Ranking the 10 best playoff series of LeBron James’ career

9. 2008: First Round vs. Washington Wizards (won series 4-2)

Series Averages: 29.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, 7.7 assists, 48.3 FG%, 41:37 minutes

In the mid to late 2000’s, LeBron owned the Wizards the way he’s owned the Raptors the last few seasons. During his first stint in Cleveland, the Cavs were 12-4 in playoff games with Washington and eliminated them in three straight seasons from 2006 to 2008.

After being swept in 2007, the Wizards were a better and more determined team in 2008. They just weren’t good enough and LeBron’s determination coming off an NBA Finals sweep at the hands of the Spurs was enough to match theirs and then some. He picked up where he’d left off with Washington the season before and poured in points, rebounds, and assists for six straight games.

His 22-point Game 3 performance in a blowout loss would have been a great game for a lot of players but not the King. He answered with back to back 34-point games then a triple-double to finish off the Wizards’ 2008 season.

Best single-game performance: Game 6 (Cavs 105 – Wizards 88)

In an elimination game on the road, LeBron turned in his third career playoff triple-double with 27 points, 13 rebounds, and 13 assists. He was also 10-of-10 from the free throw line, had an Offensive Rating of 153, and Defensive Rating of 99.