Back to the Promised Land: LeBron James Makes His Eighth Finals Appearance

LeBron James is set to play in his eighth NBA Finals, continuing a June tradition that has lasted from 2011 to 2018. Below, we look back at LeBron's history in the Finals through the eyes of Sports Illustrated photographers.

SI Staff | May 31, 2018

Back to the Promised Land: LeBron James Makes His Eighth Finals Appearance /

LeBron James skies

6/5/2011: LeBron James skies over the Dallas Mavericks in his first Finals appearance as a member of the Miami Heat. In a shocking turn of events, Dirk Nowitzki and Dallas stole the series, 4–2.

At Your Own Expense

6/14/2012: With Serge Ibaka waiting in the wings, LeBron James propels toward the rim and prepares to throw down a tomahawk dunk. His Miami Heat defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals, 4–1.

Sizing up his foes

6/11/2013: LeBron James sizes up the competition as Kawhi Leonard defends him on the perimeter. The King led the Heat to their second straight NBA Finals championship with a 4–3 series win.

The King becomes mortal

6/8/2014: With an improved defensive strategy and developed Kawhi Leonard, the San Antonio Spurs take out LeBron James and the Miami Heat, 4–1.

The Kings returns home

6/4/2015: LeBron James returns to the Cleveland Cavaliers and immediately returns to the NBA Finals. He faced off with the Warriors this time and bumped into a historic team. Forced to play without Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving, the Cavaliers lost, 4–2.

Long live the king

06/16/2016: LeBron James returned with a vengeance—and Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love—to take his third NBA title and deliver the city of Cleveland its first championship in decades. One other benefit for LeBron and the Cavs: Ruining the Warriors 73–9 season.

LeBron vs. Durant... Again

06/09/2017: The Cavaliers succumbed to the Warriors once again, this time with Kevin Durant on the roster and Golden State on a roll. LeBron James shows up as usual, but loses to Golden State, 4–1.

Published May 31, 2018

SI STAFF