LeBron James is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players to set foot on the NBA hardwood. Drafted into the league in 2003, James has won four NBA championships over the course of his 21 seasons in the NBA. Though these achievements may seem impeccable considering James’ resume, the King had to strive hard to win all the four chips that he now proudly boasts.
Over the course of his career, James has played for three teams-the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Miami Heat, and the Los Angeles Lakers. And needless to say, the King has won a ring in all of these franchises. In this article, we will explore the incredible journey of LeBron James winning four incredible chips in his career till date.
LeBron James Rings
1. 2012 NBA Championship – Miami Heat
After nine seasons of constant striving in the NBA, LeBron James lifted his first NBA Championship with the Miami Heat in 2012. This was right after James decided to move to Miami as a free-agent from the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2010.
At Miami, James was paired alongside Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to form the ‘Big 3′ of the Heat. In the Finals series, Miami defeated a young Oklahoma City Thunder in five games, with James’ incredible clutch performance earning him his first Finals MVP award.
2. NBA Championship 2013 – Miami Heat
The defending champions, Miami Heat, were able to retain their position and win another consecutive title in 2013. LeBron James and co. defeated a formidable Tim Duncan’s San Antonio Spurs in a thrilling seven-game series. Once again proving his capabilities, LeBron James averaged 25.3 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 7 assists per game in the Finals series. Furthermore, he etched his name further as a clutch player after a series-clinching performance in Game 6 of the tournament.
Undoubtedly, James was once again chosen as the Finals MVP and had solidified his status as an NBA superstar. However, things were to only get better for LeBron James, in his subsequent seasons and Final runs.
3. NBA Championship 2016 – Cleveland Cavaliers
LeBron had returned to his draft team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, as a free-agent in 2014. And this homecoming indeed was about to get special within a couple more seasons. Facing the Golden State Warriors after losing out in the previous Finals, the Cavs were all about redemption in 2016.
The Warriors team at that time had set the regular-seasons wins record and were up against the Cavaliers 3-1 in the Finals series. However, thanks to LeBron James’ prowess, the Cavs made an incredible comeback which was to become one of the greatest NBA Finals series of all time. Cleveland defeated the Dubs 4-3, all thanks to an iconic chase-down block by LeBron James on Andre Iguodala in Game 7. As expected, he once again took home the Finals MVP trophy, cementing his name further into the GOAT debate.
4. NBA Championship 2020 – Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James had found a new home at Los Angeles after his move to the LA Lakers in 2018. And sure enough, with LeBron James being at LA, a championship indeed was coming back home at the Staples Center.
James left no time in cementing his position amongst Lakers greats. In the Finals series against his former team Miami Heat, James averaged 29.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game. LeBron’s performance, alongside newly acquired center Anthony Davis, helped Lakers win their maiden championship in almost over a decade.
LeBron James might be two rings short of Michael Jordan or one ring short of Kobe Bryant in terms of NBA championships. However, the King is not done yet. As per his recent statements, James is eager to continue playing and determined to win at least one championship with son Bronny, when he gets drafted into the league in 2024.
