‘The kid from Akron’ becomes an NBA legend: breaking records, building a legacy, and writing his name in the history books
LeBron, marking his names in the history books (Photo: Getty Images)
"The Chosen One" headlined the February 2002 cover of Sports Illustrated, marking a pivotal moment in American sports history. While the print edition of the magazine has since ceased publication, that cover remains iconic.
LeBron James, born in Akron, Ohio, likely never envisioned the extraordinary trajectory of his career when he was selected as the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft. Now, at age 40, he continues to defy expectations. Despite no longer being at his peak or on a title-contending team, James still showcases remarkable athleticism, solidifying his place among the greatest players in NBA history. His accolades include four championships and three Olympic gold medals, a testament to his enduring excellence.
By NBA standards, they’re not wrong. Dubbed “The Kid from Akron” when he entered the league nearly 22 years ago, the Ohio native was hailed for his limitless future. Today, he’s “The 40-year-old from Los Angeles,” with wisps of gray in his beard. His milestone birthday cements his legacy, making him the first player in NBA history to compete in his teens, 20s, 30s, and 40s.
In celebration of LeBron James' 40th birthday, we honor one of the greatest basketball players of all time and one of the most extraordinary athletes in history. Here is a compilation of the most impressive and significant numbers, data, and statistics from his remarkable career.
LeBron James' career achievements are nothing short of extraordinary. Alongside his four championships—secured with Miami (twice), Cleveland, and the Los Angeles Lakers—he has claimed four regular season MVP awards and four Finals MVP titles, cementing his legacy as one of basketball's all-time greats.
LeBron holds the record for All-Star selections with 20, all consecutive, and is expected to extend that streak with his 21st appearance this year. Known as "King James," he is also the NBA's all-time scoring leader with 41,131 points, surpassing legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, and his idol Michael Jordan.
Although naturally a forward, LeBron evolved into a more defensive and versatile role over the years, with 11,261 assists, ranking him fourth on the NBA's all-time assists list. He also ranks eighth in steals and defensive rebounds and holds records for the most minutes played, as well as playoff appearances and minutes.
With 1,520 NBA games to his name, LeBron is just two games shy of surpassing Dirk Nowitzki for fourth place in all-time appearances, with Robert Parish's record of 1,611 still within reach.
LeBron has also made history off the court by becoming the first player to share the NBA stage with his son. Together with Bronny, they formed the league’s first-ever father-son duo on the same team, the Los Angeles Lakers—a testament to his enduring legacy and the unprecedented journey of "The Chosen One."
This season, LeBron James continues to defy the limits of age, posting All-Star level stats: 23.5 points, 9 assists, and 7.5 rebounds per game. Forget about doing that at 40 being unheard of—achieving those numbers at 30 is a rarity. In fact, the only players to record averages of 23+ points, 9+ assists, and 7.5+ rebounds in a season after turning 30 are James himself (at ages 33 and 35) and James Harden (at 31).
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