LeBron James: The King of Basketball
LeBron Raymone James Sr. was born on December 30, 1984, in Akron, Ohio. As of right now, he is exactly -- years old. Our exact days calculator above updates every second, showing his precise age down to the minute.
Widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, LeBron James has won 4 NBA championships, 4 NBA MVP awards, and became the NBA's all-time leading scorer in 2023. He has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers.
π LeBron James's Milestone Timeline (Exact Ages)
Here's what LeBron James accomplished at each ageβcalculated to the exact day:
Age 18 years, 0 months (Dec 2002)
Graduated from St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron
Age 18 years, 5 months (Jun 2003)
Selected #1 overall in NBA Draft by Cleveland Cavaliers
Age 18 years, 11 months (Dec 2003)
Made NBA debut, scored 25 points in first game
Age 20 years, 0 months (Dec 2004)
Became youngest player to score 1,000 career points
Age 24 years, 0 months (Dec 2008)
Won first NBA MVP award
Age 25 years, 0 months (Dec 2009)
Won second consecutive NBA MVP award
Age 25 years, 6 months (Jul 2010)
Announced "The Decision" to join Miami Heat
Age 27 years, 5 months (Jun 2012)
Won first NBA championship with Miami Heat
Age 28 years, 5 months (Jun 2013)
Won second NBA championship with Miami Heat
Age 29 years, 6 months (Jul 2014)
Announced return to Cleveland Cavaliers
Age 31 years, 5 months (Jun 2016)
Led Cavaliers to first NBA championship, ending Cleveland's 52-year title drought
Age 33 years, 6 months (Jul 2018)
Signed with Los Angeles Lakers
Age 35 years, 5 months (Jun 2020)
Won fourth NBA championship with Los Angeles Lakers
Age 38 years, 1 month (Feb 2023)
Became NBA's all-time leading scorer, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
π Records & Achievements
LeBron James has broken numerous records throughout his career. He is the NBA's all-time leading scorer, has the most All-NBA selections, and is the only player to rank in the top 5 in both points and assists.
- All-time leading scorer: Surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's 38,387 points in 2023
- 4 NBA championships: Won with 3 different teams (Heat, Cavaliers, Lakers)
- 4 NBA MVP awards: 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013
- 20+ All-Star selections: Most in NBA history
- 19 All-NBA selections: Most in NBA history
- Olympic gold medals: 2 (2008, 2012)
π LeBron James Quick Facts
Full Name
LeBron Raymone James Sr.
Born
December 30, 1984
Birthplace
Akron, Ohio
Position
Small Forward / Power Forward
Current Team (2024)
Los Angeles Lakers
Jersey Number
#23 (also wore #6)
π When Is LeBron James's Next Birthday?
LeBron James's birthday is December 30th. According to our live counter, his next birthday is in -- days. On that day, he will turn -- years old.
Want to calculate your own exact age? Use our Exact Days Calculator to find out how many days you've been alive!
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Shop LeBron Merchandise on Amazon βπ The Chosen One: Early Life and High School Stardom
LeBron Raymone James was born on December 30, 1984, in Akron, Ohio, to Gloria James, who was just 16 years old at the time. Growing up in challenging circumstances, LeBron and his mother moved frequently, sometimes staying with family or friends, and even living in a car for a period. Despite these difficulties, LeBron found stability and support through basketball and the mentorship of Frank Walker, who introduced him to the sport at age nine.
LeBron attended St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, where he quickly established himself as a basketball prodigy. As a freshman, he led his team to an undefeated season and a state championship. By his junior year, he was already being featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated with the headline "The Chosen One," a nickname that would follow him throughout his career.
His high school career was unprecedented. LeBron won three state championships, was named Ohio's Mr. Basketball three times, and became the first high school junior to be named first-team All-American by USA Today. The attention he received was extraordinary, with his high school games being broadcast on ESPN and drawing NBA scouts and celebrities to small gyms in Ohio.
π The NBA Draft and Early Career: Cleveland Cavaliers
In 2003, at age 18, LeBron was selected first overall in the NBA Draft by his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers, fulfilling a dream and bringing hope to a city that had not won a major sports championship since 1964. The expectations were enormous, with many expecting him to immediately transform the struggling franchise.
LeBron did not disappoint. In his first NBA game, he scored 25 points, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to score at least 20 points in a debut. He won the Rookie of the Year award and quickly established himself as one of the league's premier players, earning his first All-Star selection in just his second season.
During his first stint with Cleveland (2003-2010), LeBron won two MVP awards, led the Cavaliers to their first NBA Finals appearance in 2007, and became the youngest player to reach numerous scoring milestones. However, despite his individual excellence, the Cavaliers struggled to build a championship-caliber team around him, leading to one of the most controversial decisions in sports history.
π₯ "The Decision" and the Miami Heat Era
In 2010, at age 25, LeBron made "The Decision" to leave Cleveland and join the Miami Heat, forming a "superteam" with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. The televised announcement was controversial and drew criticism from fans and media, but it marked a new era in LeBron's career and the NBA.
In Miami, LeBron won his first two NBA championships (2012 and 2013) and earned two more MVP awards. He developed into a more complete player, improving his post game, defense, and leadership. The Heat reached the NBA Finals in all four of LeBron's seasons, winning two championships and establishing themselves as one of the most dominant teams of the era.
LeBron's time in Miami was transformative, both for his career and for how NBA players approach free agency. His decision to take control of his career path, while controversial, empowered other players to make similar choices and changed the dynamics of player-team relationships in the NBA.
π The Return: Bringing a Championship to Cleveland
In 2014, at age 29, LeBron announced his return to Cleveland, writing an emotional letter explaining his decision. He committed to bringing a championship to his hometown, a promise that would define the next phase of his career. The Cavaliers immediately became championship contenders, reaching the NBA Finals in his first season back.
The 2016 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors would become one of the greatest moments in LeBron's career and NBA history. The Cavaliers faced a 3-1 deficit against a Warriors team that had won a record 73 games in the regular season. LeBron led an unprecedented comeback, becoming the first player in NBA Finals history to lead both teams in all five major statistical categories (points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks).
The Cavaliers' victory in Game 7 gave Cleveland its first major sports championship in 52 years, fulfilling LeBron's promise and cementing his legacy. His performance in that series, particularly his iconic block of Andre Iguodala in Game 7, is considered one of the greatest individual efforts in NBA Finals history.
π Los Angeles Lakers: Continuing Greatness
In 2018, at age 33, LeBron signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, joining one of the NBA's most storied franchises. His move to Los Angeles was motivated by both basketball and business opportunities, as he continued to build his media and entertainment empire.
In his second season with the Lakers (2019-2020), LeBron won his fourth NBA championship, becoming the first player in NBA history to win Finals MVP with three different teams. The championship, won in the NBA "bubble" during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrated LeBron's ability to lead and excel even under unprecedented circumstances.
LeBron's time with the Lakers has also seen him break numerous records, including becoming the NBA's all-time leading scorer, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's long-standing record. This achievement, combined with his continued elite performance into his late thirties, has solidified his case as one of the greatest players in NBA history.
π Records and Achievements: A Historic Career
LeBron's career is defined by numerous records and achievements. He is the NBA's all-time leading scorer, has been selected to the All-NBA Team 19 times, and has won four NBA championships, four Finals MVP awards, and four regular-season MVP awards. His consistency and longevity are unmatched in modern NBA history.
He is the only player in NBA history to rank in the top 10 in both points and assists, demonstrating his unique combination of scoring ability and playmaking. LeBron has also been selected to the All-Star Game 19 times, won two Olympic gold medals, and has been named to the All-Defensive Team six times, showing his versatility on both ends of the court.
Perhaps most impressively, LeBron has maintained elite performance well into his late thirties, defying the typical aging curve for NBA players. His ability to adapt his game, maintain his physical condition, and continue to impact games at the highest level speaks to his dedication, work ethic, and basketball intelligence.
π― The GOAT Debate: LeBron vs. Jordan
The debate over whether LeBron or Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time (GOAT) has been one of the most discussed topics in sports. LeBron's supporters point to his longevity, all-around game, playmaking ability, and success with multiple teams. His combination of scoring, rebounding, and assists, along with his ability to impact games in numerous ways, makes a compelling case.
Jordan's supporters emphasize his perfect Finals record (6-0), his scoring titles, defensive prowess, and cultural impact. The debate often comes down to what one values most: Jordan's peak dominance and perfect Finals record, or LeBron's longevity, versatility, and sustained excellence over two decades.
Regardless of where one stands in this debate, LeBron's career has been extraordinary. His ability to maintain elite performance for over 20 years, win championships with three different teams, and break numerous records has established him as one of the greatest players in basketball history.
π« Off the Court: Philanthropy and Activism
LeBron's impact extends far beyond basketball. Through his LeBron James Family Foundation, he has invested millions in education, including opening the "I PROMISE School" in Akron, which provides free tuition, meals, and support services to at-risk children. His commitment to giving back to his community reflects his understanding of the challenges he faced growing up.
LeBron has also been outspoken on social and political issues, using his platform to advocate for change. His willingness to speak out on issues like police brutality, voting rights, and education reform has made him one of the most influential athlete-activists of his generation.
His business ventures, including SpringHill Entertainment and Uninterrupted, have given him a platform to tell stories and create content that reflects his values and interests. These ventures demonstrate LeBron's understanding that his influence extends beyond sports and his desire to use that influence for positive change.
π Legacy and Future
As LeBron continues to play at an elite level into his late thirties, his legacy continues to grow. His combination of individual excellence, team success, longevity, and off-court impact makes him one of the most significant figures in sports history. As we track how old LeBron James is and count down to his next birthday, we witness the ongoing career of a player who has redefined what's possible in professional basketball.
LeBron's career serves as an inspiration to athletes and fans worldwide, demonstrating that with talent, hard work, and dedication, it's possible to achieve extraordinary success while also making a positive impact beyond the sport. His journey from a challenging childhood in Akron to becoming one of the greatest basketball players of all time is a testament to perseverance, excellence, and the power of using one's platform for good.