Round 1: 6) 2004-05 vs. 11) 2011-12
No. 6 seed: 2004-05 season – Cavaliers
| Age | G | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG |
| 19/20 | 80 | 42.4 | 27.2 | 7.4 | 7.2 |
LeBron made statistical leaps in his sophomore season and led the league in minutes per game. He also recorded a career-best 2.2 steals per game. The Cavs won 42 games this season but failed to qualify for the postseason despite a seven-victory improvement from 2003-04. It would be the last time LeBron missed the playoffs until the 2018-19 season.
No. 11 seed: 2011-12 season – Heat
| Age | G | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG |
| 26/27 | 62 | 37.5 | 27.1 | 7.9 | 6.2 |
In a lockout-abbreviated, 66-game season, LeBron would win his third MVP award — and ultimately earn his first championship, as the Heat beat the Thunder in the NBA Finals. He was consistent across the board statistically, ranking second in the league in points (1,683), second in field goals (621), third in points per game, third in steals (115) and sixth in minutes per game.
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