LeBron's junior basketball season challenged him with one of the toughest schedules in the country. As a result, St. Vincent-St. Mary suffered their first two-game losing streak with LeBron on their roster. They failed to win a third consecutive championship, finishing the season 23-4. LeBron averaged 29.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 3.3 steals per game. He was named National Player of the Year by Gatorade, USA Today and Parade magazine. He was also named to USA Today All-USA First Team.

If the world hadn't heard of LeBron James by the time he entered his senior season, it wouldn't be long before they did. Pay-per-view, ESPN2, and St. Vincent-St. Mary struck a deal that would make sure the world had the opportunity to see the most talked-about high school player ever, and to show everyone how his skills were above any one else. All ten of SVSM home games were offered throughout northeast Ohio on pay-per-view. ESPN2 televised the showdown against Oak Hill, hosted by Dick Vitale and Bill Walton. "I came here with high expectations," said Walton, "I'm leaving more impressed than I could have ever believed. This guy has the complete package. What I saw tonight was a special basketball player. It was an eye-opening experience for me." Lebron scored 31 points and 13 rebounds in 65-45 victory over Oak Hill, in front of 1.67 million households.

SVSM captured their third championship in four years, finishing the season with a 25-1 record. LeBron averaged 31.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 3.4 steals per game. LeBron was named Gatorade Player of the Year for the second straight season. He was named to USA Today All-USA First Team for the third consecutive season. He was also named Parade High School Boys Basketball Player of the Year for the second consecutive season as a senior, becoming the first repeat winner in the 47-year history of the award. LeBron finished his highschool career with 2,657 points, 892 rebounds and 523 assists.

Selected number one overall in the NBA draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers were eager to see their new franchise player on the court, and he did not disappoint the fans. LeBron led all rookies in steals (1.65 spg), was second in scoring (20.9 ppg), third in assists (5.9 apg) and fifth in rebounding (5.5 rpg). He helped the Cavaliers double their wins from the previous season to 35-47, just missing the eighth and final spot for the playoffs. LeBron James became the youngest player in NBA history to capture Rookie of the Year. He won all six Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month awards. What was most impressive about LeBron James in his rookie season was how he kept his composure, and not placing himself above the team. "We all knew we had something special but throughout the year to watch him mature was the most exciting thing for me," coach Paul Silas said. "Not having played pro ball before, it's the little things you must know, like how to move without the ball and defensive rotation. That's what he grasped quicker than most players would." Until next season begins, LeBron will take on his next challenge in Athens, where he will become the youngest player on the U.S. team since professionals began playing in 1992.