LeBron through the years: James making 7th Finals appearance
LeBron James embarks on his sixth straight NBA Finals appearance Thursday night in Oakland and seventh of his career.
The Cleveland Cavaliers star is 2-4 during the NBA Finals, and hasn't claimed a championship since 2013 as a part of the Miami Heat.
James led a short-handed Cavaliers side to a six-game defeat at the hands of the Golden State Warriors last year, but he'll be aided by healthy teammates this time around as the 12-time All-Star tries to bring the first NBA championship to Cleveland.
Here's a look back at James' NBA Finals career:
Cavaliers vs. Spurs (2007)
In his fourth season in the league, James helped the Cavaliers claim their first Eastern Conference title but were swept by Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals. James averaged 22 points, seven rebounds and 6.8 assists in a losing effort.
Heat vs. Mavericks (2011)
After failing to reach the finals in three straight seasons, James finally returned with the Heat in 2011. In its first year with the big three, Miami was the heavy favorite, but fell to Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks in six games. After trailing 2-1, Dallas won the final three games for the championship.
Heat vs. Thunder (2012)
The Heat reached the Finals for a second straight season, with James finally claiming his first title after knocking off the Oklahoma City Thunder in five games during the lockout-shortened season. It was the first time in 13 years the NBA Finals was not held in either California or Texas.
James also took home Finals MVP honors for the first time after averaging 28.6 points, 10.2 rebounds and 7.4 assists.
Heat vs. Spurs (2013)
Miami became the sixth team in history to win back-to-back titles when the Heat edged the Spurs in seven games. San Antonio had won all four of its previous finals appearances. James finished with 37 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists in the 95-88 win in Game 7.
A second title and a second NBA Finals MVP for James, who averaged 25.3 points, 10.9 rebounds and seven assists.
Heat vs. Spurs (2014)
For a third time in James' career, he met Duncan and the Spurs in the final. San Antonio easily took care of business this time around, avenging the 2013 loss with a 4-1 series win. Game 5 was the last time James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh ever played together.
Cavaliers vs. Warriors (2015)
During his first season back in Cleveland, James led the Cavaliers back to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2007. Despite James' best efforts, the injury-depleted Cavaliers - without Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving - lost to the Warriors in six games, as Golden State claimed it's first title in 40 years. James averaged 35.8 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 8.8 assists in a losing effort.