On this day (Oct 29, 2003): LeBron James makes his NBA debut - Looking at 5 highest-scoring double-double games of his rookie season

Today in 2003 was the NBA debut of LeBron James
Today in 2003 was the NBA debut of LeBron James

LeBron James' highly anticipated debut happened today in 2003. The Chosen One scored 25 points, grabbed nine rebounds and six assists in his first game. He is still the youngest to ever do so. NBA fans were privy to seeing the real deal step into the NBA and prove to the league that as an 18 year old, he was bigger and better than most players in the NBA. It was a special time for the NBA as one of the greats was about to scratch the beginning of a career show. The Cleveland Cavaliers were about to be on a rollercoaster ride, with LeBron James' name on it. Check out LeBron's biggest double-doubles as a rookie.

#5 LeBron James scores 32 points, 10 assists and 9 boards on December 28th, 2003

So close, yet no first triple double
So close, yet no first triple double

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LeBron James was so close to his first triple double that he said he wished the fans would have alerted him he was just shy of an Oscar (triple-double). The 10-21 Cavaliers beat the 14-14 Portland Trailblazers 86-74. That was a different NBA, and LeBron James was even more important as possessions became more valuable in a lower scoring NBA. His versatility kept opponents in check, and his physical stature presented a challenge to defensive coordinators. One could see the development through the strength and ambition of a young LeBron James, and that we're still talking about him shows how legendary he is and will be. LeBron James was instant excitement, and almost 20 years later, he's still getting them out of their seats.

#4 LeBron James scores 32 points, dishes 10 assists and grabs 6 boards on December 20, 2003

Did he have any idea where he'd be right now?
Did he have any idea where he'd be right now?

With Michael Jordan in the stands, LeBron James scored the Cleveland Cavaliers' last 14 points. He was11-22 from the floor and 10-12 from the line, had six boards, two steals and two blocks. The heir apparent always saw Jordan as an idol, yet went out and played his game for the 95-87 win. It was all interesting to see LeBron James grow as a player and as a man his rookie season. He adjusted to the media demands and the pressure of leadership on Paul Silas' squad.

If they could have just could have won more games...

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#3 LeBron James scores 33 points, hauls in 16 rebounds and dishes 7 dimes on November 29, 2003

Mike Miller and crew showed a young LeBron James how to win
Mike Miller and crew showed a young LeBron James how to win

LeBron James' head coach Paul Silas was encouraging despite the OT loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. Pau Gasol had 37 points, five blocks and 11 rebounds. Mike Miller, LeBron's future championship teammate, had 20 points, 13 assists, eight rebounds and three steals. Shane Battier had 22 and 12. Rickey Davis, had 25 points, seven assists and six rebounds in support of LeBron James. Memphis just ran away in OT, and it was LeBron James who got a lesson on how to win, 122-115.

#2 Another loss, yet LeBron James scores 34 points, has 10 dimes and 7 assists on April 3, 2004

Not tonight young fella, not tonight
Not tonight young fella, not tonight

Jason Richardson outshined LeBron James in the 103-100 win. Richardson had 35 and Mike Dunleavy had 23. LeBron James had 34 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. He shot badly tonight and put up 28 shots to accumulate his point total. Carlos Boozer had 26 points and 13 rebounds, Zydrunas Ilgauskas had 17 points and eight boards, yet that was the only help LeBron got that night. Both teams were well under .500, and seemingly had nothing to lose, yet surely fought hard. LeBron going up against a two-time defending Slam Dunk Contest champion, gave thoughts that maybe LeBron would enter, yet he never did.

#1 41 points, 13 assists, 6 boards and 3 steals on March 27, 2004

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LeBron James had a career-high night, the Cleveland Cavaliers broke a four-game winning streak, and Cleveland won 107-104. LeBron James at the time was the youngest NBA player to score 40 points in a game. Richard Jefferson had 35 and Kerry Kittles had 24. Carlos Boozer had 20 and 11. It's a shame that Paul Silas wasn't able to see the finished product of LeBron James as his coach, yet to see Silas' son in Houston is a plus. LeBron James has left many players and coaches in his victorious wake, and the fact that he was slamming the scoreboard with such big numbers early says we should have seen LeBron James coming. He is an incredible athlete that has kept his body in shape for the entire duration of his career, and as he targets yet another NBA championship, isn't it good to reminisce?

Cleveland Cavaliers Nation! You can check out the latest Cleveland Cavaliers Schedule and dive into the Cavaliers Depth Chart for NBA Season 2024-25.

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Edited by Arnav Kholkar
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