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Top 10 Moments of LeBron James’ Career So Far

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Top 10 Moments of LeBron James' Career So Far

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The basketball world immediately was fascinated with LeBron James as soon as he was drafted No. 1 overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003. Playing behind a marginal supporting cast, James led the Cavs to their first NBA Finals appearance in 2007 before bolting for Miami after the 2010 season. In four seasons with the Heat, James won two titles, but he is now back with Cleveland. Here now are the 10 greatest moments of LeBron's career so far.

10. LeBron James is Drafted No. 1 Overall in 2003

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10. LeBron James is Drafted No. 1 Overall in 2003

LeBron James Cavaliers
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In a draft class that featured current NBA superstars like Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, James was the No. 1 overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2003 NBA Draft. The Cavaliers made the right decision as James helped lead Cleveland to their most successful stretch in franchise history with five consecutive playoff appearances and one NBA Finals appearance.

9. The First Decision

LeBron James The Decision
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9. The First Decision

LeBron James The Decision
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On July 8, 2010 LeBron James uttered a phrase that made him the most hated man in sports, “I’ll take my talents to South Beach.” With that, the fortunes of two franchises changed as Miami went to four NBA Finals series, winning two titles in the past four seasons while Cleveland turned into a laughing stock. This summer, James made his second decision by choosing to go back home and play with Cleveland again.

8. Dunk Over Boston's Kevin Garnett in 2008 Eastern Conference Semifinals

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8. Dunk Over Boston's Kevin Garnett in 2008 Eastern Conference Semifinals

LeBron James Cavaliers
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The Cavaliers tied their series at two games apiece against the Boston Celtics in the 2008 Eastern Conference Semifinals after James threw down one of the most ferocious dunks in NBA history. Coming off a Joe Smith screen, James turned the corner and delivered a massive dunk on Kevin Garnett. Kevin Harlan's "with no regard for human life," call made that moment even more memorable.

7. LeBron Records Triple-Double in First Career Playoff Game

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7. LeBron Records Triple-Double in First Career Playoff Game

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Playoff domination has been kind of a ritual for James and it started in his first career playoff game. Facing the Washington Wizards in the 2006 playoffs, James dropped a triple double, scoring 32 points, grabbing 11 rebounds and dishing out 11 assists in a 97-86 win. The Cavs would dethrone the Wizards in six games, but lost to the Detroit Pistons in the next round in seven.

6. Game-Winner vs. Magic in Game 2 of 2009 Eastern Conference Finals

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6. Game-Winner vs. Magic in Game 2 of 2009 Eastern Conference Finals

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Late in Game 2 of the 2009 Eastern Conference Finals, James saved the Cavs from a 0-2 deficit. Trailing 95-93, Cavs point guard Mo Williams inbounded the ball to James, who took one step, faded back and nailed a buzzer-beating three-pointer to stun the Orlando Magic. The Cavs went on to lose the series in six, but if not for James, Orlando would have easily won that series.

5. LeBron Scores 45 in Losing Effort to Boston in 2008 Eastern Conference Semifinals

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5. LeBron Scores 45 in Losing Effort to Boston in 2008 Eastern Conference Semifinals

LeBron James Cavaliers
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In one of the most compelling one-on-one duels in playoff history, James went back-and-forth with Boston's Paul Pierce as both players showed their true dominance. The Cavs were overmatched against the Celtics, who had acquired Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett that season, but James did his best to spearhead an upset. James scored 45 points and Pierce scored 41, but the Celtics won 97-92.

4. LeBron Wins First Title Against Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder

LeBron James Heat
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4. LeBron Wins First Title Against Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder

LeBron James Heat
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James' first championship will always be his most memorable. After eight years of coming up short, James and the Miami Heat won the first of two NBA Championships during the Big Three era. Following a NBA Finals loss the previous year to the Dallas Mavericks, James and the Heat easily dethroned Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder in five games. LeBron was the Finals MVP, which he would again claim the following season.

3. LeBron Scores 45 Against Boston in Game 6 of 2012 Eastern Conference Finals

LeBron James Heat
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3. LeBron Scores 45 Against Boston in Game 6 of 2012 Eastern Conference Finals

LeBron James Heat
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En route to his first NBA Championship, James put together one of the best playoff performances in NBA history. Down 3-2 to the Boston Celtics and facing elimination in Boston, James played possessed in Game 6. James had a near perfect game, scoring 45 points, grabbing 15 rebounds and dishing five assists in an easy Miami victory. The Heat would then defeat the Celtics in Game 7 a few nights later.

2. LeBron Scores 25 Consecutive Points To Defeat Detroit in Game 5 of 2007 Eastern Conference Finals

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2. LeBron Scores 25 Consecutive Points To Defeat Detroit in Game 5 of 2007 Eastern Conference Finals

LeBron James Cavaliers
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With the 2007 Eastern Conference Finals tied at two games apiece, James single-handedly carried the Cavaliers to victory over a great Detroit Pistons team. James scored the Cavs' final 25 points to dethrone Detroit 109-107 in double overtime at The Palace of Auburn Hills. James finished with 48 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in his greatest performance as a Cavalier.

1. LeBron Wins Second Title Against Tim Duncan and the Spurs

LeBron James Heat
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1. LeBron Wins Second Title Against Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs

LeBron James Heat
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After losing to Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs in the 2007 NBA Finals, James got his revenge against the Spurs in the 2013 NBA Finals. Led by James, who came up big in Games 6 and 7 in Miami, the Miami Heat dethroned the Spurs in seven games. It was a hard-fought NBA Finals, which made this series the best NBA Finals in quite some time. The Spurs, however, would decisively win their rematch in this year's NBA Finals.

Brian Kalchik is a Detroit Lions writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, like him on Facebook and add him to your network on Google+.

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