After two decades in the league, LeBron James is still chasing greatness under the bright lights of Los Angeles. But the path to glory hasn’t always been smooth, and the echoes of his last title win are starting to grow faint.
He’s lifted trophies in different cities, built dynasties, and carried teams on his back. Yet, as the Lakers face another crossroads, the timeline of his most recent championship has become a talking point once more.
His last NBA triumph was a moment of redemption and resilience—set against the backdrop of an unusual season and an empty arena. But how long ago was it? And what does it reveal about a legend still reaching for the summit?
When was the last time LeBron James won an NBA ring?
The last time LeBron James stood at the summit of the basketball world was in October 2020, when the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Miami Heat in six games to win the NBA Finals.
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers poses with his ring during the 2020 NBA championship ring ceremony before their opening night game. (Source: Harry How/Getty Images)
That season, unlike any other in league history, was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and resumed months later inside the NBA’s isolated “bubble” at Walt Disney World in Florida.
With no fans in attendance and strict protocols in place, the environment was eerie, but it didn’t stop him from delivering another masterclass. At 35 years old, he led the Lakers with surgical precision, averaging nearly a triple-double in the Finals and claiming the Finals MVP award.
More than just another championship, that title was layered with meaning. It came in the same year the basketball world mourned the loss of Kobe Bryant, and the Lakers dedicated their run to his memory.
It was also a reminder that even in the twilight of his career, he could still rise to the moment. Now, with several seasons passed and new stars emerging, that bubble title stands as both a recent triumph and a reminder of time’s quiet march.
How many championships does LeBron have?
LeBron James has captured four NBA championships over the course of his storied career, each with its own narrative, its own city and its own set of challenges. He broke through in 2012 with the Miami Heat, finally silencing critics after years of playoff heartbreak.
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates with the MVP trophy after winning the championship game of the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament at T-Mobile Arena on December 09, 2023. (Source: Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Teaming up with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, he repeated in 2013, proving the Big Three era could deliver more than just hype. But it was his 2016 title with the Cleveland Cavaliers that elevated his legacy to mythic proportions.
Down 3–1 to the record-breaking Golden State Warriors in the Finals, he led a stunning comeback—complete with the now-iconic chase-down block on Andre Iguodala—and delivered Cleveland its first-ever NBA title.
That ring wasn’t just about basketball; it was a personal promise fulfilled to his hometown. Then, in 2020, he added a fourth with the Lakers, in a season halted and reshaped by the pandemic.
Each championship has come in a different chapter of his career, under different circumstances, with different teammates, but the common thread is LeBron’s unmatched ability to adapt, endure and lead.
| Year | Team | Opponent | Result |
| 2012 | Miami Heat | Oklahoma City Thunder | 4–1 |
| 2013 | Miami Heat | San Antonio Spurs | 4–3 |
| 2016 | Cleveland Cavaliers | Golden State Warriors | 4–3 |
| 2020 | Los Angeles Lakers | Miami Heat | 4–2 |
Where does LeBron’s championship record rank among NBA legends?
In the ongoing debate over basketball greatness, championship rings are often the loudest voice in the room. And while LeBron James has accumulated plenty of accolades, his total number of titles places him in a complex position within the pantheon of NBA legends.
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during a 120-112 win against the Golden State Warriors in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on February 06, 2025. (Source: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
He trails names like Bill Russell (11 rings), Michael Jordan (6) and Magic Johnson (5), yet his case has always extended beyond raw numbers. Few players in history have carried the weight of expectations across multiple franchises—and delivered—as consistently as he has.
Four titles, spread across three different teams, is a rare feat, unmatched in terms of leadership and adaptability. Add in his record-setting playoff performances, minutes logged and Finals appearances, and his legacy takes on a different dimension.
For purists, Jordan’s perfect Finals record still holds mythical status. For others, LeBron’s longevity, versatility and the sheer difficulty of his championship paths paint a broader picture of dominance.
