Ranking LeBron’s best birthday performances of his NBA career

To celebrate LeBron’s birthday, we’ve ranked the best born day performances of his career. James has appeared in an NBA game seven times on his birthday and averaged 33 points, eight rebounds and six assists.

No. 3: December 30, 2008 (24 year-old birthday)

LeBron Stats: 38 points, 7 assists, 2 rebounds 

The second-highest scoring birthday performance of LeBron’s career came on the day he turned 24. With his Cleveland Cavaliers matched up against Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat, James shot 12-of-24 from the floor overall while knocking down three triples to finish with a game-high 38. Wade countered with 21 points and 12 assists while helping his Miami team defend home court against LeBron and the Cavs, however, and earn the victory.


No. 2: December 30, 2011 (27 year-old birthday)

LeBron Stats: 34 points, 10 assists, 8 rebounds 

The Miami Heat played only their fourth game of a lockout-shortened season on LeBron’s 27th birthday but James was already in midseason form. Competing on the road against the Minnesota Timberwolves, LeBron poured in a staggering 34 points to go along with 10 assists and eight rebounds. He shot 62% from the floor and was a +14 during a 103-101 win over the Timberwolves. He also lobbed a game-winning alley-oop to his good friend and teammate, Dwyane Wade, that decided the outcome.