It has been quite a year for Cleveland Cavaliers F LeBron James. Not only did he deliver on his promise to bring the city of Cleveland its first championship, he has now been named the AP Athlete of the Year.
The prestigious award is determined by editors at AP affiliate newspapers. James received 24 first place votes and defeated the likes of Usain Bolt, Michael Phelps, and soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. This is James’s second AP Athlete of the Year vote, tying him with NBA legend Michael Jordan for most by an NBA player.
The award couldn’t have come at a better time for James. After taking heat last year for losing yet another finals series, James became more focused and poised than ever. James is always hated because HE IS LEBRON.
In game 1 of the 2015 NBA finals, the Cavaliers lost PG Kyrie Irving due to a knee injury. Not only was pressure already put on LeBron, he now had to carry the load yet again but came short. The Cavaliers lost that series 4-2.
After coming back the following season, and defeating one of the most dominant teams in NBA history for the ring, LeBron deserves the praise.
Now that he won the AP Athlete of the Year award, it shows how much LeBron has given to this beautiful game we call basketball. Congratulations to Lebron James and his Cleveland Cavaliers. #StriveForGreatness