LeBron James: The King's Top 10 Games From The First Half of The Season

The season may not have started the way LeBron James had envisioned, but things have gotten much better in South Florida since the Heat's disappointing 9-8 start to the season.

One of the main reasons for Miami's improvement has been the scorching hot play of James, who has definitely adjusted to his new surroundings over the past several months.

James told critics he was taking notes of what everyone said about his "Decision" to take his talents to South Beach over the summer, and it seems like he has shown some of them he was in fact paying attention during the first half of the season.

From torching the Cleveland Cavaliers in his return to his former home to dumping a triple-double on the Los Angeles Lakers on Christmas Day, LeBron has already had a handful of memorable moments this year.

This slideshow features LeBron's 10 best performances during the first half of the 2010-11 season.

1. Nov. 11: Vs. Boston Celtics

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MIAMI - NOVEMBER 11: LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat takes the final shot before losing a game against the Boston Celtics at American Airlines Arena on November 11, 2010 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by d

The Stats: 35 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists

While he was only an assist shy of another triple-double, James probably would've much rather had the win in this 112-107 defeat to the Celtics than the impressive stat-line.

The Celtics have gotten the better of the Heat in all three of their meetings so far this season, something Miami will need to fix if they want to go deep in the postseason.

2. Feb. 20: All-Star Game

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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 20: LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat and the Eastern Conference goes up for a dunk in the 2011 NBA All-Star Game at Staples Center on February 20, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and

The Stats: 29 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists

LeBron became just the second player to record a triple-double during the NBA All-Star game, joining only Michael Jordan in the 1997 game.

While the East fell 148-143, it definitely wasn't from a lack of effort from James.

3. Jan. 22: Vs. Toronto Raptors

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MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 22: LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat is fouled by Ed Davis #32 of the Toronto Raptors during a game at American Airlines Arena on January 22, 2011 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by down

The Stats: 38 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists

The Heat used LeBron's huge performance in this one to help end a four-game skid with a 120-103 victory over the Raptors.

Miami was without Chris Bosh in this one, making James' performance even more valuable.

4. Jan. 28: Vs. Detroit Pistons

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MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 28: LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat is congratulated by Eddie House #55 during a game against the Detroit Pistons at American Airlines Arena on January 28, 2011 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees

The Stats: 39 points, 8 rebounds, 9 assists

The Heat needed every last one of LeBron's 39 points in this 88-87 victory over the Detroit Pistons.

Miami was without both Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade in this one, meaning the Heat needed an extra big game from James.
 

5. Feb. 8: Vs. Indiana Pacers

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MIAMI, FL - FEBRUARY 08: LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat shoots over Danny Granger #33 of the Indiana Pacers during a game at American Airlines Arena on February 8, 2011 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by d

The Stats: 41 points, 13 rebounds, 8 assists

LeBron had another huge game that came up just short of a triple-double in this one as the Heat defeated the Pacers 117-112.

James was playing with added motivation in this rematch, as the Pacers had previously dealt the Heat their worst loss of the season 93-77 earlier in the year.

6. Jan. 9: @ Portland Trail Blazers

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PORTLAND, OR - JANUARY 09: LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat dunks against the Portland Trail Blazers during a game on January 9, 2011 at the Rose Garden Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading

The Stats: 44 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists

James took over for the Heat in overtime of this 107-100 victory over the Blazers, as he hit two clutch threes and a pair of free throws in the extra period.

James and Wade combined for 78 points in this one.

7. Dec. 17: @ New York Knicks

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NEW YORK - DECEMBER 17: LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat looks on against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on December 17, 2010 in New York, New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

The Stats: 32 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists

While plenty of New York fans were still busy recovering from the aftermath on losing out on the LeBron Sweepstakes during the offseason, LeBron was busy showing them what they missed out on with an impressive triple-double at MSG.

8. Dec. 25: @ Los Angeles Lakers

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LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 25: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers sets up to make a move to the basket against LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat during the NBA game at Staples Center on December 25, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. The Heat defeat

The Stats: 27 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists

LeBron played a starring role in his team's 96-80 Christmas Day beatdown of the two-time defending NBA Champions.

James dropped yet another triple-double in this one, only this time it was on Kobe Bryant's home floor.

9. Dec. 2: @ Cleveland Cavaliers

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CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 02: LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat smiles while takeing a free throw in front of Mo Williams #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on December 2, 2010 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledge

The Stats: 38 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists (30 minutes)

LeBron easily could have gone for 50+ points in this 118-90 drubbing of his former team.

Instead, he settled for crushing the Cavalier's collective spirit en route to preparing them for the NBA-record 26 game losing streak they were about to embark on.

10. Feb. 3: @ Orlando Magic

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ORLANDO, FL - FEBRUARY 03: Forward LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat shoots over Forward Earl Clark #3 of the Orlando Magic at Amway Arena on February 3, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading a

The Stats: 51 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists

While Orlando GM Otis Smith has been very outspoken about LeBron's decision to join the Heat prior to this season, there was little for him to say after watching The King rain down an NBA season-high 51 points on his team on their own floor.

To make matters worse for Orlando, LeBron walked out with not only the 51 point performance, but also a 104-100 victory for his Heat over the Magic.