James began playing organized basketball in the fifth grade. He later played Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball for the Northeast Ohio Shooting Stars. The team enjoyed success on a local and national level, led by James and his friends Sian Cotton, Dru Joyce III, and Willie McGee.
James won his first two NBA championships while playing for the Heat in 2012 and 2013; in both of these years, he additionally earned the league's MVP and Finals MVP awards. After his fourth season with the Heat in 2014, James opted out of his contract and returned to the Cavaliers.
LeBron James has played 22 seasons for the Cavaliers, Lakers and Heat. He has averaged 27.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 7.4 assists in 1,525 regular-season games. He was selected to play in 20 All-Star games. He has won the Rookie of the Year award, 4 MVP awards, 4 Finals MVP awards and 4 NBA championships.