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Main distinctions: 4 NBA titles, 4 NBA MVPs, 4 Finals MVPs, 20 times All-NBA
Career highlight: The Cavaliers came back from a 3-1 Finals deficit to win the 2016 title, ending a 52-year drought for the city of Cleveland
Years of activity: 2003–present
Defining influence outside the box: Ushering in the era of NBA player empowerment
LeBron James’ longevity is absurd. However, this is not just a testament to the fact that he played over 22 NBA seasons.
With the exception of perhaps his first year with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003 – when he was a first overall pick and labeled a generational superstar – LeBron has been an elite player. Father Time will win in the end (probably?), but he has climbed to the top of the sport and refused to relinquish his crown.
Since 2024, he has received All-NBA recognition for 20 consecutive years. James is both a four-time MVP and champion, leading each of the Miami Heat, Cavaliers and Lakers to an NBA title.
LeBron is the league’s all-time leading scorer and ranks fourth in assists. He earned All-Defense honors in six seasons.
Off the court, “The Decision” — his televised free agent move to the Heat in 2010 — opened the floodgates to an era of superteams and star players dictating their own destinies more than ever.
Beyond that, not only is he a lucrative pitchman for many products, but he’s also a savvy businessman who’s involved in everything from movies (SpringHill Company) to minority stakes in team ownership (Fenway Sports Group).
His philanthropic efforts are well known in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, where his LeBron James Family Foundation has established an elementary school and more. He was also frank on various issues regarding civil rights.
He is the outstanding athlete of this quarter century.