One of the best basketball players of all time, LeBron James celebrates his 35th birthday on Monday. Born on December 30, 1894, James is an American professional basketball player who currently represents Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The 6ft 9in player is a force to reckon with on the basketball court as he possesses the ability to pierce the defences of any opposition in order to strike the basket and his assisting skills are second to none too. Often compared to legendary Michael Jordon for the title of best basketball player ever, James generally plays at the small forward position and has been quite dominant at that spot. Avengers Endgame Actor Don Cheadle Joins NBA Star LeBron James and Sonequa Martin-Green for Space Jam 2.

The star basketball player first came in limelight during the 2003 NBA draft where he was the number one pick and was selected by his home team Cleveland Cavaliers. James enjoyed a sensational run in his debut season and ended up winning the Rookie of the year Award. Since then, there was no looking back for the player as he went on displaying many brilliant performances and registered many prestigious awards too. LeBron, however, also had to deal with many major injuries during his career but no fact was able to keep the legend out of the game for too long. Meanwhile, as the basketballing juggernaut celebrates his 35th birthday, let's look at some of his achievements and facts.

  1. He won the Rookie of the Year award in 2003-04 NBA season due to scintillating performance in his debut season.

  2. James is the Only player in NBA history to have at least 9,000 rebounds and 8,000 assists.

  3. In fact, he is also the only player in NBA history to be in the top 5 all-time in points and top 10 all-time in assists

  4. With 8,996 assists, LeBron James holds the record of most assists by a forward in NBA history.

  5. James has three Olympic medals to his name. He won gold in 2008 and 2012 while received bronze in 2004.

  6. In 2012, he was felicitated with USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year.

  7. After Michael Jordan in 1992, James is the only athlete in NBA history to win NBA MVP (Most Valuable Player), Finals MVP, and an Olympic Gold Medal in the same year. He achieved the feat in 2012.

  8. LeBron James was named 2012 Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year in 2012.

  9. He has also been selected to 11 NBA All-Star teams, 11 All-NBA teams.

Well, these achievements are certainly jaw-dropping at any standards and many basketball players would dream of these honours. At 35, the veteran is still going strong and could give any team a run for their money. The star will be seen in action during Los Angeles Lakers tie against Trail Blazers on his birthday and will make aim make the occasion more special by guiding the Lakers to a thumping victory.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 30, 2019 08:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).