LeBron James at 40: Ranking the living legend’s five best seasons

LeBron James turned 40 on Monday, Dec. 30. 

As the Lakers star continues to best Father Time in his record-tying 22nd season, here’s a look at his five best overall years as an NBA pro:

No. 5: 2019-20 (Lakers)

Legacy milestones: Led the league in assists (10.2) for the first time, became the first to win Finals MVP with three teams and helped the Lakers tie the Celtics with 17 NBA titles.

The Lakers had missed the playoffs for six consecutive seasons, including James’ first year with the team. As soon as James got an All-Star running mate in Anthony Davis, the Lakers went from a lottery team to a title favorite. James proved why he’s the ultimate “ace in the hole” acquisition who can turn a franchise’s fortunes around in a jiffy. He also showed mental fortitude by guiding his team to a title inside the Orlando Bubble when many other squads failed to overcome the uncertainty brought about by the pandemic.

No. 4: 2011-12 (Heat)

Legacy milestones: Captured first NBA title, first Finals MVP and third MVP.

The James naysayers had all the ammunition to bury him after the Heat lost to the Thunder in Game 1 of the 2012 Finals. Exactly a year prior, James endured an epic meltdown against the Mavericks, causing many to question his winning intangibles and ability to perform in the clutch. Many predicted James’ Heat would collapse again. However, he would respond with four stellar games to close out the Thunder and finally hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy. It was the moment he finally broke through, becoming a legendary clutch performer since.

No. 3: 2006-07 (Cavaliers)

Legacy milestones: Guided the Cavaliers to a franchise-first NBA Finals.

In his first deep playoff run, James put the basketball world on notice as the man to take the throne from Tim Duncan and Kobe Bryant — the best of that era. En route to the NBA Finals, he dropped a then-career-high 48 — including 25 straight points — to stun the Pistons in a double-OT win in Game 6 of the conference finals. Although he was humbled by the Spurs in the finals, James got his first experience of playing on the biggest stage and used those growing pains to improve as a player, especially as a perimeter shooter.  

No. 2: 2012-13 (Heat)

Legacy milestones: Captured second NBA title, second Finals MVP and fourth MVP.

“This basketball great reached his athletic prime in 2012-13” would be an apt question on “Jeopardy.” Fresh off his first NBA title, James played at a level few in history have ever reached. He shot then-career-highs from the field (57%) and three (41%)  and took his defense to a new level, routinely guarding all five positions on the floor and wreaking havoc with his chase-down blocks. James felt he was robbed of the Defensive Player of the Year award, and rightfully so. Even if he didn’t cap off this year with his second NBA title, this was inarguably his most dominant season and the first time he struck fear in opponents. 

No. 1: 2015-16 (Cavaliers)

Legacy milestones: Ended Cleveland’s 52-year drought for a sports title, slayed a 73-win juggernaut and led a historic comeback from down 3-1 in the NBA Finals.

In terms of counting and advanced stats, James had a down year as he averaged his fewest points since his rookie year and copped some criticism for not taking the regular season seriously. However, he flipped the switch in the playoffs as the Cavs steamrolled their opponents en route to the finals. Down 3-1, James went on a tear that will go down as the greatest string of performances in playoff history. After back-to-back 41-point outings, he dropped a triple-double in Game 7, including the block of Andre Iguodala — the signature highlight reel of his career. James declared himself the G.O.A.T. for what he achieved.