5 highest steals games in LeBron James' career

LeBron James is one of the best basketball players in the world, despite playing his 19th season. There is no doubt James is one of the greatest players in the history of the game. He's also one of the few players who has the right to be called the greatest of all time.

LeBron James is a four-time NBA champion, four-time NBA Finals MVP and four-time NBA MVP. The Akron-native is also a 17-time All-Star, three-time All-Star Game MVP and the 2004 Rookie of the Year.

The only thing missing from his resume is the Defensive Player of the Year Award. James came closest to winning the award in 2013, when he came in second behind Marc Gasol of the Memphis Grizzlies. Nevertheless, James is a great defender, with six All-Defensive Team selections.

On that note, here's a look at the five games of LeBron James' career where he recorded the most steals.

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#5 Cleveland Cavaliers vs LA Clippers (Nov. 29, 2004) - 6 steals

LeBron James dunks the ball against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Fresh from winning the Rookie of the Year Award, LeBron James proved that he was on his way to greatness in his second season. In a game against the LA Clippers on Nov. 29, 2004, James recorded his first six-steals game.

In addition to the six steals, a personal record at the time, James had 22 points, seven rebounds and five assists while shooting 47.4% from the field. But that wasn't enough, as the Cleveland Cavaliers lost to the Clippers 94-82.

LeBron James and the Cavaliers ended up with the L, but this game proved that The King's breakout was imminent. He would also record a total of ten games with six steals or more.

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#4 Miami Heat vs Milwaukee Bucks (Jan. 7, 2011) - 6 steals

LeBron James shooting the ball as a member of the Miami Heat.

LeBron James joined the Miami Heat in the summer of 2010. In Miami, James elevated his game even further, and established himself as one of the greatest to ever do it. He also won his first two NBA championships and two NBA MVPs with the Heat.

In one game in 2011, James recorded six steals in a 101-95 overtime win over the Milwaukee Bucks. He also added 26 points, ten rebounds and five assists. He made the key play of the game, forcing a turnover, and passing the ball to Carlos Arroyo to seal the win.

#3 Miami Heat vs New York Knicks (February 1, 2014) - 6 steals

LeBron James dives for the loose ball against the New York Knicks.

Madison Square Garden is known as the world's most famous arena. LeBron James has had some great, all-time performances at the home of the New York Knicks. He has scored 50 points twice in the Garden, including a 52-point triple-double in 2009.

One of his best performances at the MSG happened on February 1, 2014. In a dominant 106-91 win over the Knicks, James scored 30 points, and also added eight rebounds and seven assists. He also had six steals in the game, the ninth time he did so in his career.

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#2 Cleveland Cavaliers vs Orlando Magic (January 6, 2018) - 6 steals

LeBron James defends Willie Green of the Orlando Magic.

LeBron James' most recent six-steals game happened in 2018 as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers. James helped the Cavs beat the Orlando Magic 131-127. The four-time MVP had a near triple-double, with 33 points, ten rebounds and nine assists.

Aged 33 at the time, LeBron James still proved that he had it in him, producing a vintage performance. He also led a mediocre Cavs team that season to the NBA Finals, where they got swept by the Golden State Warriors, though.

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#1 Cleveland Cavaliers vs Memphis Grizzlies (December 13, 2004) - 7 steals

LeBron James during his first stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The most steals LeBron James has recorded in one game in his career is seven. He did so in his second season, less than a month after recording his first-ever six-steals game. James stole the ball seven times against the Memphis Grizzlies in a 92-86 win on the night.

The King played magnificently against the Grizzlies, playing all but two minutes in the close win. He added 31 points, five rebounds and eight assists as well. That was the only time James managed to steal seven times in his career. Considering his age, it's likely that that tally would remain his career-high in steals by the time he retires.

LeBron James is no longer the defender he once was. He cannot go full throttle on defense anymore, but he can still defend the opposing team's best player when needed. Before his eventual retirement, James is expected to enter the top ten list for career steals and have the record for most steals in the NBA playoffs as well.