On Christmas Day 2018, the Lakers held a home playoff seed, and James was arguably the leading candidate for the season's MVP award in his first season in Los Angeles. It was then that he suffered a strained left groin, the first serious soft tissue injury of his career. It cost him more than a month.

LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during a play-in tournament game at the Smoothie King Center on April 16, 2024 in New Orleans, L

LeBron James turned 40 on Monday, Dec. 30. As the Lakers star continues to best Father Time in his record-tying 22nd season, here's a look at his five best overall years as an NBA pro.