As LeBron James wraps up his 20th NBA season, it begins to dawn now more than ever, especially after his more frequent injuries, that his career will soon be entering its historic end.
James has already set several records and cemented his legacy in the league. He is the league’s all-time leading scorer. He has dominated nearly two decades’ worth of postseason, reaching the NBA Finals 10 times ending up with four championships.
The Orlando Magic have played a central role in at least a few of James’ stories. Most notably, the Orlando Magic denied James a chance at his first title and a sought-after Finals matchup with Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2009 Eastern Conference Finals.
Ever since then, it has always felt like James saved his best for the Magic.
The Orlando Magic have made several key memories and moments against LeBron James throughout his career. Orlando has always stood up to some of the best the league’s greatest has to offer.
Though there will hopefully be more matchups in the coming seasons, we wanted to rewind and go over some of the Magic’s top moments vs James.
Before we countdown, some interesting statistics on James’ games against the Magic.
Including his one and only playoff series versus Orlando back in the 2009 Eastern Conference Finals, James has played a total of 66 games with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers against the Orlando Magic.
In those 66 games, he has won 66.7 percent of the 60 regular season games and 33.3 percent of his six playoff games.
In his first stint with Cleveland from 2003 to 2010, James averaged 28.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game in 24 matchups. With Miami and his second run with Cleveland from 2010 to 2018, he averaged 24.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game in 29 matchups. And in his seven games with the Lakers again sthe Magic since 2019, he is averaging 25.0 points, 9.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game.
The Magic have seen a lot of the best James has to offer.
Honorable Mention
2003: LeBron pulls up to see T-Mac
In Game 1 of the 2003 Eastern Conference First Round, Tracy McGrady is putting up an amazing 43 points in what will be a seven-game series versus the Detroit Pistons.
In the crowd is a young pre-draft LeBron James wearing a Chicago Bulls jersey who is gawking over Tracy McGrady’s skills and athleticism when interviewed by an ESPN sideline reporter.
Young LeBron watching prime T-Mac single handedly torch a tough Pistons squad 🔥
— Ball Don't Stop (@balldontstop) August 16, 2020
Scoring back then was so tough. Look how they have half court defensive sets prepared to frustrate McGrady, yet he’s still getting his. So much talent. pic.twitter.com/voq4rJRLHi
From the very beginning, James was in awe of the Magic and their potential. He was always in their orbit. Little did he know then what kind of an impact that team and that aundry would have on his career that would begin not too long later.