the start of many more SI covers for James, with this debut remaining a fan favorite.

2. NBA debut against the Kings in 2003

Few professional debuts have been as highly anticipated as LeBron’s first NBA game. Selected first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2003 draft, LeBron played his opening minutes in the NBA against the Sacramento Kings. Just months removed from high school, he dazzled a national audience by scoring 25 points, dishing out nine assists, grabbing six rebounds, and stealing the ball four times. The game garnered a 2.8 rating on ESPN, higher than any other game the network broadcasted the previous season.

3. First 50-point game in 2005 vs. Raptors 

LeBron quickly proved he was a force to be reckoned with in the NBA, and during his second season, he solidified his reputation with his first 50-point game. It occurred against the Toronto Raptors in March 2005. Although the Cavaliers lost the game and LeBron needed 36 shots to score his 56 points, this performance was a defining early moment in what would become known as the LeBron era in the NBA.

4. Earning first trip to NBA Finals with dominant 2007 ECF closeout

In one of the most remarkable performances of his career, LeBron single-handedly secured his first NBA Finals appearance by dominating the Detroit Pistons in the 2007 Eastern Conference finals. In a critical game, LeBron scored the Cavaliers’ final 25 points, including a game-winning basket in double overtime. His performance was nothing short of masterful, ending with 48 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists over 50 minutes of play.

5. Winning scoring title in 2008 season

Years later, as we reflect on James surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record, we can trace back to the 2007-08 season as an early display of his scoring prowess. That year, LeBron averaged 30.3 points per game—nearly four points higher than the next closest scorer, Kobe Bryant—marking a career-high in shooting percentage at 48.4%. This season was also notable for LeBron becoming the youngest player to reach 9,000 career points, while also taking home his first All-Star MVP award.

6. “LeBron James with no regard for human life!”

LeBron’s first stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers is filled with memorable moments, but his iconic dunk over the Boston Celtics during the 2008 playoffs stands out. It was the perfect storm for basketball fans: incredible athleticism, a jaw-dropping dunk, an ecstatic home crowd, and a legendary call by announcer Kevin Harlan. His exclamation, “with no regard for human life!” as the Cleveland crowd roared, remains a highlight of James’s career and a staple in dunk highlight reels.